Daylight Saving Time? Here’s how to prepare your child(ren)

deIn the spring we switch to summer time and the clock moves forward by an hour. At first glance, this seems like a small change. For small babies, young children, and maybe even for yourself, this can have a big impact  on the sleep rhythm. The biological clock naturally doesn’t know that we’re turning the hands.

This transition doesn’t have to be difficult. Because with good preparation you’re already well on your way, and your child can gently get used to summer time. In this blog, we share helpful tips tailored to your child’s age .

• 0-6 months

• 6-18 months

• 18 months - 3 years

In summary:

• Start on time with small shifts

• Use light and dark to support the rhythm

• Stick to your current sleep rituals

• Give yourself and your child a little extra gentleness this week.

Why is summer time so difficult for children?

Rest, consistency, and routine. Babies often need those to sleep well. Children are sensitive to disruptions in routine. The internal clock is guided by light, food, and fixed moments throughout the day and night. It can be quite confusing when it suddenly stays light longer and bedtime seems to come earlier.

What happens then? Falling asleep more difficult, waking up earlier, or staying restless longer in the evening.

Tips by age group

0-6 months: Gently shift along.

At this stage, your baby’s sleep is still very irregular. You don’t need to adjust too much yourself yet, because your baby is still fully following its own rhythm.

Tips:

• Follow your baby, not the clock: pay attention to sleepy cues and wake windows to maintain a good daily rhythm.

• Make sure bedtime has a calm routine: dimmed lights, soft sounds, dimmed lights, a quiet environment

• Daylight during the day, a dark room at night: this helps your child learn the difference.

For the tiniest ones, we have a whole range of sleep aids. Think of comfort cloths, heartbeat and white noise cuddly toys, pacifiers...

6-18 months: preparation can really help

By now, your child is more used to a routine and you can recognize a clear sleep pattern. An hour’s difference is a big disruption.

Tips:

• Start about 3 to 4 days in advance with shifting: move naps, bedtime, and meals 10-15 min earlier each time.

• Adjust the morning time: get up a little earlier, and your child will naturally shift along.

• Keep bedtime rituals in place. Read the favorite book, give a relaxing bath… A familiar evening routine provides comfort

Extra: Is it still difficult? Wake your child a little earlier from the last nap so the maximum awake time until bedtime can be reached.

18 months - 3 years: communication and routine

From this age, your toddler may already be somewhat aware of summer time and may even be able to say so. “but it’s still light outside?”

That’s why structure and clear boundaries will help during this transition.

Tips:

• Explain simply what’s happening.

• Shift bedtime gradually: start the day a little earlier

• Darken the bedroom well.

• Stay consistent but gentle.

• Use a sleep trainer  as a tool. Read all about sleep trainer Sam to help your little one get started.
  

Extra reassurance: it’s only temporary! 💛

Some children adjust very quickly, others take a week. You can also choose to switch over all at once without preparation. Give your child and yourself time. A small temporary disruption doesn’t mean the entire sleep rhythm and routine is thrown off. The calm will return soon.

Discover our sleep aids  and  sleep trainers  for extra help in getting your child to sleep well!

We wish you a good night’s sleep in advance!