Spring Forward Without Losing Sleep: Time Change Tips for Babies and Parents

Daylight Saving Time started yesterday, and if your baby’s sleep schedule feels off, you’re not alone! Losing an hour might seem minor, but for babies and toddlers who thrive on routine, even a small disruption can lead to crankiness and restless nights. If your little one is struggling to adjust, here’s how to help them settle into the new schedule:

1. Gradually Adjust Sleep Times (It’s Not Too Late!)

If you didn’t start adjusting bedtime before the time change, don’t worry—you can still ease into it:

• Move bedtime earlier by 15 minutes each night until they’re back on track.

• Adjust naps and meal times slightly to keep their routine consistent.
  

2. Get Plenty of Morning Sunlight

Natural light helps reset the body’s internal clock. Take your baby outside in the morning to soak up the sun, which signals their body to wake up and adjust to the new time.

3. Stick to a Consistent Bedtime Routine

A calming bedtime routine reinforces that it’s time to sleep, even with the clock change. Stick to familiar rituals like:

• A warm bath

• Reading a bedtime story

• Dimming the lights

• Playing soft music or white noise
  

4. Be Patient with Sleep Adjustments

It may take a few days for your baby’s internal clock to adjust. If they seem extra fussy or struggle with naps, give them time. Keep nighttime interactions quiet and soothing to reinforce the difference between day and night.

5. Consider Extra Support from a Night Nanny

If your baby’s sleep is already unpredictable, a time change can make things even trickier. Sleep is a biological necessity, yet for parents—especially those with newborns—rest can feel like an impossible luxury. Between time changes, nighttime feedings, and fussy sleep schedules, exhaustion can take a serious toll. A night nanny can help establish a consistent sleep routine, ensuring that your baby—and you—get the rest you need.

Daylight Saving Time doesn’t have to mean sleepless nights. With a little patience and adjustment, your baby’s sleep schedule will be back on track soon!

Need help managing sleep changes? Night Owl Nanny Care is here to support your family through every transition.