“Thanks, Daylight Saving. We needed another challenge.” - Every Mom
On Sunday, November 7th, it’s time to “fall back” unless you live in Hawaii or Arizona.
Last year, when I experienced Daylight Saving Time for the first time as a new mom, I did not realize that it was going to disrupt our schedule so much. In fact, it did not even cross my mind that waking up an hour earlier was going to throw off nap time, feedings and meal time, and our established bedtime.
Even if I did realize it would throw things off, I truly do not think I would have had the capacity to prepare at the time. Needless to say, I did nothing to prepare for the time to shift 1 hour.
So this year, I want to help out all the mamas out there that also are not sure what to do to handle the end of daylight saving time.
I put together a few ways to help you shift your baby or toddler’s schedule to help make the time transition smoother. And remember, if you do nothing to adjust your schedule, that is okay, too. It will all naturally pan out over a couple of weeks.
Routine is key. So remember to keep doing your bedtime routine.
Why is there Daylight Saving Time anyway?
The main purpose of this ritual is to make the most out of daylight. In the Summer months we move an hour of daylight from the morning to the evening, and reverse it for the winter months.
This made sense decades, even centuries ago, to take full advantage of daylight hours. But TBH it feels a bit archaic that we still practice this outdated custom today. Anyway...
What can you do to prepare?
First off, remember, you got this mama! You have worked so hard to get baby sleeping well that it is understandable why this time change could make you feel nervous.
If your little one is waking up around 6 am, then after the clocks change, they will start waking up at 5 am... and so will you. Gah! So here is what to do:
#1 The week before
Start to push naps, feedings and bedtime 15 minutes later than usual every other day.
Let's use an example: If bedtime is typically 7 pm and they get up at 7 am and they nap at 10 am and 2 pm.
Try this:
- Sunday and Monday: Nap at 10:15 am and 2:15 pm, Bedtime 7:15 pm
- Tuesday and Wednesday: Nap at 10:30 am and 2:30 pm, Bedtime 7:30 pm
- Thursday and Friday: Nap at 10:45 am and 2:45 pm, Bedtime 7:45 pm
- Saturday (This is the last night before the time changes): Nap at 11 am and 2 pm, Bedtime 8 pm
When your baby gets up on Sunday after the time changes, you are right back on your normal schedule. Score!
#2 If you don't plan the week before. That's okay! Try this.
Once the times change, you are going to shift naps, feedings, and bedtime 15 minutes.
Let's use the same sleep schedule example: Bedtime is at 7 pm. They wake up at 7 am and they nap at 10 am and 2 pm.
Try this on Sunday, November 7th after the time has already changed.
- Sunday and Monday: Wake up at 6 am. Nap at 9:15 am and 1:15 pm, Bedtime 6:15 pm
- Tuesday and Wednesday: Wake up at 6:15 am. Nap at 9:30 am and 1:30 pm, Bedtime 6:30 pm
- Thursday and Friday: Wake up at 6:30 am. Nap at 9:45 am and 1:45 pm, Bedtime 6:45 pm
- Saturday (This is the last night before the time changes): Wake up at 7am. Nap at 10 am and 2 pm, Bedtime 7 pm
It may be a week later, but you are right back on your normal schedule.
#3 Don't do anything
Sometimes this option is the way it goes. And honestly, it is not the end of the world.
If your baby adapts easily, this should be a non-issue. If they are not great at adapting, it could be a rough week or two of getting adjusted for both of you.
But know this, you will get through it, and your baby will transition to the new schedule over time.
We're here for you mama!
You have been through hard things before and you will get through them once more. Sometimes just when things are getting in a groove, a curve ball like Daylight Saving Time comes along.
Remember, this is nothing you can't handle. Oh, and coffee is also there to help you.
All the Breast,
xx Jessy
