While you may be looking forward to more daylight hours, the transition can be difficult for babies who have a strict sleep schedule. However, with a few tips and tricks, you can help your little one adjust to the time change with ease.
Change their bedtime by half an hour
Change your baby’s bedtime by half an hour on the first evening, then adjust by another half an hour the day the clocks go forward. This will allow their bodies to adjust gradually to bedtime, so there is no sudden change to their usual routine. If you're altering bedtime, naps and mealtimes will need to be adjusted too. Make them slightly earlier to suit their new routine.
Tire them out!
On the days you are planning an earlier bedtime, make sure their day consists of more physical activity. If your little one is more tired, nap time and bedtime will be easier to change. But, don’t wear them out completely, if they are over-tired and grumpy, getting them to sleep will be more of a challenge.
Use black-out blinds
If you don’t already have them, this is the perfect time to purchase some black out blinds or thicker curtains for your child’s bedroom or nursery. The evenings will be a lot brighter after the clocks go forward, which can distract your child from sleeping. Blackout blinds will help to create a darker, night-time environment, helping them adjust to their new routine.
Eat for Sleep
Be careful with what your child eats before bedtime. Milk is a good idea as it contains tryptophan, which increases the amount of serotonin - a natural sedative.
Create a safe and comfortable sleep environment
It is important that the environment in which your child sleeps is comfortable. During the spring, temperatures can increase and it is important for your child to sleep at a safe and constant temperature to avoid overheating. Switching to cooler clothing and bedding will ensure they don’t become uncomfortable and overheat. For more advice view our handy Tog Guide. Slumbersac 1.0 Tog baby sleeping bags are lightly padded and perfect for this transitional period into the spring and summer months. These bags are suitable for room temperatures between 18 and 24 degrees. Alternatively, 2.5 tog baby sleeping bags are suitable for all-year-round use in room temperatures between 15 and 21 degrees.
Remember, it takes time for your baby's internal clock to adjust. Be patient and don't expect your baby to immediately adapt to the new schedule. Keep enforcing the above tips consistently and your baby will settle into the new routine in a few days.
