Spring forward - adjusting your child's sleep for the clock change.

As springtime approaches, so does the twice-yearly change of our clocks for Daylight Savings Time. With this comes the task of adapting your baby or child's sleep schedule to the time change, so that they can remain well-rested and healthy. As we're in Dubai, I feel super lucky that we don’t have to deal with the clock change, but we did a few clock changes in the UK with B so I understand the stress, upheaval, and lost sleep it can cause! Here are a few tips to help you ease your little one through Spring Forward and Fall Back:

Start Early: Begin adjusting your child's sleep/wake times several days ahead of the target date. For example, if you’re going to lose an hour due to the shift in time, start pushing their bedtime earlier by 10 minutes each night before the date arrives. This will ensure they don't experience too much disruption when the time changes; their body will already be adjusted to their new bedtimes and wake times. Don’t forget to adjust their nap schedule too!

If you have an older child (2 years plus), they will most likely be able to cope with a quicker transition, so increments of 20/30 minutes over 2 or 3 nights before the clock change. You know your child best, so know their limitations, sleep needs and what they can cope with.

Be Consistent: Sticking with a consistent routine is one of the most important pieces for successful sleep training. While adjusting your child's sleep/wake times due to daylight savings, it is important to continue following their pre-established routine as closely as possible for them to easily transition back into routine after DST ends.

Make it Fun: Whether it’s reading stories about animals getting ready for bed or playing games that involve counting sheep or stars, make sure you create fun activities around this transition period that will keep your children interested in getting ready for bed on time while also reducing any stress they may have associated with the transition period itself.

Don't Panic: Remember that even though this transition period can be stressful at first, it won't last forever! As long as you stick with your plan and do your best to remain consistent and positive throughout the process, your child will adjust quickly and easily - no matter what time of year it is!