Heads Up -- Daylight Savings Starts This Sunday (in the USA). Here's How To Prepare Your Little One

Daylight Savings Time (DST) begins in the United States on Sunday, March 9, meaning the clocks will spring forward by one hour. For parents of babies and toddlers, this time change can disrupt sleep schedules and lead to overtired, cranky little ones.

But don’t worry—here's a plan to help your child adjust smoothly!

The Best Way to Handle Daylight Savings Time

If you can plan ahead, the gradual shift method is my favorite way to help little ones transition without major sleep disruptions. Here’s how:

• Start shifting bedtime, naps, and meals 10 minutes later each day for about 6-7 days leading up to the time change.
• By the time Sunday arrives, your child will be naturally adjusted to the new schedule.
• If you haven’t reached the perfect time by Sunday, that’s okay! You essentially have an extra day before Monday, and if your child doesn’t attend daycare, there’s even more flexibility.
  
  

A Faster Approach If You’re Short on Time

If you’re a little less organized (and I don't blame you! this gradual shift requires a lot of attention to detail!) or don’t have a full week to prepare, you can still adjust successfully:

• Start Thursday and shift bedtime and naps 15 minutes later per day.
• By Monday, your child will be mostly in sync with the new schedule.
  
  

What If You Do Nothing?

You can, of course, do nothing at all—but be prepared for potential sleep disruptions like early morning wakings, night wakings, and overtiredness. If that happens:

• Move bedtime and naps a bit earlier (for the new time zone, closer to the old one) for a few days.
  
  
• Gradually push sleep times later again until they align with the new DST schedule.

The Key Benefit of a Gradual Approach

One of the biggest advantages of easing into DST is flexibility. If your little one is already overtired on a given day, you can simply take a break and resume adjusting the next day. This prevents unnecessary stress and keeps sleep disruptions minimal.

Want a Baby Who Sleeps Soundly Every Night?

Daylight Savings Time is just one of many sleep challenges parents face. If you’re ready for peaceful nights and easy bedtimes, book a free consult today and find out how your family can feel amazingly well-rested in two weeks or less—guaranteed!