Whilst the ‘perfect’ bedtime routine may not exist, you know what works best for you and your baby. So when the clock change beckons, it’s only natural to feel a bit wary of what’s to come.
Firstly, there is no reason to panic! With a few minor adjustments in the run up, you’ll have all you need to make the seamless switch without them even knowing! We’ve compiled some tips and tricks below that we’ve learnt along the way:
Adjust the time in the run up
Start putting your child to bed a few minutes earlier or later (depending on how the clocks are changing!) each night. This should make the adjustment easier for everyone involved. By the time the hour moves, your little one won’t even notice, because it’s been such a gradual change. The same rule applies for day time naps - put them down ten minutes earlier/later if possible.
Daily changes
By making small changes throughout the day, you’ll soon reap the benefits at night. Meal times can help to set the body clock so ensure to adjust your times by 15-30 minutes earlier/later when feeding, depending on when the clocks change.
Set the scene
As the lighter nights approach, make sure the sleeping environment is as night-like as possible. Investing in a black out blind can make the world of difference when it comes to a good night's sleep and your baby won’t be able to tell the difference in the time outside!
Tire them out
Getting some fresh air, exercise and enjoying a change of scenery can work wonders for bedtime! Whether that’s taking them to the park, or going on a long walk, ensure that they get fresh air on their faces to see the results later that evening.
Don’t be hard on yourself
Whilst the above tips may work for some parents, we know how hard establishing a routine can be, even without the clocks changing! If your little one doesn’t want to sleep, nap or eat that little bit later or earlier,don’t stress. Just do what’s best for you.
To help with monitoring your baby’s sleep, the Owlet Smart Sock tracks their heart rate and oxygen levels.
