Preparing To Spring Forward: Supporting Healthy Sleep During Daylight Saving Time

The transition to a new schedule, especially during the spring daylight saving time change, can be challenging for young children and their families. To help your child adjust smoothly, consider making gradual changes to daytime naps and bedtime by shifting them a few minutes each day during the week leading up to the time change. This incremental approach can ease your child into the new schedule with less disruption, ultimately helping to maintain healthy nighttime routines.

Watch the video below for a sample schedule of how to adjust for the one-hour change:

Each day, adjust your home schedule by the following increments. From wake up in the morning to bedtime. This can work for the whole family.

For 2026, the adjustment can start on March 1st:

Day one: Start your day 5 minutes earlier than usual, yes, just five minutes.

Day two: start 10 minutes earlier than that.

Day three: Start another 10 minutes earlier. So, you are 25 minutes earlier than usual.

Day four: Start another 10 minutes earlier. Now you are 35 minutes earlier.

Day five: Start another 10 minutes earlier. You are now 45 minutes earlier than usual

Day six: Start another 10 minutes earlier. You are now 55 minutes earlier

Day seven: Start 5 minutes earlier. You have now gained 60 minutes, and your family is ready for the time change.

Day eight is the beginning of Daylight-Saving Time.

If your little one continues to struggle with falling asleep independently or is not sleeping through the night, additional support may be beneficial.

Karen Rickert, Your IPSP Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant

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