Winter clock change – How to make it easier for your child

The good news is that there is something you can do to avoid those early mornings and make this transition as smooth as possible! Whether you're the type who plans everything in advance, or you let it come over you a bit more how things turn out, there is a solution.

It not only depends on your personality as a parent, but it is also important to consider your child's temperament when making a decision on how to deal with winter time.

Prepare your child for winter time

If your child is sensitive to changes in his schedule or routine:

To avoid waking up at five in the morning to a cranky child, prepare for the coming change. Start about 1 week before the clock goes back and start shifting your child's schedule 15 minutes later every few days. This doesn't just apply to their sleep schedule. This includes everything from eating, sleeping, bath time, etc. As soon as the clock goes back, your child should already be on schedule with the new (winter) time!

If your child has a 'go with the flow' personality:

For the time change, you don't need to adjust anything! They are likely to wake up a few days earlier, but within a week they should be back on track with their normal sleep schedule.

Helpful tips:

• Once the clocks are changed, go outside and enjoy the daylight. Using natural light helps restore your child's natural sleep cycle, also known as his circadian rhythm.

• Be consistent with bedtime and the rest of the rhythm during the day.

• Make sure the bedroom promotes sleep. Through blackout curtains, not too many distracting toys in sight, etc.

• Should your child still struggle with the transition, use an early bedtime for 1 or 2 nights to make up for the sleep missed due to early mornings.

• If your child is a bit older, now is the perfect time to use a sleep trainer alarm clock! This way, your little one will know when it's time to get out of bed.

And furthermore.... make sure the coffee is ready! Enjoy some early morning hugs with a hot cup of coffee, knowing that this won't last forever.

Is your child sensitive to changes and/or always awake very early? Then perhaps option 1 is for you. Does your child sleep a bit longer and/or handle changes just fine? Then you probably don't need to worry at all and the transition will go smoothly. Whatever you choose; it usually works itself out within a week.