It’s nearly that time of the year again. When everything feels in transition as the seasons change. On top of that, Daylight Savings Time is coming up, much to the frustration of parents everywhere who have just gotten their little ones on a solid sleep schedule. Light that manages to peek its way through curtains can be just enough to wake even the best of wee sleepers.
If your minis are like ours, they’ve gone through their troubled wake-sleep-wake-sleep schedule and come out the other end with a relatively healthy handle on the entire thing. Bedtime is good, night time is heavenly…but mornings…mornings are catastrophic. Why and how do our miniature sleeping cherubs seemingly bound out of bed the second there is even the tiniest glimpse of daylight on the horizon? That minuscule fragment of light outside convinces them that it is time to get up — even though their poor, knackered parents are groggily insisting that it isn’t…yet.
So what’s a tired parent to do…? How do you teach your child to stay in bed…? Threats don’t work. Neither does telling them nicely to go back to bed. Or snuggles. Or bribery (trust us, we’ve tried them all).
We can give you some tips to help you make it easier on you and your little one.
3 Tips to Help You Get Through the Time Change
1. Start Planning Now
Glowing screen shows images of stars and sun to communicate ‘sleep’ and ‘wake-up’ time
In the 4 days leading up to the time change, make bedtime 15 minutes earlier every night. By the time that the time change hits, you’ll be totally adjusted to the new bedtime. We recommend buying a Gro Clock to make implementing this sleep training strategy easier on you and your baby. It’s a customer-favourite and an exhausted parents’ best friend. Best of all, it’s a sleep training tool that can be used way beyond the time change.
How does this magic work? How do kidlets understand when it’s actually time to get up? With the Gro Clock in their room, it’s as simple as eight little words: “stay in bed until you see the sun”. The clock uses fun images of the stars and the sun to communicate when kiddies should go back to sleep and when it’s okay for them to get up. It also has a feature which allows parents to choose whether or not to display the digital clock, so that older children can start to learn the actual time of sleeping and waking — which will help them when they learn to tell time.
No more early risers, no more wee bodies climbing out of their beds at 5am…and no more punch-drunk mornings for us, thanks to our kiddos learning that mornings actually begin at a decent hour (and not a minute earlier)!
2. Get Baby’s Bedroom Ready
Our sleep cycles are heavily influenced by the sun, and baby’s sleep cycle is no different. The Fall back time change means more light in the mornings and evenings, which can potentially mess up baby’s sleep schedule by causing them to get up earlier and have a harder time getting to sleep at the right time. To help avoid this happening, we recommend investing in blackout blinds or curtains in addition to the Gro Clock.
3. Be Patient
If you follow these tips, most babies and toddlers will adjust to the time change within a week or so. But some take longer than others to adjust, so if your little one is still adjusting after a couple weeks, don’t panic. Just stick to your routine, keep bedtimes consistent, and keep using your tools and they should adjust soon.
The Gro Company is a global nursery brand, known and loved for their innovative and award winning sleep solutions for babies and young children. They create innovative, stylish and extremely high quality products that are fantastic value, too!
Let’s face it – we’re not at our best if we haven’t gotten a good night’s sleep, and somet
Natalie Gordon is the CEO of BabyList, the super popular (and extremely easy to use) online baby reg
Comments
-
-
Marysabel
I am excited to take our baby to the park for the first time and less layers! ☺️
-
Breanne L
I am excited for spring because we will finally get to find out of we are having a baby boy or girl 🙂 And of course very excited to see the snow leave!!!
-
Cathy B
Looking forward to warmer dryer weather, more time outside, and the return of yummy fresh seasonal produce
-
Courtney
Looking forward to getting outside to enjoy the nice weather with my little ones.
-
-
Angela Mitchell
I’m excited for more sunshine and longer days. I love to get out for walks and hikes in the spring too.
-
Kaitlyn
I’m excited for spring to arrive,longer days, warmer weather and time to enjoy the outdoors after a long winter stuck inside with my toddler and newborn.
-
NicoleEmma
I’ve excited for spring so I don’t have to dress my little one in a million layers when we leave the house lol
-
Kevin
I’m looking forward to biking and other outdoor activities.
-
Kaela
I can’t wait for outdoor dining and longer days!
-
Rae
I’m excited for my babes to experience warmer weather and for the beauty of the new life everywhere
-
Kelly D
My tip is to underbook yourself and your family activities that weekend and early into the week, so there is ample time to sleep and wake when it feels right
-
Sarah
For us, I’ve never really found the time change to be that difficult of an adjustment. Usually I try to adjust my children’s schedule the night or two before so that way it’s not too much of a shock to their system. However, it doesn’t always work, but I just tell myself that it’s not going to last for too long and we can deal with the few days of transition.
I am looking forward to less clothes to go outside, warmer weather and sneakers!
-
Nikki Wills
I am super excited for Spring because I love to garden. We let our kids pick out what veggies we will go and they help us plant and care for them!
-
Sarah
I can’t wait to go for longer walks and have picnics and play dates in the park!
-
liz
Looking forward for time change to start my spring routine and start planning my garden. Longer days to enjoy outside and love the fresh air .
-
Vicky
This year we hope to get a plot in a community garden in our neighborhood. The plan will be to walk back and forth to get exrevise and teach my little guy about gardening (mamma is not expert though so it will be a learning experience for both of us!)
-
Rachel Smith
I am looking forward to spring so we can get outside and play without having to spend so much time getting bundled up. Bring on the sidewalk chalk, park play time, hikes, bird feeding, and long walks.
-
Amy
I am excited for more time outdoors. Yesterday was warm enough for my kids to spend the entire afternoon outside! Picnics and long walks in the forest or on the beach are our favourites.
-
Annalisa
Looonger days and warmer days outside ?☀️?
-
Grieta
Spring is my favourite season!
Days are longer, filled with light and sunshine!
More outdoors fun with family and kiddos!
Nature awakens and so do we. More energy! More and better fruits and veggies available! Flowers!!!
What’s there not to love about spring?! 🙂 -
Heidi
I’m excited for warmer weather so the kids and I can enjoy our beach that is a 2 minute walk from our house!
-
Alayna
I can’t wait for spring so I can take my babe out for long walks in the sunshine and to see the tulips emerge in the garden!
-
Claudia
I am excited to bring my kids to the park and go for long walks with my dogs!
-
Brandi
I can’t wait for the beautiful flowers, the warm breeze and being able to play outside with my little one from dawn til dusk- without wearing 12 layers of clothing.
-
Nicole
Longer days, flowers and more outside time with the babe!!
-
Nicole
Longer days, flowers, camping and more time outside with the babe!
-
Cori Myles
Congrats Nicole! You’re our lucky winner! Please look out for an email from us today about how to claim your prize.
-
-
Meaghan M
looking forward to long walks and taking my little one to the park in the nice spring weather!
-
Chantal Wiggins
The beautiful flowers and playing outside with the kids!
-
Melissa
I’m looking forward to long walks with my babe and soaking up that sunshine!
-
Kate B
I love the longer days, spending time outside in the evenings, hitting the park for one last swing and slide, walking the dog. To me, the best days with my young children are when I can get them outside to play – we’re all happier!
-
Mary
Opening the windows on the warmer days, letting the spring breezes push out the closed up winter feel in the house. Walking in the park, watching the trees bud until one day, seemingly over night, they are covered in leaves. Watching the yearly rebirth of the flowers…..and sharing it all with a new little one. Life doesn’t get any better.
-
Natalie Romero
I can’t wait for the windows to hang open all day long!
-
Jennifer
I’m excited for Spring because it means longer days outside with my daughter and because we’ll be welcoming our second child in a few months.
-
Paula
I’m excited for my son’s 3rd birthday which is on the first day of spring!
-
Caitlyn
We cannot wait to get out more! Living so close to the sea, but not being able to take the little ones because it is two windy pane cold for kiddos, is a major bummer. And peonies, we mustn’t forget those!
-
Tom
Getting the kids back to the playground and outdoor sports. Canadian Winters = Shack Wacky Families.
-
Kelsey
I can’t wait for the annual climb for cancer the family participates in, it’s so much fun being able to include the little ones as they get older from cheerleaders to climbers!
-
Janet
I’m excited for spring because I love the cherry blossom trees that are blooming! And my baby will be born soon! 🙂
-
Lauren
Cannot wait for warmer weather and longer days!!
-
Natalie
We’re so looking forward to puddle jumping, robin watching and gardening (aka looking for worms!!). ??☀️
-
Emily Baxter
We are looking forward to getting back out to the park and biking around town!
-
Juli
I’ve been wanting one so much lately! I’m suffering from horrible pregnancy nausea and chasing my 2-yr old all day… Winning this would be such a nice surprise in the midst of this 24/7 never-ending nausea.
-
Juli
Oh… And I’m excited about not being sick in the Spring 😉
-
Cara
I am excited to spend all spring with my new baby at the parks and farms in our neighborhood. She’s spent all winter reading about the plants and animals that she will now get to see. Best of all, water play in the park!
-
Rebecca Pecoraro
I’m excited for spring because I’ll no longer be stuck in the house all day with a toddler and a 3-month old! It’s been a long couple of months, but we can’t wait to be able to go for walks and play outside without having to worry about the cold temperatures and wind.
-
Lois
Looking forward to spring days where the sun is out and the air is crisp and oh so fresh! Love it!! And rainy days filled with puddle jumping ?
-
Hope Mannella
Looking forward to running outside again… This year with a new baby!
-
Stacy
So excited for the warmer weather and to spend more time outside!! Would love this clock for my kiddo!!
-
Brenna
Spring is my favourite season, so fresh! And it’s my daughter’s first spring! Cannot wait to start taking her outside more for walks, picnics in the park, and lazy days lounging in our backyard.
-
Lesley Boorsma
I love the spring because it signals new beginnings and a time to become new. Plus I love the smell of spring!!
-
Stephanie
I’m so looking forward to getting my cold weather clothes packed away! Longer days, sun, warm weather and buds popping up all over. 🙂
-
Holly
I can’t wait for more sunlight in the evenings. That means time for bike rides & hikes after work and more time to enjoy some vitamin D!
-
Emma Chapman
I’m looking forward to those long spring walks in the sunshine and to start my garden! Not to mention our baby comes in August so every step closer to that is exciting!
-
Camerra
Spring is my favourite season! From flowers blooming to nice milder weather, it always makes me happy. This spring we are expecting a new baby so we have even more to be excited for this year!
-
Candice S
Having a newborn in the house feels like we cant go anywhere. So excited for us to get out and enjoy the fresh air with her!
-
Amanda
I’m excited to get outside with baby instead of hibernating with my little one.
-
Amy
I can’t wait to take my 4 month old baby girl to parks in spring!
-
Celine McMahon
I’m looking forward to being outside and letting my little ones run around, instead of making a crazy toy mess inside! Oh! And also looking forward to not having to deal with snow pants, jackets, hats, mitts (and the tantrums that come with trying to get all these things on!) ☀️?
-
Maria S
I’m excited to be able to see the baby panda twins at the Toronto Zoo!
No snow.
Waking up to the orchestra of bird whistles and chirps.
The sweet smell of fresh spring air.
Blue sky and cotton candy fluff clouds!
No more lost mittens.
It’s NOT winter.
These are all the reasons I love spring…and now I’m sad that it’s not. -
eliza
I’m excited for spring because my baby and I can finally leave the condo and go enjoy the outdoors! Plus, spring means Christmas is coming again! Yes, boooo, but we LOVE Christmas!
-
Jill
The warmer weather means that I’ll get to attempt some rooftop gardening, go for long bicycle rides by the lakeshore, and hopefully enjoy a few days to sleep in. No more snow suits and boots to put on in the morning – the best!
-
Nancy
I am excited about spring to be able to get my little man outside more to burn off some energy.
-
Eloise
I can’t wait to spend more time outside with my daughter! Once the snow is all gone we will go for runs on the bicycle trails.
-
Jodi
Looking forward to spending more time outside and going to the park and long walks. Love the longer days as we can have outside time after dinner!
-
Alexis
I cannot wait to get outside again without wearing a million layers. It will be nice for my little one to get to the playground and run around the park.
-
Darcee
I’m excited to have more light in the evenings, so we can all get out and be active after supper as a family. Let’s be real though, just the thoughts of spring and warmer weather being right around the corner is awesome! ?
-
Melissa
It’ll still be plenty rainy here in Vancouver, but at least the cherry blossoms are out and we’ll be looking forward to warmer weather!
-
Brooke E.
I’m excited for spring because it means less layers my kids have to wear outside and so less time to get ready to go out the door!
-
Anna
Looking forward to spending the spring outside with my winter baby! We’ve been cooped up way too long!!
-
Kristin
Longer days and a higher sun to melt the snow. We’ve had a mild winter in the Yukon but I’m stil ready for spring!!
-
Nicky
Am excited for spring because I love seeing and smelling the pretty flowers around town. And, it’s fun to play outside with kiddo without him having to wear a huge bulky snowsuit!
-
Denise R.
I am excited for Spring because of all the new growth. I look forward to hearing the birds singing, the flowers blooming and everything looking bright green again. Its a new beginning for everyone each year!
-
Randall
I am looking forward to spring cleaning. Yes, I said cleaning lol… Having the windows open and letting all that fresh spring air in!
-
Carrie-Lynn saville
I’m excited for spring because my kids LOVE being outside. They honestly ask me nearly daily when spring is coming. They want to plant carrots, explore new parks and bike. We are very excited!!!!
-
connie
I can’t wait for the energy boost the extra sun brings me so I can keep up with my 2 monkeys! They love being outdoors in the warm weather at camp!
-
Robyn
I am excited to watch my little one run and jump in the puddles; I’ll roll up my jeans and splash too. A memory made many times over with my sister as kids 🙂
-
Julia
Cannot wait to see baby’s reaction to feeling fresh grass underfoot!
-
Heather
We’re looking forward to puddle jumping, biking and hiking (with fewer layers on), starting our gardens and outdoor dining (before the bugs arrive!)
-
Roseanna
So excited for the sunny days, walks and picnics at the beach, play dates at the park, and BBQ season!!
-
Ashley Budd
I live in Saskatchewan! But I’m looking forward to the spring for warmer weather so we can do some long walks.
-
Alice
Longer and warm days! Going to the parks and playing outside!
-
Regan
Sandals instead of snowboots.
-
stephanie
I’m excited for Spring because instead of being couped up in the house, I can bring my little ones outside and teach them the importance of growing your own food.
-
Amy
Looking forward to the sunshine, longer days and being outside!
-
Sarah A
So excited to be more active with the family! Looking forward to evenings at the playground and long walks with the dog!
-
Janessa B
What excites me the most is to spend another beautiful spring with my daughter. To go on nature adventures and explore the outdoors. Splash in big puddles and run through wet grass. My favourite part will be taking out the jogging stroller to go jog in the rain. The faster I go, the more giggly she gets. Another beautiful spring to make new memories with my beautiful girl.
-
Lynn
I’m excited that my daughter will see her first Spring! (She was born in the Fall.)
-
Laura
We are excited for longer days to enjoy spring! We are lucky to live on Vancouver Island where spring has already arrived! 🙂
-
Kathy
I’m excited about spring because it means warmer weather and the beginning of gardening season.
-
Gail A
I’m excited to have the kids play outside again without having to get all bundled up!
-
Sarah
I’m looking forward to leaving snow pants and other winter-wear at home and spending more time playing outside with my little ones.
-
Julieta alfinger
My plan is to take a few days of to deal with the time change without worrying about daycare and work. Good luck to all of us ? it is a bit of extra work but it is also great to welcome warmer weather! Very excited to go for walks around the neighbourhood after dinner!
-
Brent
I cannot wait to get my bike out for a spin!
-
Sabrina Mendoza
I am excited for spring since we will be welcoming a new baby into our family! I would love to win a Gro Clock for my toddler!
-
Holly
Warmer weather to spend outdoors with the kids.
-
Anne
Excited for the wonderful weather and being outdoors with my toddler!!
-
Kerri
I am excited for Spring so that I can go to the park with my little one again.
-
Julie
We are so looking forward for Spring! It will be our first bring with our little one! Can’T wait to take longer walks with less layers on! Looking forward for the wonderful energy and feeling that Spring is bringing us each year! 🙂
-
Oxanna
I am excited for spring because it will bring winter to an end. I am looking forward to spending time and playing with my little one outdoors without having to put on all the winter gear. It also means that I won’t have to wake everyone up before the sun rises each morning.
-
Joanna W
I’m excited about hiking and enjoying meals outdoors!
-
Maria
Spring means sun, and flowers and walks and trips to the park.
-
Vanessa G P
More daylight, warmth, and blossoms. It means we’re that much closer to beach days too!
-
Jennifer
Looking forward to warm weather, fresh air, outdoor activities with my son and gardening!
-
Carly
Spring feels like renewal. We are going to get outside to play and enjoy some walks with our two little guys! A GroClock would make learning routines so fun!
-
Susan
Looking forward to being able to walk the dog without any winter coat!
-
Garnet
Getting my hands dirty in the garden! Time to start planting flowers!
-
Denise K. R.
Wearing sandals! No socks, no boots, no shoes.
-
Danielle R
I can’t wait to get outside more- go to the park, on hikes, gardening…and less layers! Will make it so much easier getting my 17 month old in and out of the house!
-
Angela
I can’t wait for spring because that means we can extend our activities outside! Fresh air, warm sunshine, smell of freshly cut grass, ice cream trucks, water parks, nature walks, kites in the sky and birds chirping. That’s what spring is all about 🙂
-
shanley
with twins – nothing is more exciting about spring than fewer jackets/mitts/hats/boots!!!
-
Nadine
Spring is near! Can’t wait to be able to spend days outside! Watching flowers bloom! Taking long walks! Just spending quality time with the family 🙂
-
Anna
I can’t wait to get back on my bike and get some exercise!
-
Allison
I’m excited for sunglasses and fewer layers and more walks
-
thalia
I can’t wait for sunshine and long walks!!
-
Steph m
I am excited for spring because it means warm sunshine, birds singing, and lovely flowers!
-
Amy Brownlee
After hibernating in the house this winter with a newborn baby girl, I’m excited for warmer weather and a chance for us to spend time outside in the fresh air and sunshine!
Amber L
I’m excited for longer warmer days, hiking, playgrounds, less layers and moving. We are moving from a condo to a townhouse with a yard, this momma is pumped