As the clocks prepare to go back this weekend, parents across the UK are gearing up for the impact it may have on their children’s sleep routines. While most of us look forward to an extra hour of sleep, those with young ones understand that their early risers’ internal clocks may not adjust so seamlessly. However, there’s no need to fret, as a health visitor has come forward with two simple strategies to help encourage babies to sleep longer during the time change.
Ruth Watts, known as @ruthwattshv on TikTok, shared her advice in a recent video, offering practical tips for the upcoming seasonal transition. In her video, Ruth discusses the impending clock change, highlighting the potential shift in wake-up times for children. She suggests two approaches to tackling this change in routine.
The first method she proposes is to “just go with it.” Although there may be a couple of challenging nights initially, Ruth explains that the clocks will eventually go back, allowing children to catch up on their sleep. By adjusting bedtime slightly earlier, kids can acclimate to the new schedule more smoothly. For those who prefer a more gradual adjustment, Ruth recommends incrementally moving bedtime earlier in the days leading up to the change.
She advises starting with a slight adjustment, such as moving bedtime from 7pm to 6.50pm, and gradually shifting it earlier each night. This approach can help children ease into an earlier bedtime and also applies to nap times. Despite acknowledging the initial anxiety of altering her children’s sleep routines, Ruth shares that her kids typically adapt quickly to the new schedule within a few days.
Following the video’s release, it garnered over 100 views and sparked a discussion among viewers on different methods to promote better sleep for children. Some shared their experiences of allowing time for adjustment, while others discussed alternative strategies they have found effective.
As the clocks go back this weekend, Ruth’s tips offer parents practical guidance on supporting their children through the seasonal time change. By implementing these straightforward strategies, parents can help ensure a smoother transition for their little ones’ sleep schedules. Remember, a little patience and consistency can go a long way in helping children adjust to the time shift with minimal disruption to their sleep patterns.