Time change and its effects on babies and children

Time change and its effects on babies and children: tips for parents

The time change, which occurs twice a year, often disrupts the internal clock of adults. But what about babies and children, who are even more sensitive to changes in their rhythm? In this blog article, you will learn how the time change can affect your child and how you can make the transition as smooth as possible.

1. How does the internal clock of babies and children work?

Babies and small children still have a very finely tuned sleep-wake rhythm that is heavily dependent on external factors such as light and darkness. Their internal clock is still developing, which makes them particularly susceptible to changes. When switching to summer or winter time, children suddenly have to go to bed an hour earlier or later - a challenge that can be stressful for the baby and for you too.

2. What effects does the time change have on babies and children?

The most common effect of the time change in babies and toddlers is a disrupted sleep pattern. This can manifest itself in shorter naps, difficulty falling asleep or waking up early. Some children may also be more irritable or tired than usual. These changes can last from a few days to two weeks until the internal clock gets used to the new time.

3. Preparations: How to help your child with the time change

To make the time change smoother, it is helpful to make adjustments in advance. Here are some practical tips:

• Gradual adjustment : About a week before the time change, start shifting your child's bedtime by 10-15 minutes each day. This will allow you to make up the hour gradually without the change being abrupt.
• Maintain the daily routine : Children love routine. Make sure that daily rituals (such as mealtimes or the evening routine) do not change, even if the time changes.
• Light as a helper : Use daylight to support your child's internal clock. After the time change, you should let in plenty of natural light during the day, especially in the morning. In the evening, you can darken the room with blackout curtains to make it easier to fall asleep.

4. During the transition: What to do if you have problems sleeping?

During the time change, your child may have difficulty falling asleep at the usual time or wake up too early in the morning. Here are a few tips on how you can respond:

• Be patient : Give your child (and yourself) time to get used to the new routine. It's normal for it to take a few days.
• Plan active days : Plan plenty of exercise and fresh air for the first few days after the time change. This will help your child to get tired and adjust more easily to the new sleep rhythm.
• Calming evening routines : Make sure to incorporate calming activities in the evenings, such as reading or cuddling. Avoid too much excitement to ease the transition to bed.

5. Long-term tips: How to stabilize your internal clock

Children's internal clocks usually stabilize after a few days to two weeks. These long-term tips can help your child get through the time change well:

• Consistency is key : stick to your usual bedtime and wake-up times. You should also keep the routine on weekends so that your internal clock doesn't get messed up again.
• Create a sleep-friendly environment : A dark, quiet bedroom and a pleasant sleeping atmosphere promote your child's sleep.
• Pay attention to healthy sleeping habits : Regular sleeping times, fixed evening rituals and a calm daily rhythm support the internal clock in the long term - regardless of the time change.

With a little preparation and patience, you can ensure that the time change is as stress-free as possible for your baby or child. It is important to pay attention to your child's signals and make the transition smooth.