Daylight Savings Time impacts twin babies’ schedules

twin baby sleepingAs yet another “Daylight Savings Time” change approaches, I am reminded what a nightmare it can be for families with young twins, triplets, or more.  My kids were very early risers.  No matter what time we put them to bed, they would get up extremely early. Toss in a time change and we were in trouble. So, I’ve put together some tips as you move towards a time change, that can help ease the transition.

  1. A week before the time change, begin putting your babies to bed 15 minutes earlier each night (or later depending which direction the time change is moving). 
  2. If you do not already use a “wake up” light, begin using one.  A “wake up” light is simply a night-light that you have plugged into a timer. Except, this night-light is off all night.  When it is the desired wake up time, the light comes on.  Place the light up high so that the babies can see the light from their cribs or beds.  Choose a night-light that is not so bright that it will wake the babies if they are sleeping.  The idea of the “wake up” light is to train your child that when the light is off, it is time for sleep. When it is on, it is okay to get up (or to call for Mommy or Daddy).   Check out our article series on the “wake up” light (aka the “morning light”).  These timers can be purchased at home improvement stores.
  3. Depending where you live, you might want to invest in black out shades. These shades are marvelous.  Babies naturally begin to wake when the room lightens in the morning.  These shades block the light out so babies can continue to sleep.  JC Penny is a good source for ordering (no, I have not been compensated for listing them as a resource).

Taking these steps will help your twins, triplets, or higher order multiples to adjust to the new time.  But, even without using any gradual methods, most babies will adjust within a couple of days when making a time change “cold turkey”.

Copyright 2009 – twinParenthood.com / Kathryn Whiteley