Daylight Savings Time

Finally, you want your children to fall asleep independently. "On average a toddler wakes two to six times a night," says Dr. Mindell. "If you rock them to sleep each night, you will find that you may end up having to rock them to sleep each time they wake up. How you put your children to bed each night establishes the routine."

Daylight Savings Time Checklist

So as we prepare for our time change, make a checklist of things you can do to help your children adjust:

• Gradually move their bedtime back 15 minutes each night starting on Thursday before the time change.
• Develop good sleep habits so that adjustment is easier.
• Utilize the same routine for bedtime after the time change as before.
• Remember, it can take children up to a week to adjust after the time change.
• Be prepared to wake them at normal times in the morning—don't let them "sleep in," and wake them from their nap time at a normal time as well.

Becoming familiar with the routines and needs of your children will not only help them get a good night's sleep during time changes, but you as well.