How to Move Baby’s Bedtime

Parents know the importance of sleep, both for themselves and their little ones. Sometimes, for various reasons, you might need to adjust your baby's bedtime. Whether you are doing it for daylight savings, a change in routine, or just aiming for an earlier (or later) bedtime, here are some tips on how to do it!

How to move baby’s bedtime later:

• Gradually shift the bedtime by 15-minute increments. If you want to move the bedtime from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm, don't do it in one night. Instead, adjust the entire day by 15 minutes each day until you reach the desired time.

Day 1

• 6:30 am out of bed

• 12 pm nap

• 7 pm bedtime

Day 2

• 6:45 am out of bed

• 12:15 pm nap

• 7:15 bedtime

Day 3

• 7am out of bed

• 12:30pm nap

• 7:30 pm bedtime

…and so forth. You can always pause or spend more time on a schedule before making changes again if you have a sensitive sleeper.

How to move baby’s bedtime earlier:

Adjust Naps:

• If you're moving bedtime earlier, consider shortening day time sleep by limiting the length of the naps.

Start baby’s day earlier. If his out of crib time is 7:00am and a bedtime of 8:00pm and you want a 7:30 bedtime, wake him up at 6:30am.

Be consistent with the new times. Once you've reached your goal, stick to it every day. This will help set your baby’s circadian rhythm. Stay patient, shifting your baby's bedtime requires time and consistency!