Daylight saving can lead to grumpy kiddos. Here's how to help.

Daylight saving time is about to begin. And while it is an inconvenience for most people in the United States, the time change could lead to grumpy babies and irritable toddlers. 

On Sunday, March 8, most of the United States will set its clocks forward by an hour.

And while many are collectively groaning at the idea of losing an hour of sleep, parents with young children and babies are fearing having to deal with a fussy and sleepy child who doesn't understand why they lost an hour of sleep. 

"This shift affects the body’s internal clock, which regulates sleep, energy levels, mood, and attention," according to Nuvance Health's website. "Because children rely heavily on routine, even a small change can lead to bedtime resistance, early waking, irritability and difficulty concentrating at school." 

While the time change might feel daunting to parents, there are a few ways to help little ones transition.

When does daylight saving time begin? 

Daylight saving time will begin on Sunday, March 8, at 2 a.m. local time. 

Make adjustments to help your kiddos ahead of the time change 

Parents can help kids transition to the time change by adjusting their sleep schedules by about 15 minutes in the days leading up to when daylight saving time is supposed to begin, according to Dr. Maida Lynn Chen, the medical director of Seattle Children's Pediatric Sleep Center. 

So, if your child's bedtime is usually 8 p.m., try putting them to bed at 7:45 a few days before daylight saving time, then 7:30 the next day, and so on, leading up to the time change. 

Most children will eventually adjust within a few days on their own, according to Chen. 

Limit screen time 

Limiting exposure to brightlights and screens before bedtime can also help children transition, according to HealthyChildren.org, which was created by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). About an hour before it's time to go to sleep, children should put away phones, tablets, video game consoles, or any other screen devices to improve the quality of their sleep. 

Keep a consistent schedule after the time change 

After daylight saving time begins, keep to a consistent schedule for everyday activities, like naps, homework, bedtime, and meals, according to Nuvance Health. The schedule can help a child's internal clock adjust to the change and make the transition easier. 

A consistent and calming bedtime routine can also help, according to HealthyChildren.org. For younger kids, a brush, book, bed routine, which consists of parents having children brush their teeth, then reading a book together and finally getting them to bed at a regular time each night, will signal to your child that it's time to unwind. Cuddling and listening to quiet music can also help children relax before bed. 

Keep activities simple after daylight saving time

A busy schedule and an upset toddler with one less hour of sleep don't mix well, so avoid packing your schedule the day after the time change happens.

Kids can be "thrown off-kilter, cranky and have a shorter fuse" as they adjust to their new schedules, Dr. Tanya Altmann, founding pediatrician at Calabasas Pediatrics in Calabasas, California and author of the book “Baby & Toddler Basics," previously told USA TODAY.

"Set yourself up for success," Altmann said. "Plan a lazy, relaxing day on Sunday instead of the day you try to go out and do everything you need to do. That way, they have a day to acclimate before school starts on Monday."

Contributing: Amy Haneline, USA TODAY

Julia Gomez is a Trending reporter for USA TODAY and covers popular toys, scientific studies, natural disasters, holidays, and trending news. Connect with her on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and TikTok: @juliamariegz, or email her at [email protected].