When the clocks go back at the end of October, the extra hour in bed might sound lovely for adults, but babies and young children often find the time change tricky. With a few gentle adjustments in the days before, you can help your little one ease into the new routine and enjoy restful sleep.
What Happens When the Clocks Go Back
At 2am on Sunday 26th October, the clocks turn back one hour, marking the start of shorter days and darker evenings. While we might celebrate the idea of an extra hour’s sleep, babies don’t adjust as easily to sudden changes in routine. Many parents find their little one wakes an hour earlier so that cosy lie-in quickly disappears.
The good news? You can prepare your child gradually and avoid overtired mornings with a few simple tweaks to bedtime and daily habits.
1. Adjust Bedtime Gradually
In the week leading up to the clock change, start shifting bedtime by 10 minutes later each evening. Small changes help your baby’s internal clock adapt naturally, so by the time the clocks go back, their sleep rhythm will already be aligned with the new schedule.
You can apply the same approach to morning wake-ups, gently delaying the time you pick up or feed your baby each day.
2. Keep Mornings Dark and Cosy
When the clocks go back, mornings become noticeably brighter which can cause early wake-ups. Try using blackout curtains or a darker room setting to keep things dim until your usual start to the day. A calm, cosy room signals to your baby that it’s still time to rest, helping you both enjoy a bit of extra sleep.
3. Shift Mealtimes Slightly
From the Monday before, begin serving meals and snacks a little later each day. For example, if dinner is usually at 5.30pm, move it to 5.40pm, then 5.50pm, and so on. By the weekend, your baby’s hunger cues will have naturally shifted, making the time change feel less disruptive.
4. Prepare for Cooler Nights
As autumn deepens, temperatures drop quickly, and a cold baby is more likely to wake during the night. This is the perfect time to switch to warmer bedtime clothing and winter sleeping bags.
Slumbersac’s winter sleeping bags with sleeves offer cosy insulation while keeping your baby safe and comfortable. Our 2.5 TOG sleeping bags are ideal for room temperatures between 15–21°C, while 3.5 TOG bags suit rooms below 18°C.
You can explore our full range of winter baby sleeping bags and find the perfect one to keep your little one snug through the season.
5. Keep Bedtime Calm and Consistent
Even with small adjustments, routine matters most. Stick to your familiar bedtime rituals – a warm bath, storytime, soft lighting, and a gentle cuddle. Consistency helps your baby recognise when it’s time to sleep, no matter what the clock says.
FAQs About Daylight Saving and Baby Sleep
When do the clocks go back this year?
In the UK, clocks go back one hour at 2am on Sunday 26th October.
How long does it take for babies to adjust?
Most babies adjust to the new time within a few days to a week if bedtime and wake-up times are shifted gradually.
Should I wake my baby at the new time?
Let your baby wake naturally if possible, but guide their schedule gently by adjusting naps, meals, and bedtime over the week.
What’s the best sleeping bag for autumn?
A 2.5 TOG sleeping bag is ideal for typical autumn room temperatures between 15–21°C. For colder homes, consider a 3.5 TOG winter sleeping bag.
Time changes can be a little disruptive, but they don’t have to cause sleepless nights. By preparing early, keeping your baby warm, and maintaining a calm routine, you’ll both settle into the new rhythm smoothly and maybe even enjoy that extra hour of rest.
