How to Keep Your Baby❜s Routine and Your Sanity When Daylight Savings Ends

Ah, daylight savings—because nothing says “fun” quite like trying to explain a time change to a baby who still thinks 5 am is an acceptable wake-up call. When the clocks go back an hour, you’d think that a bonus hour of sleep would be a gift. But for parents of little ones? Not so much.

Babies, unfortunately, don’t get the memo (rude!). So if you're already living that early-wake-up life, brace yourself—it might get even earlier. But fear not, frazzled parents: here’s how to navigate the time change without completely losing your mind (or your evening peace).

How to Keep Your Baby's Routine and Your Sanity When Daylight Savings Ends

Daylight savings ends this year on Sunday 6 April 2025. Clocks will be set back from 3 am to 2 am local time on Sunday 6 April. 

Method 1: Pretend Nothing Has Happened

Simple, bold, and surprisingly effective. This is ideal for babies and toddlers who handle a bit of overtiredness well. Just put them to bed at the usual time (adjusted to the new clock), stick to your usual routine, and carry on like it’s business as usual. They might wake earlier for a few days, or struggle a bit with naps—but most kids adjust within a week. Bonus: if bedtime has been creeping later than you’d like, this is your golden opportunity to shift it earlier without drama.

Method 2: The Slow and Steady Shift

If the idea of an overnight change gives you flashbacks to the newborn phase, take the gradual route. In the days leading up to the clock change, push your child’s routine 15 minutes later every few days—bedtime, meals, naps, the lot. It works particularly well for babies over eight months, or those already in a set routine. If your little one is sensitive to change (or you're still recovering from getting a routine going), this approach can save everyone a lot of tears—yours included.

Tips to Keep in Mind

• Your baby’s sleep cues are more reliable than your watch. If they’re rubbing eyes or yawning at “the wrong time,” follow their lead.

• Be flexible. The whole household might feel a little off for a few days.

• Use the longer nights and darker mornings to your advantage—many babies sleep better when it’s darker for longer.

• But watch out: if they start snoozing extra long overnight, it could be time to shorten their daytime naps.

So whether you’re winging it or working a plan like a pro, remember: this too shall pass. And hey, at least you’re not explaining time zones to a toddler. Yet.

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