For most adults, the clocks going back means a lovely extra hour in bed. For parents of little ones, it can mean a baby who's wide awake an hour earlier than usual. Here's how to get them onto the new time quickly.
When do the clocks go back?
- UK: Sunday 25 October 2026, at 2am the clocks go back to 1am
- US: Sunday 1 November 2026, at 2am the clocks go back to 1am
What happens to your baby's sleep
Your baby's body clock doesn't know the clocks have changed. If they usually wake at 7am, on Sunday morning they'll probably wake at what now says 6am. That's completely fine, and it's where the plan starts.
My plan for the clock change
1. Let your baby wake at their normal time
Don't try to keep them in bed longer. On the clock, their usual wake-up will be an hour earlier, and that's okay.
2. Build the extra hour into their wake windows
Your baby now has an extra hour of awake time to fit into the day before their usual bedtime. Share it out across their wake windows:
- 2 wake windows in the day? Add 30 minutes to each.
- 3 wake windows in the day? Add 20 minutes to each.
By bedtime, your baby will have caught up with the new time.
3. Don't give any extra sleep
This is the important one. Don't extend naps, and don't put your baby to bed earlier. Extra sleep takes away the sleep pressure your baby needs, and it keeps the cycle of early waking going.
Be ready for a grumpy day
Your baby will probably be a bit grumpier than usual while they adjust. Push through. Within a day or so, they'll catch up and settle into the new time.
Early mornings that don't settle
If your baby was already an early riser before the clocks changed, or early waking hangs around for weeks afterwards, the clock change probably isn't the whole story. Early waking usually has a few causes working together, and it's one of the most common things families ask me for help with.
Book a free 15-minute call and tell me what's happening. I'll let you know how I can help.