SPRING CLOCK CHANGE

Spring is here! With longer days, blooming flowers, and (hopefully) warmer weather, the clocks also move forward an hour on March 30th. This shift can worry parents, however some simple strategies can help your child adjust smoothly.

At 1am, clocks will move forward, meaning 5am becomes 6am. If you have an early riser, this could naturally shift their morning later which is amazing for those early mornings. If you’re happy to go with the flow, your child’s schedule should naturally adjust within a few days. However, if you like to be a bit more prepared, here are some handy tips:

1. The Gradual Approach

Best for babies and children sensitive to change, this method involves shifting bedtime and nap times 15 minutes earlier each night. If bedtime is usually 7pm, follow this schedule:

• Sunday: 7:45pm (new time on Sunday 30th March)
• Monday: 7:30pm
• Tuesday: 7:15pm
• Wednesday: Back to 7pm

By midweek, they should be fully adjusted. For babies and toddlers who are napping, you may need to add a little time to their naps to help.

2. Split the Difference

For toddlers on one nap or older children without naps, adjust in smaller steps:

• Move naptime and bedtime 30 minutes earlier on Sunday (e.g.a 12:30pm nap shifts to 12pm).
• Keep this schedule for three days before returning to normal.

If your child is an independent sleeper, they may take longer to settle, but that’s okay!

3. Do Nothing!

If your child wakes early, the clock change may be the reset you need. For newborns, no adjustments are necessary—just follow their natural rhythm.

Lighter Mornings!

Natural daylight can wake children earlier or make bedtime trickier when it’s still light outside. Investing in blackout blinds can help create an ideal sleep environment.

Every child is different, so stay flexible and patient. With a little planning and lots of natural daylight, your little one will adjust, and you can enjoy the longer, lighter evenings ahead!

Little Dreams Chelmsford and Colchester is a Sleep Consultancy specialising in Children’s sleep from babies to 10 years old. Lucy Murray, Baby and Child Sleep Consultant is certified through Little Dreams and is also an accredited member of the Association of Professional Sleep Consultants. She has supported hundreds of families who need some help with their children’s sleep and as a mum of 3, knows first hand just how tough sleep deprivation can be. If you are struggling with your child’s sleep but aren’t sure where to turn, book a free, no-obligation 15-minute call to find out how she can help or see her website for sleep tips, online workshops and lots more helpful information.