Baby’s sleep routine when the clocks go back?

It's hard to maintain your baby's sleep routine at the best of times, and no sooner have you got your child into a regular routine, then something happens to disturb it.

However, one thing beyond your control is when the clocks go back. Babies closely listen to their body clocks, so how do we help them to transition through the loss of an hour's sleep? 

How can I stop my baby from being overtired baby when the clocks go back? 

Some parents gradually change their baby's bedtime each night. This will prepare them for the change and is suitable for those who have a regular baby bedtime routine in place.

Try to stick to your usual bedtime routine as consistently as you can. If you want to prepare ahead of time, begin four days before the clocks change by putting your baby down for their bedtime 10 to 15 minutes later each day.

Your routine will be an hour ahead when Sunday arrives in preparation for the clock change. If, after the clocks change, your baby starts to wake earlier, slowly move their naps and bedtime forward by 10 to 15 minutes every day until they're not waking up extra early.

Don't forget to change nap time too 

Adjust your baby's naps to suit the clock change too, it will make it so much easier once the clocks have moved back an hour. 

Create a sleep-promoting environment

If you haven’t already, invest in a thick pair of curtains or black-out blinds. Keeping their room dark will encourage your little one to sleep through those extra 15 minutes. Another factor to consider is noise. If you’re putting your baby to sleep earlier than everyone else in the family, a baby soothing sound machine can be a big help to conceal external noise and will help to lull your baby to sleep.

Your baby's sleep routine may look like this:

Your baby goes to bed at 6 pm usually.

On the first night, move their bedtime to 6:15 pm

On the second night, move your baby’s bedtime to 6:30 pm

On the third night, move bedtime to 6:45 pm

On clock change night move their bedtime to 7 pm 

Once this transition has been made your baby will be used to this new time, and hopefully, they won't wake up at 6 am instead of 7 am!