Routine is key for children, so making the transition as unnoticeable as possible is essential. However, there is no need to panic. Read our 5 top tips for getting your baby ready for the clocks going back, to ensure a stress-free bedtime!
1. Adjust Your Baby’s Bedtime
In the week leading up to the clocks going back, try putting your baby to bed 10 minutes later each night for 6 nights. Begin this gradual change early in the week, and your baby will start to adjust and hopefully not even notice the change come Sunday.
2. Keep Their Room Dark
The clocks going back usually means brighter mornings, which can result in your child waking earlier than you’d like. In order to avoid this, keep their bedroom as dark as possible. Blackout blinds work wonders and really help with maintaining a bedtime routine. If you are travelling, consider portable blackout blinds for rooms without thick curtains.
3. Give Them a Lie In
Try leaving your baby in their cot/bed for 10 minutes longer each morning in the lead-up to the clocks going back. This depends on your child’s temperament. If leaving them for longer causes more disruption, it may be best to skip this step.
4. Delay Dinner Time
To help your child adjust to the clocks going back, try giving them their dinner a little later each evening in the week leading up to the time change. This helps keep their entire routine in sync.
5. Be Prepared for a Temperature Drop
During the autumn months, the temperature will start to drop, which could lead to disrupted sleep if your baby or toddler is too cold. Consider using sleeping bags suitable for all-year-round, like the 2.5 TOG sleeping bags from Slumbersac, which are ideal for room temperatures between 15-21 degrees. Options with detachable sleeves are also available to adapt to changing weather.
