Clocks Going Forward 2015: How Will The Time Change Affect Your Baby’s Sleep?

As a new parent, it’s perfectly normal to be wary of the clocks going forward.

You may worry that the time change will play havoc with your little one’s sleep routine, which you’ve FINALLY got to grips with.

But while the change may cause a few days of disruption, your baby – and her sleep pattern – will quickly adjust.

In the meantime, try making these simple tweaks to your baby’s routine to keep her sleep on track.

The Downside
Just like with adults, babies have internal clocks and chances are the changing clocks will affect your tot's sleep pattern.

“It can also cause early morning wake ups, and this may be difficult to readjust,” says Pampers baby sleep expert Jo Tantum. “Your little one may be tired for bedtime earlier.”

The clocks going forward are also harder for your tot to adjust to than when they fall back in the autumn.

“When we move the clocks forward then babies tend to wake at their original time, which is of course an hour earlier,” says Jo. “Which is when it can get tricky, as we also lose an hour's sleep and the daytime is now messed up.”

But the positive? Your baby’s usual 6am wake-up time is now a way more bearable 7am.

Adjust Your Baby’s Routine
To prepare your baby for the clock change you can start to slightly alter her nighttime routine four to seven days before the adjustment.

“As babies work on a 12-hour day and 12-hour night pattern, start moving everything forward by 15 minutes every couple of days,” says Jo.

“By moving everything forward slightly your baby won't get too confused. So, instead of putting your baby to bed at 7pm, change this to 7.15pm and get her up at 7.15am.

“Continue to do this until you reach 8pm, then your baby will already be in this rhythm and will feel more content when the clocks do change.”

Do the same at naptime and your baby’s waking times should automatically adjust.

“Just really watch for her tired signs such as rubbing her eyes and ears, yawning, and staring into space,” says Jo. “Write these times down and you will have her new sleep routine personalised to her.”

Be Consistent
Aside from the timings, keep everything else in your baby’s routine the same – don’t cut out the bath or the story time to fit into the new time schedule.

Invest In Blackout Blinds
With the clock change comes lighter mornings, which may mean your baby starts waking earlier. But there’s an easy solution for this problem – blackout blinds.

“Investing in blackout curtains, or blinds is a must for babies and toddlers as darkness means sleep,” says Jo.

Another great sleep buy for toddlers that could help is a day/night clock, which will let your child know when it’s time to get up or stay in bed.

Have An Early Night
Finally, don’t forget to take care of yourself. Try to get to bed an hour earlier than normal on 28 March so that you’re well-rested and ready to deal with your potentially tired tot after losing an hour in the morning.

[When Do The Clocks Go Forward In 2015? Daylight Saving Time Explained]

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