The clocks go back on Sunday 25 October, bringing an extra hour on the clock but potentially some very early starts for parents. From adjusting bedtimes to keeping bedrooms dark, these six tips from Tommee Tippee could help little ones settle into their new routine.
When the clocks change, it’s not just the daylight hours that shift. Earlier wake-ups, unsettled bedtimes and disrupted sleep can leave the whole family feeling out of sync while everyone adjusts to the new time.
To help make the transition a little easier, parent-care brand Tommee Tippee has shared six tips to help parents and little ones navigate the seasonal change.
1. Prepare for the change gradually
If you have time to plan ahead, gradually adjusting your child’s routine in the days before the clocks change may help minimise disruption.
From Wednesday, try moving bedtime, naps and meals around 15 minutes later each day. By Sunday, your little one may be better prepared for the new time, making the transition feel less sudden.
2. Ease into bedtime
If you haven’t had time to adjust your child’s routine in advance, don’t worry. You can make small changes over the first few evenings instead.
Tommee Tippee suggests putting your child to bed a little earlier on Sunday – for example, 6.30pm rather than their usual 7pm – before gradually returning to their normal bedtime over the following nights.
Keeping the usual bedtime routine, including a bath and a favourite story, can also help signal that it’s time to wind down.
3. Be prepared for early mornings
A child who usually wakes at 6am may suddenly start the day at 5am according to the new clock. Try to keep the bedroom dark and quiet, and avoid starting the day too early if your little one is happy to settle again.
With daylight arriving earlier after the clocks change, morning light can also encourage early waking. Blackout blinds may help keep the room dark for longer.
The Tommee Tippee Blackout Blind is designed to create a darker sleeping environment and can be used throughout the year.
4. Try a toddler training clock
For toddlers who are beginning to understand bedtime and wake-up times, a training clock can help make the daily routine easier to follow.
The Tommee Tippee GroClock uses visual cues and changing colours to show when it’s time to sleep and when it’s time to get up.
It can help children learn when to stay in bed and when the day can begin, encouraging independence and potentially giving parents a little extra rest in the morning.
5. Keep the bedroom comfortable
As temperatures drop and the heating goes on, it’s worth checking that your child’s bedroom remains comfortable for sleeping.
Tommee Tippee recommends a room temperature of between 16°C and 20°C. A room thermometer can help you keep an eye on conditions as the weather changes.
The Tommee Tippee GroEgg2 displays the room temperature at a glance, helping parents monitor the environment in which their little one sleeps.
Remember to dress babies and young children appropriately for the room temperature and avoid overheating, particularly when using extra bedding or sleepwear.
6. Be kind to yourselves
Changing routines takes time, so try not to worry if everyone is a little out of sorts for a few days.
Tommee Tippee says most babies and toddlers adjust to the new time within about a week. Keeping routines consistent and allowing for slower mornings can help the whole family settle.
If you have more than one child, remember that they may adjust at different speeds. Following the same familiar steps with each child can help make the change easier to manage.
How long does it take children to adjust to the clocks changing?
Josh Hume, Global Category & Innovation Lead at Tommee Tippee, said: “When the clocks go back, an extra hour in bed sounds great in theory, but for parents of little ones, it can often mean earlier starts instead!
“The good news is that most babies and toddlers adjust to the new time within a week. The key is to make the transition gradually, stick to your usual routine and keep mornings dark and calm until it’s time to start the day.”
With a little preparation, consistent routines and patience, families can make the clock change more manageable – even if those first few mornings start a little earlier than planned.
