Handling your Baby's Sleep During the Clock Change: Fall Back

The twice yearly clock change is something I’m asked about a lot… Which is funny because I live in Arizona, the one place that doesn’t do any clock changes, lol. 

But thankfully 95% of my clientele are outside of Arizona, so I’ve managed to find some great ways to help you and your baby adjust to that annoying 1 hour time change twice in the year. So let’s get started...

“FALL BACK!”

Or… “The Good One” as we called it before we had children lol. Everyone else gets that delightful extra hour of sleep… Except parents. But there is lots you can do to help make the transition nice and smooth (as possible). 

You’ll notice this isn’t a really long blog with TONS of schedules and suggestions and things to try.

I really don’t want this to be complicated causing overwhelm and information overload. I know I’m too tired to figure that all out even when my baby is sleeping through the night, so let’s keep it as simple as possible.

FIRSTLY…

Stick with your daily bedtime routines, nap times routines, and daily activities. Try not to change anything too drastically. Doing this will help more than you think it will. 

SECONDLY…

Continue to follow wake times and sleepy cues as best as you can. You can learn more about your baby's wake times and sleepy cues here. Your baby’s natural internal clock isn’t changing, so it’s best to watch for when they need a nap and not stray suuuuper far from it, even with a time change.

“Shall I change my baby’s sleep schedule/routine?” 

Well…. this is where you have a couple of options! And there is no real “right way” to do it. So you can choose what works best for you and your family. 

Option 1: CHILL

Relax, don’t stress, and don’t do anything, and they’ll likely adjust within a few weeks. It is not the end of the world if you don't prepare with some kind of plan. 

It might be a super annoying couple of weeks, but they likely will adjust just as we adults do. 

Option 2: GET AHEAD OF IT (fall back specific)

If you’re just very type A and wanting to be SUPER prepared and just neeeeeeed a plan… Here is what you can do:

For a day or so before the clock changes (or honestly just during that first week it changes), start the day 10-15 minutes later, and put your little one to bed 10-15 minutes later each day.

For example: if their bedtime is typically 7:00 PM, put them to bed at 7:15pm, and then the next night 7:30 PM and so on. 

This way it gives them a little extra time to adjust to the “extra hour” of the day, and means they’ll still have a decent bedtime once the clock actually changes!

You can do this with meal times too. 

OK, BUT WHAT DO I DO IF BABY STARTS TO WAKE UP SUUUUPER EARLY?

Firstly, go and read my blog stating the Top Culprits for Early Morning Wakings.

If you are experiencing chronic early morning wakings, I have a guide to help you!

The Early Wakings Guide includes sleep support to encourage later mornings from ages 0-4 years .You’ll get a detailed checklist to prevent those pesky early mornings, a plan for encouraging morning wake time between 6-8 AM, proven methods, tips and encouragement for great later mornings so you’ll never feel stuck wondering what to do next. Turn confused and overwhelmed about your baby’s early rising into feeling confident and ready to teach your little one healthy sleep practices.

This 70-page Early Waking Guide helps you:

✦ CREATE A PLAN FOR THOSE 5 AM WAKE UPS!

✦ ENCOURAGE LATER MORNINGS (6-8 AM)

✦ FOCUS ON PREVENTION OF EARLY MORNINGS

✦ SPECIFIC TIPS FOR NEWBORN RESTLESSNESS, SQUIRMING, AND GRUNTING IN THE EARLY HOURS

✦ TODDLER FOCUSED TIPS SO YOU CAN CHANGE YOUR APPROACH AS THEY GROW!

✦ GET A SOLID GOLD PLAN IN PLACE FOR BETTER (AND LATER) MORNINGS

✦ FEEL CONFIDENT THAT YOU (AND YOUR BEBE) CAN SLEEP IN!!

GET THE EARLY WAKING GUIDE!

AND THERE YOU HAVE IT!

Navigating your baby or toddler’s sleep through the clock change can be so annoying and frustrating. Know that it won’t last forever and they WILL adjust!! You’ve got this, and good luck!!

If you just feel like you're constantly struggling with sleep in general and daylight savings is just another hurdle you're going to endure... That's what I'm here for mate!!

I work with families JUST LIKE YOU every single day. Families who are up every 2 hours, every 4 hours, replacing the pacifier, nursing, whatever it is, I can help you go from surviving to thriving!  I can help you get your baby/toddler sleeping 11-13 hours straight (with age appropriate feedings).

CLICK YOUR BABY OR TODDLER’S AGE BELOW TO LEARN MORE: