Blog · 31 March 2025

Helping Your Baby Adjust to the End of Daylight Saving Time

As daylight saving time draws to a close in Australia, many parents start wondering how the clock change will impact their baby’s sleep. Just when it feels like you’ve found your rhythm, the clocks shift, throwing a new curveball into your carefully crafted routine.

Daylight Saving Time is observed in:

New South Wales (NSW)
Victoria (VIC)
South Australia (SA)
Tasmania (TAS)
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

Will your baby start waking up earlier? Is there anything you can do to ease the transition? Don’t worry, we’re here to help. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to expect when the clocks go back and how to guide your baby through the change without major disruptions to their sleep.

What Does the End of Daylight Saving Time Mean for Your Baby?

On Sunday, April 6th, 2025, clocks will shift back by one hour at 3 a.m., becoming 2 a.m. If your baby usually wakes at 7 a.m., this change may lead them to start waking at 6 a.m. instead. And if you’re already battling early wake-ups, this might sound like a nightmare—your 5 a.m. riser could now be up at 4 a.m.!

Preparing Your Baby’s Sleep Schedule for the Clock Change

Shifting your baby’s schedule doesn’t need to be stressful, but it does take a little planning. The best way to manage the transition is to gradually shift their routine in small increments over the course of a week, either leading up to the time change or following it.

Babies don’t follow the hands on a clock, but they do have internal circadian rhythms that regulate when they feel sleepy and when they wake. These rhythms are influenced by three key factors: light exposure, feeding times, and social interaction. So, when you’re adjusting their sleep schedule, it’s important to shift everything, not just naps and bedtime.

Step-by-Step Adjustment Plan for a 7–7 Routine

If your little one typically runs on a 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. schedule, here’s how to make the shift gradually:

Day 1 (Monday):
Start the day at 7:15 a.m. and aim for a 7:15 p.m. bedtime. Move all naps, meals, and feeds 15 minutes later than usual.

Day 2 (Tuesday):
Stick to the same 7:15–7:15 rhythm.

Day 3 (Wednesday):
Bump everything another 15 minutes later—wake at 7:30 a.m., bedtime at 7:30 p.m.

Day 4 (Thursday):
Repeat the 7:30–7:30 timing.

Day 5 (Friday):
Push the schedule to 7:45 a.m.–7:45 p.m., continuing to shift naps and feeds accordingly.

Day 6 (Saturday):
Hold steady at 7:45–7:45.

Day 7 (Sunday – Time Change Day!):
Clocks have now moved back. Wake your baby at 7:00 a.m. new time—which would’ve felt like 8:00 a.m. yesterday. Voilà! You’ve synced up.

Bonus Tips to Help Your Baby Adjust

1. Maximise afternoon and evening light exposure
To help your baby adapt to a later schedule, take advantage of natural light. Spend time outdoors in the late afternoon or keep your home brighter than usual until bedtime. This helps signal to your baby’s internal clock that it’s not time to wind down just yet.

2. Block out morning light completely
On the flip side, make sure your baby’s room is as dark as possible in the early mornings. This helps prevent their body clock from defaulting to the old wake-up time.

Still Unsure?

If you’re still uncertain and need further support, I invite you to explore the packages I offer. Additionally, I provide comprehensive sleep guides that you can explore here. These guides cover everything from newborns to toddlers, ensuring you have the resources you need for a good night’s sleep.

Should you have any doubts about which package to choose, I’m available for a free call that you can schedule here. Together, we can determine the best support for your child’s sleep needs and ensure a perfect fit for your family.

Feel free to reach out I’m here to help!