Last updated March 2026
Daylight savings and baby sleep! If it’s not one thing with your baby’s sleep the clock change makes it another!
Sunday, March 29th 2026 in Europe (slightly earlier on 8th March in the US). Our clocks go FORWARD (spring forward) an hour. Daylight savings is also called British Summer Time (BST).
Essentially, the daylight saving time change means we’ll have more daylight in the evening and less in the mornings.
Table of Contents
What is Daylight Saving Time?
Daylight Saving Time (DST), or British Summer Time (BST) in the UK, is the practice of moving the clocks forward by one hour during the spring and summer months. The aim is to make better use of natural daylight by shifting an hour of light from the morning to the evening, giving us lighter evenings.
In the UK, this change happens on the last Sunday in March, when the clocks move forward by one hour, and it is reversed on the last Sunday in October when the clocks go back again.
While DST was originally introduced to make better use of daylight and conserve energy, modern research suggests the benefits are mixed. What it does reliably bring, though, is longer, lighter evenings, which many people enjoy for spending more time outdoors during the warmer months.
When Does the Time Change?
The time change for Daylight Saving Time typically occurs (in the UK) on the last Sunday in March and the last Sunday in October. In the spring, clocks are set forward by one hour at 1:00 a.m. local time, marking the beginning of daylight saving time. This is often referred to as “spring forward.” In the fall, clocks are set back by one hour at 2:00 a.m. local time, which is known as “fall back.”
While the exact dates can vary depending on the country and region, the basic principle remains the same. For instance, in the United States, daylight saving time begins on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November. In the UK, the clocks go forward on the last Sunday in March and go back on the last Sunday in October, aligning with British Summer Time. This consistent schedule helps everyone adjust to the time change and make the most of the daylight hours.
Why did daylight saving time start?
Daylight savings are controversial! Love it or hate it, the main point for British Summer Time is that it enables us to make the most of the daylight hours during the spring and summer months, which is particularly helpful for professionals working outside.
The impact of daylight savings/British Summer Time and child sleep
If your little one is on a nice ‘by the clock’ schedule then any change can seem to throw them off. Our body clocks and circadian rhythms are also highly governed by light exposure. Just like adjusting to jet lag, changes are not well tolerated by our bodies. Our internal clocks are stubborn!
We all adjust eventually, but to avoid overtiredness you may want to ‘help’ your little one adjust to the hour time change so the following week feels a little easier. We’ll help shift their wake-up time and baby’s bedtime too.
Spring forward. Daylight savings and baby sleep.
Daylight saving time (British summer time) begins on Sunday, March 29th 2026 in Europe and the clocks spring forward one hour at 1:00 am.
We lose an hour of sleep. So, your child may initially wake and fall asleep according to their old body clock.
Got an early riser?
For my families with early risers (natural early birds who wake early but happy), this may be a nice opportunity to feel like they’re on a better schedule! (For those who wake early, but are unhappy – get in touch! Or sign up to my early morning waking masterclass!)
Changing my child’s sleep schedule
Can we help our child adjust to the extra hour and clock change? Of course!
So, these tips on adjusting daylight savings and baby sleep are for families with a child, toddler or baby on a normal routine, where their schedule is pretty ‘by the clock’. We’ll go nice and slow, using a gradual method over a few days leading up to DST to help a baby or toddler adjust.
Managing the Clock Change: for those who like to plan ahead
1) Thursday, 26th March 2026
Wake them up 15 minutes earlier than usual and pop them to bed 15 minutes earlier. If you can also move nap times and meal times as well then this will help.
2) Friday, 27th March 2026
We will move our schedules another 15 minutes earlier today, as well as naps and meal times (so our whole circadian rhythm adjusts). So now we’re half an hour earlier getting up for the day and our bedtime routine is half an hour earlier too.
3) Saturday, 28th March 2026
Repeat! Another 15 minute shift for our babies and toddlers today! That earlier bedtime routine may feel a little strange today but we’ll reap the rewards tomorrow.
4) Sunday, 29th March 2026,
Bam, with this last shift they’re on track for the new week! We’ve helped their internal clock shift.
For those who don’t like to plan!
Go with the flow, don’t stress! You are either a planner or you’re not! They will adjust eventually. Nice bright lights in the morning and keeping the room dark at night can help if they start to struggle.
Note: body clocks and circadian rhythms are stubborn beasts. It may take your little one a bit longer to adjust to daylight savings/British Summer Time, and that’s ok too.
Clocks change again?!
So, we’ve just recovered from daylight savings time, what next?!
British summer time ends with ‘fall back’ on Sunday, October 25th 2026 at 2 am (1st November in the US) Just as you got used to a normal bedtime there’s always a change on the agenda eh? Here’s a guide on that to save!
Q: Will the clock change help with early morning waking?
British Summer Time will certainly help your little one if they’ve historically woken early! If your little one is getting enough sleep (waking early – BUT happy) then continue to keep their current schedule. Bedtime will be later and so will the morning rise.
However, sometimes schedules can shift back. Plus in Spring/Summer, we’ve got other environmental factors to consider, like the lighter brighter mornings and noises creeping in.
If the clock change doesn’t help with early mornings then you may want to consider taking my Early Morning Rising Masterclass.
Whilst you’re here, why don’t you check out my post on how much sleep little ones need?
Conclusion
In conclusion, Daylight Saving Time is a widely practiced tradition that aims to make the most of the sunlight during the summer months. By advancing clocks by one hour in the spring and moving them back by one hour in the fall, people can enjoy longer evenings and make the most of the extra daylight. While the time change can be disruptive, it has been shown to have numerous benefits, including energy savings, increased outdoor activities, and improved overall productivity.
Whether you call it Daylight Saving Time, British Summer Time, or simply “spring forward,” this tradition is an important part of our modern lives. Embracing the change and adjusting our schedules can help us take full advantage of the longer days and warmer weather during the summer months.
Still need some help?
I can help establish good sleep bedtime habits and provide tips on how to cope with inevitable nighttime disruptions. I offer tried-and-tested sleep support that is well worth the investment for your whole family.
Have a look at my sleep consultant packages or directly get in touch.
Good luck!
