End of Daylight Saving Time - Southern Hemisphere
We've reached that time of year where the nights are darker, and the sun is setting early (hello winter, and cosy days to come!). This time change is a crowd-pleaser, we technically GAIN an extra hour of sleep (or do we?) #kids.
While moving the clock back one hour is something that makes us sleepy for a couple of days, our adult bodies adjust to the change reasonably quick. And it is very likely your little one will be wide awake at 5am requesting Cars 3 for the tenth time that morning. #sorry
It can take toddlers and babies a little longer to get back into the swing of things. We understand the confusion of adjusting your little one's sleep. We understand the fear of change affecting our little one's sleep and have compiled our top tips for adjusting to the time change.
To help ease you into the swing of things, we have asked the team at ergoPouch what their top tips are for adapting to the time changes.
Tips on managing the change from the parents at ergoPouch
Kat, International eComm Mum to Lilli (3) + Savannah (Newborn)
We have just had our second baby and are adjusting to having two little ones under 3. With this Daylight Saving change, I will try feed my 3-year-old fed half an hour later than normal to help her body adjust and get her wind-down routine on track for the change.
Lilli wears her 1.0 TOG Long Sleeve PJs, and we have recently transitioned her into a cot/bed with one side off. She is training with the Cot Quilted Coverlet, so we will pop her in the 2.0 TOG PJs as it gets cooler once winter arrives. She is a white noise girlie, so we ensure it is on and turn it off once she is down.
My newborn is still in her newborn cycle of sleep, feed, repeat. So, I'll make sure she is in the right TOG in her Cocoon Swaddle Bag, with the HugMe Blanket and Long Sleeve Layer. She is also a white noise babe and has a separate Drift Away White Noise Machine to soothe her to sleep. I love it, as the little light is just enough for my three-hourly feeds.
Wish us luck!
Sarah, Design, Mama to Finn (6 years) + Remi (2.5 years)
"We have to put our clocks backwards, so why can't we put little one's clock forward to align their body clocks? Over the week leading up, put your little one to bed 10 minutes later each day. This process has worked well for my 6-year-old time and time again and he loves the special feeling of "staying up late".
To guarantee Finn gets down smoothly, we dress him in his ergoPouch Pyjamas and Quilted Coverlet on top. We're doing extra reading at bedtime as he's recently started school so this is a great way to fill the additional 10 minutes.
Remi has started pointing out it's not dark at bedtime so I'm looking forward to the clocks changing. He will take any opportunity for more cuddle time and wears a Sleep Suit Bag for leg freedom and loves his Organic Toddler Pillow.
Jess, Digital Marketing, Mama to Hunter (6 years) & August (2 years)
"This is my sixth experience with Daylight Saving, my key is to stick to routine, routine, routine. My husband and I will ensure Hunter and August are on the same schedule; it keeps things regular for both of them. We're going to prevent difficulties by getting them ready a few days before the clock changes.
We're settling Hunter and August down 10 minutes later from tonight and will continue to do so until the clock changes. Our oldest one loves the ergoPouch 2.5 TOG Sleep Onesies. As the weather starts to cool down, we will mix and match the Long Sleeve Layers in 0.2 TOG and 1.0 TOG to keep him nice and comfortable. We've just introduced the Affirmation Cards and he loves pulling out a card and reading it together.
August will only sleep in complete darkness. Our saving grace is the Window Blockout. Friends, I can't recommend this product enough. Easy to use, blocks 100% of the light and looks great in any nursery."
Matt, eCommerce Lead, Dad to Jules (5 years) + Joey (3 years)
"We follow the following steps and ensure we are kind to ourselves and the kids. It can feel a lot like jetlag, try and take a nap where possible. Read your kid's sleep cues. Their internal clock is more powerful than any clock we go by. Make sure your little one is comfortable at night. Ensure you have the correct TOG and style on your little ones as per the temperature. You can always follow our What to Wear Guide for any further advice.
On the day of the change, I keep my older son in the same routine. He is aware of what is happening and can fall asleep once we've completed our nightly routine. His internal schedule works itself out within a day or two. We dress him in the 1.0 TOG Long-Sleeve PJs. We find the kids are always ready for bed from their endless adventures
My 3-year-old sleeps in his Sleep Suit Bag in his bed with the new Quilted Coverlet. Joey loves getting into his Pouch and snuggling up with a book before lights out. The organic fibres are ideal for his sensitive skin, and the 1.0 TOG Sleep Suit keeps him nice and comfortable during the trans-seasonal weather, if his Quilt falls off."
Amelia, e-Commerce, Mum to Eli (4 years)
"I will put my son down 30 minutes later than usual on Sunday, I hope his internal schedule works itself out within a day or two. If not, we will get his routine back on track within the week. We can read a few extra books and have a few more cuddles.
We have chosen to put our little guy into the 2.5 TOG Sleep Suit Bag and Pyjamas. Eli likes the extra room for movement (he moves a lot) without the need for blankets.
He'll also wear his Pyjamas throughout the day. They're so cute, so why not!
Remember, what's going to work with each family is entirely different. You may want to introduce some calming activities or quiet time before bed, dim the lights and make it clear bedtime is coming. The good news, within a week or two, baby, toddler, and you will adjust to the time change naturally."
END of Daylight Saving | Sample Bedtime Plan
If you continue with your current bedtime schedule, your little ones may find it hard to settle for sleep on the first day of Daylight Saving as it will be an hour later than their bedtime the previous day. If you can prepare ahead of the time change, you can adjust their wake up and bedtime by 10 minutes for the week prior.
You can start a few days before the following example:
*7.00 pm bedtime, for example
- Monday: 7pm
- Tuesday:7.10pm
- Wednesday: 7.20 pm
- Thursday: 7:30pm
- Friday: 7.40pm
- Saturday: 7.50 pm
- Sunday: 7.00 pm (DST Ends)
End of Daylight Saving Tips
- Minor changes will help your child to adjust their body clock gradually
- You can further support your child to adjust by waking them in the morning, offering mealtimes and naps 10 minutes later
- If you have missed out on getting ready ahead of Daylight Saving, you can apply the same method for the first week following the time change
- Stick to the same schedule; it keeps things regular for you and your little one
- Make sure your little one is sleeping comfortably in appropriate sleepwear and layers according to the temperature. See our handy Temperature - What To Wear Guide
- Have some patience with your child while adjusting to the time change; they may be a little tired and grumpy for a week or so
Daylight Saving Time ends | 6th April 2025 (the first Sunday in April).
- Australian States: ACT, NSW, SA, TAS, VIC
- When local daylight time is about to reach Sunday 6th April 3am, clocks are turned BACKWARDS 1 hour to Sunday 6th April, 2am.
Good luck, you've got this!
With love and sleep wishes,
eP X
