Babies and Daylight Savings

For some people, the time change to daylight savings in spring simply means getting an hour more light at the end of the day. For parents of young children though it can mean disturbed sleep and fussy babies. Make sure you’re ready for the daylight savings time change by reading this guide.

What is daylight savings

Daylight saving time (or as it’s more commonly known ‘daylight savings time’) was introduced into Australia as an energy conservation measure during WWI. The clocks go forward in spring, giving people in NSW, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and the ACT another hour of daylight each day. If you’re a parent, your first question is probably ‘when does the time change for spring’ (the first Sunday in October). But your next question is definitely, how will it affect my baby?

Does daylight savings affect babies sleep

There’s not much scientific evidence to suggest daylight savings affects babies sleep patterns but parents will tell you they definitely see a difference. Here’s what you might be seeing.

Which age groups struggle with daylight savings?

Newborns are usually fine with time changes, but older bubs might struggle. “Older babies and toddlers can be more significantly affected by the daylight saving time transitions due to their more established sleep routines and developing circadian rhythms,” says Kate Mejaha, Nursing Manager at Tresillian. “They experience sleep disruptions, increased fussiness and difficulty adjusting to the new schedule.”

Will naps be affected, too?

Naps may look different for a while but not for the reasons you might think. “Often naptime is affected by changes in the parents’ schedule,” Kate says. “When daylight savings begins or ends, parents often adjust their own routines, which can mean changes in mealtimes, wake-up times and bedtime routines, all of which can impact nap schedules.”

How to help your baby adjust to daylight savings

Here are some techniques to prepare for daylight saving time

The Gradual Adjustment Method

Incrementally changing what time your baby sleeps in the lead up to the time change can help for a seamless transition. This table shows you how to change sleep times from the Wednesday before daylight saving time in October. Bring feed times and nap times forward 15 minutes a day, too.

Why this method can work for your baby

This method allows the body’s circadian rhythm to adjust more naturally,” Kate says. “For infants over 6 months and for toddlers, shifting the sleep schedule by 15 minutes earlier each night in the week leading up to the time change may reduce the disruptive impact of losing or gaining an hour.

Kate says this approach isn’t needed for newborns. “Babies don’t have established sleep-wake rhythms,” she says. From about the age of 4 to 6 months, a baby’s sleep patterns gradually become more developed and they begin to recognise the difference between day and night.”

Remember to set up the room for sleep like you normally would and dress your child in a wrap, sleepsuit or their favourite pyjamas. 

The faster adjustment method

This works well for older infants, toddlers, or young ones who aren’t as easily exhausted. It allows for a bigger shift in the routine within a smaller framework of time. Start this two days before the time shift occurs. Try out these tips:

• Delay bedtime for at least 30 minutes in the evening
• Keep the lights on longer during the night
• Move nap times by 30 minutes each day or shorten nap times.

Cold turkey approach

If your child is slightly older and manages change well, you can try the cold turkey approach to ‘spring forward’. Simply follow your baby’s regular bedtime routine but do everything according to the new time on the clock. “You can ride the storm and bring everything back in line the week or so after the clocks change,” Kate says.

General sleep tips for babies and toddlers

No matter what your approach to daylight savings, here are some general hints and tips that can help when your baby’s sleep is disturbed

Have a consistent bedtime routine

Having a defined bedtime routine sends a signal to your baby that it’s time to sleep. “During disruptions, keeping things the same as much as you can is the best strategy,” Kate says. “Follow the same bedtime routine that your child has come to learn means it’s time for sleep – that might include a bath, massage, book, special song, or something else that is calming for your children and you.

Having a range of baby sleep essentials on hand can help, too. “For example, children learn that when I get into my sleepsuit, or hear my white noise or the blinds are closed and my sleep book is read then these are my cues to go to sleep,” says Kate

Be patient and ask for help

Getting babies to sleep isn’t always easy. “Be patient, persistent and consistent, and seek support when needed,” Kate says. “Tresillian child and family health nurses are available every day of the week for free advice on these issues via the Care line 1300 272 736.”