How to Handle Daylight Saving Time with a Newborn
Just when you finally start to find a rhythm with your baby, daylight saving time comes along to throw things off. You’ve worked so hard to build a routine, naps are finally happening, feedings are somewhat predictable, and then suddenly the clock “falls back” an hour. It can feel like starting over, especially when your baby decides 5:00 AM is the new 6:00 AM.
Start Early
If you can, begin adjusting a few days before the time change. Move your baby’s bedtime about 10 minutes later each night for 4 to 7 days. That slow, gentle shift helps your baby’s internal clock adjust without too much fuss. Think of it as giving their little body a head start before the clocks change.
And if life gets busy and you forget until the day of, that’s okay too. Babies are often more adaptable than we give them credit for.
Keep Your Routine the Same
Babies love predictability. Even though the clock changes, try to keep your daily rhythm consistent. Stick with your usual flow like feeding, bath, story, snuggles, and sleep. These small rituals help your baby feel secure and signal that it’s time to wind down, no matter what time it says on your phone.
If you’re adjusting bedtime, shift other parts of the day by the same amount, like meals and naps. Keeping everything in sync helps your baby’s body adjust more smoothly to the time change.
Adjust the Light and Sound
Light plays a big role in your baby’s sleep cues. When the sun starts rising earlier, keep the room dark in the morning with blackout curtains. If early-morning noises tend to wake your baby, try a white noise machine to create a calm, steady sound.
When it’s time to wake up, open the curtains and let in that morning light. Exposure to natural light helps your baby’s body clock understand that it’s daytime and time to be awake.
The “Do Nothing” Option
You don’t have to plan ahead if that feels like too much right now. Some families prefer to just roll with it. During the fall time change, you technically gain an hour, but your baby might still wake up at the same “biological” time. That means if your baby usually wakes at 6:00 AM, they may start waking closer to 5:00 AM for a few days.
It can be an adjustment, but most babies adapt naturally within a week. If letting the new schedule unfold on its own works for your family, that’s perfectly fine too.
Be Patient with Yourself Too
Transitions like this take time. Even with all the planning in the world, your baby might still be a little off for a few days, and that’s completely normal. Stick with your routine, stay consistent, and give yourself grace.
