Baby sleep and the clock change: ease into winter time

Clocks go back one hour on the last Sunday of October, which falls on 25 October 2026 across Europe. Start three or four days early and shift bedtime by ten to fifteen minutes a day. Feeds and naps move along in the same small steps. Your baby then barely notices the change.

Why the clock change unsettles your baby

Your baby cannot read a clock, but does feel hunger, light and tiredness. Your alarm moves an hour, your baby's body does not. That is why mornings suddenly start an hour too early.

Evenings feel different too, because it gets dark so early now. For most families the wobble lasts a few days and then settles. Taking the lead makes those days a lot calmer.

Shift the rhythm in small steps

Pick a starting day three or four days before the change. Put your baby down ten to fifteen minutes later each evening. Move feeds and naps along by the same amount. Write the times down if that helps you stay consistent.

By Sunday you are already close to the new time. No room for a run-up? Simply change the clock and correct afterwards in small steps. Our tips for when your baby does not want to sleep at night give you more to work with.

Use daylight as a natural alarm

Light is the strongest signal your baby has for day and night. Open the curtains straight after waking and get outside during the morning. Keep the evening dim and quiet instead. Bright screens and busy play push bedtime further away.

A fixed bedtime routine helps: bath, pyjamas, feed, a song. Dim the lamps about half an hour before bed. Our range for a good night's sleep makes that routine easier to keep up.

What if your baby wakes too early?

Wait a few minutes before you lift your baby out of bed. Keep the light low and your voice soft, so night still feels like night. Some babies settle faster with a pacifier that suits their age.

Keep the new daytime rhythm going, even after a short night. That gives your baby the clearest signal of all. Most families are back on track within a week. Worried about your baby's sleeping or drinking? Talk it through with your child health clinic or your doctor.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take a baby to adjust to the clock change?
Usually three to seven days. Build the rhythm up beforehand and it often goes faster.

Should I wake my baby to shift the rhythm?
During the day, yes. At night, no. Trimming a nap works better than breaking a night.

Can I simply ignore the clock change?
Yes, that is fine. Your baby usually adjusts within a week with steady days and plenty of daylight.