In case you'd forgotten (don't worry, we nearly did too), the clocks go forward once a year, at 1am on the last weekend of March and go back again at 2am on the final Sunday of October.
We chatted to sleep coach Dave Gibson, founder of sleepsite.co.uk, who specialises in providing lifestyle advice and hypnotherapy for families and children with sleep problems. Here are his seven brilliant baby sleep tips if you're worried the clock change will affect your baby's bedtime and sleep routine.
How to manage the clock change with a baby
1. Make changes gradually
Many parents have found success changing their little one's bedtime over the course of two weeks, a week, or a weekend, depending on the age and temperament of their little one. "For young children, it's often easiest to change the bedtime in 15-minute increments over a long weekend," says Dave. "If there is an adjustment, then it won't interfere with waking them up for nursery."
2. Tire them out
"Plan days with heavy activity, particularly physical activity, for the days on which you are putting the bedtime earlier," says Dave. "Naps will be easier to move back when children are more tired."
3. Have a bedtime wind down
When the clocks go forward in Spring it can be hard to deal with lighter evenings, especially during the transition, therefore at night dim the lights and close the curtains a half-hour or an hour before bedtime to encourage a sense that bedtime is coming. "Be sure that the windows have black-out shades as evenings stay lighter later," says Dave.
4. Adjust other activities
Over the days you change bedtime, be sure to change bath time, nap time and meal times too. "If the bedtime changes are gradual - say, 10 minutes over 6 days - then change the other activities by 10 minutes as well," says Dave.
5. Practice what you preach
"Be sure to adjust your own schedule in the same way you change your children's," says Dave. It will make managing the clock change and baby's routine changes easier for everyone.
6. Altering waking time
Make sure you adjust your baby’s routine to suit the new time change to avoid baby waking early, or sleeping too late, especially if they have school or nursery. "Don't let them oversleep in the morning or overcompensate at nap time for an early start, otherwise it will carry on to the next day," adds Dave.
7. Eat right for sleep
Always be careful with what your child eats close to bedtime. "Milk contains tryptophan which increases the amount of serotonin a natural sedative," says Dave. "A banana with milk provides vitamin B6 which helps convert the tryptophan to serotonin. Another fruit to consider is cherries which contain melatonin which the body produces to regulate sleep."
The clocks changing can be difficult for everyone but especially for little ones who thrive on routine. However, remember, any disruption to your baby or toddler's body clock tends to be temporary. Most children get back on schedule within three days.
Lorna White is a Senior Digital Writer and has written for Mother&Baby since 2020. She has a keen interest in a range of topics, from potty training and nutrition to baby names and maternity fashion.