As spring arrives in Australia, so does daylight saving time kicking off on Sunday, October 5th, 2025. While many of us look forward to longer evenings and more daylight, this one-hour shift can throw babies and toddlers sleep schedules out of balance. As a Sleep Consultant, this is one of the most common times for parents to feel anxious about knowing there will inevitably be sleep disturbances for their little ones.
Parents may notice earlier morning wake-ups, restless nights, or resistance at bedtime.
The good news? With a few gentle adjustments, you can help your little one adapt smoothly to the time change.
How Daylight Saving Affects Babies and Toddlers
When the clocks move forward, your baby’s circadian rhythm (internal body clock) is temporarily disrupted. Babies and toddlers thrive on routine, so even a 60-minute shift can affect their naps, bedtime, and wake-up times.
In addition, longer daylight hours mean bedrooms are lighter in the evening and early morning, which can make winding down for sleep more challenging.
Gentle Tips to Help Your Child Adjust
1. Gradually Shift the Routine
If you’d like a smoother transition, start adjusting bedtime and naps 4–7 days before October 5th. Move your baby’s schedule forward by 10–15 minutes each day until it matches the new time.
• Example: If bedtime is 7:00 p.m., shift it to 7:15 p.m., then 7:30 p.m., and so on. After the clocks move forward, bedtime will feel like “normal” again.
• Apply the same gradual shift to nap times and mealtimes too.
2. The One-Night Adjustment (Ideal for older toddlers)
Some families prefer tackling it in one go. On Saturday, October 5th, keep your child up an extra hour. They may then “sleep in” by an hour the next morning, putting them straight onto the new schedule. Be consistent with bedtime over the next 2–3 nights while their body clock catches up.
3. Stick to a Familiar Bedtime Routine
Your baby’s routine is their sleep signal. Whether it’s a bath, book, cuddles, or milk, keep the same order of events. The routine itself doesn’t change, only the clock time does. Familiarity provides comfort and reassurance.
4. Create a Dark, Sleep-Friendly Environment
• Block out the light: Longer evenings and earlier sunrises can interfere with sleep. Blackout curtains are the best solution, but even temporary fixes like black garbage bags or removable window covers can help.
• Use white noise: A consistent background sound can block household or outdoor noises and make the room feel cosy and calming.
• For older toddlers, introducing a Toddler Sleep Training Clock can also be incredibly helpful to help your child understand when its “morning” and an appropriate time to get out of bed.
5. Support Healthy Sleep in the Daytime
• Make sure naps are age-appropriate and restorative. Overtiredness makes it harder for babies to adjust.
• Spend plenty of time outdoors in natural light and include active play during the day. This exposure helps reset the body clock.
6. Manage Early Morning Wakings
Bright spring mornings often mean earlier wake-ups.
• Invest in blockout curtains to prevent sunlight from creeping in.
• For toddlers, try a sleep training clock, these visual cues help them understand when it’s okay to get up.
• Keep mornings calm and low-key; avoid turning on bright lights immediately after waking.
7. Be Patient and Flexible
Every child adjusts at their own pace, some may settle into the new routine in a couple of days, while others take a week. Stay consistent, but also allow flexibility if your baby needs an extra nap or earlier bedtime while they adjust.
Final Thoughts
The start of daylight saving time can be tricky, but it doesn’t have to derail your baby’s sleep. With a gradual approach, a consistent routine, and a dark, calm sleep environment, your little one will soon adapt.
Remember, patience is key. Just like adults, babies need a few days for their body clocks to reset. Before long, your family will be enjoying the brighter evenings and longer spring days, all while protecting healthy, restful sleep.
Written By: Carlene Rotblat from Sweet Dreamers Sleep Consulting.
Carlene is a Certified Gentle Baby and Toddler Sleep Consultant, AHPRA registered Nurse and mum with over 12 years of experience in the field. As a gentle sleep consultant, Carlene focuses on responsive and holistic approaches to sleep without the use of controlled crying or cry-it-out. She provides consultations and personalised sleep plans to families all across Australia and can assist children from 0 to 6 years of age.
Carlene works with families, teaching them how to support their little ones in a gentle way that fosters children’s needs for support and reassurance, whilst helping them to feel happy and confident to have better quality, independent sleep. You can find Sweet Dreamers Sleep Consulting at https://www.sweetdreamers.com.au (https://www.sweetdreamers.com.au/) or on Instagram @sweetdreamerssleepconsulting
