Goodbye Summer, Hello Darker Evenings! (The Daylight Savings Shift)
We've asked local Palmy Sleep expert, Laura Peacey to talk us how she sets up the family for the shift in clocks next weekend.
Is anyone else in total denial? I look outside at the sunshine and the t-shirt weather and my brain is convinced it’s still January. But the calendar doesn't lie: Autumn is officially here, and that means the clocks are about to shift.
✨✨✨ Sunday, 5th April 2026: The clocks go back one hour. ✨✨✨
For those without kids, this is a glorious night of extra sleep. But for those of us with little ones... well, babies aren't usually great at reading a clock! Without a plan, that 6:00 AM wake-up suddenly becomes a 5:00 AM wake-up. Yikes.
Don't worry, though. Whether you’re a strict routine lover or more a "go with the flow" parent, I’ve got a simple way to help your family adjust without the stress.
The Secret to the Shift
Our bodies decide when to wake based on three simple things: Light, Food, and Connection. To move your baby’s wake up time to the new time, we just need to slowly nudge those three things along.
You have two choices:
- The Proactive Approach: Start shifting a week before Sunday.
- The Reactive Approach: Start making the changes after the clocks move.
Personally, I like a mix of both! Starting a few days before daylight savings change makes the jump feel much smaller.
Your Step-by-Step Game Plan
The easiest way to do this is in 15-minute increments. If you start on the Wednesday before the change, it looks like this:
- Wednesday and Thursday (Days 1 & 2): Move everything (wake time, naps, meals, and bedtime) 15 minutes later. If they usually nap at 9:00 AM, aim for 9:15 AM.
- Friday and Saturday (Days 3 & 4): Push everything another 15 minutes. Now that 9:00 AM nap is 9:30 AM.
- Sunday and Monday (Days 5 & 6): NEW TIME – The clocks have officially changed! Essentially, we are still moving all wake ups and naps etc another 15 minutes but now we are at 8.45AM for that first nap (9:45 AM by the old time).
- Tuesday: Final push! Another 15 minute adjustment to now get back to napping at 9:00 AM on the new time.
Success! You’ve successfully moved the whole routine without a single "witching hour."
Pro Tip: If your baby wakes up early but is happy hanging out in their cot, leave them there until the "new" wake-up time. This helps their internal clock reset much faster!
Turning a "Problem" into a Win
If you’re already struggling with an Early Morning Wake-up, the thought of the clocks going back probably feels like a nightmare. 4:30 AM? No thank you!
But here is a little secret from a sleep expert: This is actually a great opportunity. Because the clock has shifted, you suddenly have an "extra hour" in the morning to work on resettling. It’s the perfect time to be firm, keep the room dark, and teach your little one that 5:00 AM is still night time.
If that sounds easier said than done, I’m here to hold your hand. My Early Morning Wakes Masterclass is designed to fix those crack-of-dawn starts for good—and it’s super affordable.
Let’s Keep the Good Sleep Going
Daylight savings is just one hurdle, but you don't have to do it alone. If you want weekly tips, encouragement, and a little bit of sleep-deprived solidarity delivered to your inbox, I’d love to have you in my community.
SIGN UP HERE for my free Weekly Sleep Advice
Talk soon, 💜 Laura Peacey
Infant and Child Sleep Consultant
Owner of the Peacey Sleep Club – affordable ongoing sleep support
Servicing Palmerston North and online.