Clock Changes and Children: Bedtimes and Routines
Children follow their body clocks, not the wall clock, so a one-hour change can mean an hour of early waking in autumn or a late bedtime in spring.
Babies and toddlers
Shift naps, meals and bedtime by 10 to 15 minutes a day for four or five days before the change. In autumn a child who wakes at 06:00 may wake at what the clock calls 05:00, so a blackout blind and a clock that shows when it is time to get up can help.
School-age children
In spring the Monday morning after the change is often the hardest. Starting the bedtime shift on the Wednesday before, and keeping morning light bright, makes the transition easier. In autumn, hold bedtime at the new clock time and avoid late weekend lie-ins.
This is general information, not medical advice. Speak to a health visitor or GP if sleep problems persist.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take children to adjust?
Most children adapt within a few days to a week, although it can take longer for babies and light sleepers.
Clock change guides
- What Is Daylight Saving Time (DST)? A Plain-English GuideWhat daylight saving time is, how it works in the UK, Europe and the US, why it exists, its history, who uses it and the argument over scrapping it.
- Why Do the Clocks Go Back in October? The Real ReasonThe clocks go back in autumn to return the UK to GMT, so winter mornings are lighter. The history, the rule, what time it happens and what changes for you.
- When Do the Clocks Go Forward Again After Going Back?When the UK clocks go forward again after the autumn change, how long the UK stays on GMT, when evenings get lighter and how to remember to reset your clocks.