The Time Change Challenge
On November 2, 2025, clocks in the US “fall back” one hour. Great news if you’re craving an extra hour of sleep, except babies don’t exactly get the memo. Their body clocks still run on the old schedule, which can mean extra-early mornings and cranky evenings until things reset.
Every family approaches this transition differently. Some prefer to “just wing it” and let their baby’s rhythm naturally fall into line. Others like a structured plan that prevents those 5:00am wake-ups from ever starting.
The good news? Both approaches can work. Here’s your guide to choosing the one that fits your parenting style.
Option 1: Wing It
This is the laid-back approach. Instead of carefully shifting bedtime in the days leading up to the time change, you simply change the clocks on November 3rd and deal with the adjustment as it comes.
What to expect:
- Your baby may wake an hour earlier for a few days (think 5:30 instead of 6:30).
- Nap times and meals may feel “off” temporarily.
- Most babies naturally adjust within a week.
Tips to make it easier:
- Light matters: Expose your baby to morning daylight to help reset their internal clock.
- Blackout blinds: Keep their room dark to discourage early wake-ups.
- Stay flexible: If naps feel out of sync, shorten or stretch wake windows as needed.
This approach is perfect if you’re not stressed by a few early mornings or if your baby tends to roll with changes easily.
Option 2: Plan It
If the thought of 5am mornings makes you shudder, you can ease your baby into the new time by gradually delaying their schedule in the days before.
Why later, not earlier?
Since the clock will move back one hour, your baby will feel like waking earlier on Day 1. By gently shifting naps and bedtime later in advance, you “absorb” that extra hour bit by bit, so the transition isn’t as jarring.
Sample 4-Day Adjustment Plan (for a 7:00pm bedtime):
- Wednesday, Oct 29: Bedtime 7:15pm
- Thursday, Oct 30: Bedtime 7:30pm
- Friday, Oct 31: Bedtime 7:45pm
- Saturday, Nov 1: Bedtime 8:00pm
- Sunday, Nov 2 (clock changes overnight): Back to a 7:00pm new time bedtime
- All naps and meals shift later in the same increments.
Pro tips:
- Use dim lights and calm routines in the evening to encourage later bedtime.
- Be gentle: if your baby is overtired, stop pushing and reset the next day.
- Some babies adjust better in 15-minute increments; others can handle 30.
This approach works best if your little one thrives on predictability or you want to avoid multiple mornings of overtired tears (yours or theirs!).
A Note for Parents
Neither approach is “better.” You know your baby (and yourself) best. Some families embrace a few rough days. Others like to stay ahead of the curve. Both are valid.
And if you do end up with a week of early mornings? Know you’re not alone. Daylight Savings throws off plenty of households, and your baby will get back on track soon.
Bonus: Comfort Counts
Whether you’re winging it or planning it, a familiar comfort item can make transitions easier. A soothing Riff Raff Sleep Toy or Weighted Plushie helps cue your baby that it’s still “sleep time,” even if the clock feels confusing. It’s one more way to bring calm during a week of change.