It's that time of year again. The clocks go back, you think you're getting a bonus hour and then your child is up at 5am with absolutely zero awareness of the injustice they are committing.

Sound familiar? You're not alone.

The good news is that a little prep can go a long way. Here's how to help your kids adjust without a week of chaos.

The 15-Minute Method

The most widely recommended approach from paediatric sleep experts is a gradual shift. For the four nights leading up to the time change, shift dinner and bedtime 15 minutes later each evening.

By the time the clocks change Sunday, their body clock has already quietly caught up.

• Night 1: push bedtime 15 mins later than usual
• Night 2: another 15 mins
• Night 3: another 15 mins
• Night 4 (Saturday): another 15 mins, landing at one full hour

Day naps will also need to adjust to line up with bedtime.

Simple, gentle, effective.

Keep the Routine Sacred

Whatever you do with the timing, don't mess with the sequence. A consistent bedtime routine following the same steps every night tells the brain it's time to calm down and get ready for sleep, no matter what the clock says.

Dinner, then bath, books, cuddles, keep the order exactly the same. The ritual is the signal.

Give It Time (And We Wish You Luck)

Children are more sensitive to time changes than adults, and it may take a week or two to become fully adjusted. If things feel a bit wobbly in the first few days, that's completely normal.

The only comfort we can offer is that you won't be alone. You’ll hear a collective sigh from parents across the country come Sunday morning.

At Edwards & Co, we understand parenting isn’t always predictable, especially when it comes to sleep. Time changes can throw things off, but with a little patience and the right approach, your routine will find its rhythm again.

We’re here to support you through every stage, with practical tips, real-life advice, and products designed to make everyday parenting just that little bit easier.