Six sleep tips for when the clocks go back

Ah, the clocks ‘fall’ back, and you can practically hear the cheers from child-free folks everywhere celebrating that extra hour of sleep. But for us parents? Yeah... not so much. That promised hour of extra shut-eye rarely shows up when your little one decides 6am is the new 7am. Ouch.

Published 21/10/24 by Amy Blanchard

Six sleep tips for when the clocks go back

And while our phones kindly take care of the time change, it can take a bit longer for those tiny body clocks to catch up. But don’t worry, we’ve got your back! Here are six tried-and-tested tips to help your kiddos sleep soundly when the clocks go back.

Ease them in sloooooowly

Start easing into the new time about a week before the change. Gradually move your kiddo’s bedtime by 10 minutes later each night. By the time the clocks rewind, they’ll be on the new schedule - fingers crossed they’ll stay in bed until the "real" wake-up time. If your mini-me is a bit out of sorts, don’t stress. They’ll soon settle into the new rhythm.

Pro tip: If your little one is still napping, adjust those times too. And don’t forget their meal and milk schedule! Baby steps.

Tire them out

//images.ctfassets.net/l6vo76cztcax/7vJz0nVu3mKyQpw3CMc2HX/510de9424c9db10c5de3771aa87eac15/Blog_entry_images__1_.pngA tuckered-out tot is a sleepy tot. A little physical activity can go a long way in ensuring a smooth bedtime routine. Whether it's Monday morning mischief or Friday night family dance-offs, aim for 20 to 30 minutes of active play three or four times a week. Load up your Creative Tonie with some hip-hoppin' tunes and watch those tiny dancers shake a leg to remixed nursery rhymes. It’s a win-win!

Steer clear of screens 

As tempting as it is to calm things down with a tablet or the TV, the blue light from screens actually delays sleepiness! Instead, bring the movie magic to life, minus the screens, with our Marvel and Disney Tonies.

Keep calm and carry on

Here at tonies®, we’re all about relaxation for little ones, and our Sleepy Friends range is perfect for winding down. These soothing friends offer gentle melodies and a comforting glow that helps your mini snoozer drift off peacefully. Bonus: The Sleepy Sheep Night Light auto powers off after 30 minutes, so no late-night tiptoeing needed!

Did you know 91% of Toniebox families say bedtime got easier since using tonies®? It’s like a magical sleep solution - who knew?!

Stick to the routine 

Kids thrive on routine, and even with the clock change, sticking to your usual pre-bedtime rituals - like bath time, bottle, and a favourite Tonie story - can help them feel secure. You’re shifting the timing, not the structure, and that consistency is key.

Black it out  

Blackout blinds? They’ll soon be your best friend. With brighter mornings on the horizon, keeping things dark will help your little one sleep in. Fun fact: kids are actually more sensitive to light than adults!

//images.ctfassets.net/l6vo76cztcax/7bpGquDBALMYchOknuJQG6/089bee2a3629849e20b1c89ebbbcadfb/Blog_entry_images.pngIf your little one isn’t a fan of complete darkness, that’s where our Sleepy Sheep Night Light really shines. It provides a comforting glow with soft melodies to soothe them to sleep, and you can rest easy knowing it’ll automatically turn off after 30 minutes, giving everyone a peaceful night.

Kiddos and changing clocks can be a tricky mix, but don’t sweat it - your trusty Toniebox and our Sleepy Friends range are here to help. And remember, experts say it’s only a matter of time (pun intended) before their natural body clock adjusts. In the meantime, maybe treat yourself to an extra-strong coffee or two. You’ve got this!

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About Amy Blanchard

Amy Blanchard
...
Amy’s favourite Tonie is Matilda. From a very young age, she was utterly obsessed with Matilda. She watched and read it so many times that she practically had the whole script memorised. As she grew older, she remained just like Matilda, a bookworm, a trickster, and a dreamer!