By Dawn Oliver, Certified Postpartum Doula & Sleep Consultant

Through our Birth and Beyond Nesting™ approach at Compassionate Care Doula Services, LLC

🌙 When the Clocks “Fall Back”

When daylight saving time ends, we gain an hour — but for parents, it can feel like losing one! Babies and young children don’t reset their internal clocks overnight. Their bodies still wake up and feel sleepy based on the old time, which can lead to early morning wake-ups, short naps, and overtired evenings.

The good news? With gentle adjustments and consistency, your baby’s sleep routine can settle back into rhythm within about a week. 💕

🩵 Gentle Ways to Ease the Transition

1️⃣ Shift bedtime gradually.

Start adjusting bedtime 10–15 minutes later each night a few days before the time change. This helps your baby’s internal clock catch up slowly.

2️⃣ Keep mornings dark and calm.

The extra morning light can make babies wake up earlier. Try blackout curtains and white noise to help them stay asleep until it’s time to get up.

3️⃣ Expose them to natural light during the day.

Sunlight is one of the best ways to reset your baby’s circadian rhythm. Get outside for a morning walk or afternoon playtime in the daylight.

4️⃣ Stay consistent with bedtime routines.

Familiar rituals — bath, feeding, storytime, and cuddles — help your baby’s body know it’s time for rest, even if the clock says otherwise.

🌿 Be Patient and Gentle with Yourself

Even with preparation, you might notice a few rough nights or cranky mornings. That’s perfectly normal. Sleep is a journey, not a straight line. Offer extra comfort, lean on your support system, and remember: this transition is temporary.

Your consistency and love are what make the biggest difference. You’re doing great, even if sleep feels off right now. 🌙

💬 Need More Support?

If your baby struggles with sleep changes or you’re feeling overwhelmed, personalized sleep consulting through our Birth and Beyond Nesting™ approach can help create gentle, effective routines for your family.

Let’s bring rest back to your home — one night at a time. 💕

📩 compassionatecaredoula123@gmail.com

🌐 CompassionateCareDoula.com