The Clock Change - A Nanny's Guide to Managing Earlier Mornings

When the clocks go back in October, many parents start to worry, especially if they already have an early riser on their hands.

Literally all of the families I have worked with have feared the clock change at some point, especially when we have just settled on a working routine. The best part is that

most children adapt surprisingly well. While the first few mornings can feel challenging, a little preparation can make the transition much smoother for everyone.

You are probably reading this too late (because I posted it late - Sorry, life happened!), but the good news is that it is never too late to adjust sleep, and you can get back to normal anytime!

Before You Panic About Early Wake-Ups

One thing I always encourage parents to consider is whether early waking is actually causing a problem.

If your child wakes early but is happy, energetic and coping well throughout the day, they may simply be getting the amount of sleep they need. Not every child is naturally programmed to sleep until 7am, and that sucks honestly if you are not an early riser, but it's completely normal.

Where I become more concerned is when a child wakes early and still seems exhausted, struggles through the morning or regularly falls asleep unintentionally during the day or their behaviour changes. In those cases, it may be worth looking at their overall sleep routine and whether they're getting enough rest.

Looking at the Whole Day

One of the biggest mistakes I see parents make is focusing only on bedtime.

Sleep doesn't begin at bedtime. It starts from the moment your child wakes up. Naps, meal times, activity levels, time outdoors and the overall rhythm of the day all influence how well a child sleeps at night.

As I always say, everything around children is connected. If one area is out of balance, it can feel as though nothing is working. But when we look at the whole child and the whole day, things often start to make much more sense.

It’s holistic. When helping families adjust to the autumn clock change, I always look at the entire day rather than trying to fix everything by moving bedtime alone.

How I Help Children Prepare for the Clock Change

As I said before, don’t worry if you are doing this in November or even December if sh!t hit the fan! You can adjust your baby’s routine any time it goes haywire. Just save this for those days!

If your child already wakes early, I recommend making small adjustments a few days before the clocks change.

Instead of suddenly expecting them to stay asleep for an extra hour, gradually shift their day forward.

You can do this by:

• Extending awake periods slightly where appropriate

• Moving naps around 15 minutes later each day

• Gradually shifting mealtimes

• Moving bedtime later in small steps

  
  

The goal is to help your child's body clock adjust naturally rather than forcing a sudden change overnight.

Why Consistency Matters

One thing I've learned from years of caring for children is that consistency almost always wins.

Parents will often move bedtime later for one night and expect to see a difference the following morning. Unfortunately, children's bodies don't usually work that quickly.

When you're adjusting sleep schedules, whether for the clock change or simply to encourage later mornings, it's important to stick with the new routine for several days before deciding whether it's working. Children often need a little time to settle into the new rhythm.

Don't Forget About Naps

Another common mistake is adjusting bedtime while leaving naps exactly where they are.

If you're trying to shift your child's body clock, naps usually need to move too.

Think of it as moving the entire day's rhythm rather than changing one part of the schedule. When naps, meals and bedtime all work together, children tend to adapt much more easily.

Why the Spring Clock Change Feels Easier

Interestingly, the spring clock change is often less stressful for parents.

When the clocks move forward in March, children naturally wake later according to the clock, which is exactly what many parents have been hoping for.

The autumn change is harder because we're working against a shift towards earlier mornings, which is why a little planning can be so helpful.

My Biggest Piece of Advice

Try not to overthink it. Be consistent and prepare ahead.

Most children are far more adaptable than we give them credit for. A few days of consistency, a little flexibility and realistic expectations are usually enough to help them settle into the new routine.

Remember, the goal isn't a perfect schedule. It's creating a predictable rhythm that helps your child feel secure, well rested and confident about what comes next. That's what supports good sleep all year round, not just when the clocks change.