How to handle the clocks going forward with a toddler

Well. We have only just got our daughter’s bedtime into a really good place, so of course the clocks are about to go forward and potentially throw a tiny bit of chaos into the mix.

I am very ready for the brighter evenings, more outdoor play, and generally feeling like the world has woken up again. But I would also quite like to keep the bedtime routine we worked very hard for, thank you very much. So if you are feeling slightly nervous about what the lighter evenings might do to sleep, same.

We are already entering our DIY blackout blinds era, and I thought I’d share a few tips in case you are also wondering how on earth this is all going to go.

1. Don’t assume everything is ruined if bedtime goes a bit wobbly

A funny bedtime or two does not mean all your hard work has gone out the window. It might just be a slightly odd few days while your little one adjusts.

2. Keep the routine feeling really familiar

Even if the clock says something different, the usual rhythm still helps. Bath, pyjamas, milk, story, cuddles, bed. Whatever your normal flow is, keeping it the same can be really grounding for them and for you to be honest.

3. Make the room as dark as possible

This is where our glamorous DIY blackout blind situation comes in. If it is bright outside and your toddler is looking at you like “absolutely not”, making the room feel properly night-time can really help. Blackout blinds, blackout curtains, a towel over the curtain rail, whatever gets the job done.

4. Expect a bit of resistance and try not to overthink it

If your little one suddenly seems wide awake, extra chatty, or completely unwilling to accept that bedtime is happening, it does not necessarily mean the whole routine is broken. It may just feel too light and too confusing for a couple of evenings.

5. Try to get outside in the morning if you can

A bit of daylight and fresh air earlier in the day can help reset everyone a bit. Nothing dramatic required. A little walk, a scoot, a run around the garden, all counts.

6. Use the brighter evenings to your advantage

The lovely bit is that you can squeeze in a bit more outdoor play later in the day. More fresh air and more toddler energy burnt off is never a bad thing, even if bedtime needs a little extra patience at first.

7. Keep the rest of the day fairly normal

You do not need to suddenly overhaul everything. Keeping naps, meals, and wind-down time roughly the same can make the whole transition feel less dramatic.

8. Be ready for a couple of funny days

It is not always just bedtime that gets a bit strange. Sometimes the whole day goes a bit wonky for a little while. You might get a slightly more tired toddler, a funny wake-up, or that classic overtired chaos by late afternoon.

9. Give it a few days before deciding it is a total disaster

This is the reminder I need to give myself too. Sometimes it is just a blip. A few odd evenings do not mean you need a brand new sleep strategy and a full emotional breakdown over the baby monitor.

10. Do what works for your child and ignore the pressure to get it perfect

Some toddlers barely notice. Some act like you have personally betrayed them. However your child responds, it is absolutely fine to do whatever practical things help make the transition smoother.

What we’re doing

Our plan is very simple. Stick to the bedtime routine, sort some DIY blackout blinds, make the most of the brighter evenings, and hope for the best. Very professional. Very calm. Not at all powered by snacks and mild panic.

If your little one is also quite attached to their bedtime routine, I see you. The brighter evenings are such a treat, but I am also going into this weekend with one eye on the clock and one eye on the window like it has personally offended me.