262. How to Handle the Fall Time Change With Babies, Toddlers & Kids

Free Fall Time Change Cheat Sheet Want an easy way to map out your child's schedule for the fall time change? Allison's free Fall Time Change Cheat Sheet allows you to plug in your child's current sleep schedule and see exactly how to adjust naps and bedtime on Sunday. ____________________________ This year, Halloween falls the night before the clocks fall back. Here's how to handle both. The fall time change can be tough on babies, toddlers, and kids, especially when "falling back" suddenly turns a 6:30 a.m. wakeup into 5:30 a.m. In this episode, pediatric sleep coach Allison Egidi walks parents through exactly how to handle the fall time change without spending a week trying to shift their child's sleep schedule. She explains why she doesn't recommend gradually adjusting your child's schedule in the days before the clocks change and shares a simple plan for getting through the transition in about 24 to 48 hours. This year, there's an added wrinkle: Halloween falls on the Saturday night before the fall time changes. Allison talks about how to handle a later Halloween bedtime, what to expect Sunday morning, and how to get your child back on track. She also shares an update on the Sunshine Protection Act, including where the legislation stands and why the American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends permanent standard time rather than permanent daylight saving time. In this episode, Allison covers: Why the fall time change can lead to early morning wakeups Why babies and toddlers can be particularly sensitive to the time change Why she does not recommend gradually shifting your child's schedule before the clocks change What to do with naps on the Sunday after the time change How much to adjust bedtime on Sunday night Why you should return to your regular schedule on Monday How a rescue bedtime can help when your child is overtired How to handle the fall time change when Halloween causes a later bedtime Specific tips for newborns and children who no longer nap How morning light can help reset your child's body clock Why consistent bedtime routines are especially important during a time change What parents need to know about the Sunshine Protection Act How long it typically takes kids to adjust to the new schedule Have Questions After the Time Change? Allison will be hosting a free Fall Time Change Sleep Q&A on Friday, November 6 at 12 p.m. ET on Instagram and Facebook. Bring your questions about early wakings, messy naps, Halloween sleep, or anything else that comes up during the transition. Chapter Markers: 00:00 A Funny Mom Life Story About a Clean Office 02:28 Fall Time Change: What Parents Need to Know 03:11 The Fall Time Change and 5 AM Wakeups 04:00 Sunshine Protection Act Update 05:33 Why Permanent Standard Time May Be Better for Sleep 06:30 Why the Fall Time Change Is Hard on Kids 07:56 Why You Shouldn't Shift Your Child's Schedule Ahead of Time 08:50 What to Do on Saturday Night 09:30 The Sunday Plan: Adjusting Naps and Bedtime 10:18 Why Monday Is the Key to Getting Back on Track 11:00 Using a Rescue Bedtime After the Time Change 11:45 How to Handle Halloween and the Time Change 12:43 Tips for Newborns and Older Kids 14:00 Morning Light, Routines, and Other Sleep Tips 15:06 The Simple 24–48 Hour Fall Time Change Plan 16:00 Free Fall Time Change Cheat Sheet + Sleep Q&A Click here to listen to the episode on YouTube Looking for expert guidance on your child's sleep? Allison offers two free age-specific guides to help you discover how much sleep kids need to thrive—at any age. Get your free copy now: 0-2 Years Old or 3 to 10 years old From baby sleep to toddler sleep, daycare naps to sleep training—How Long 'Til Bedtime? is the podcast for parents who want practical, guilt-free sleep tips they can actually use. Hosted by pediatric sleep coach Allison Egidi, each episode delivers real solutions for every stage—from navigating newborn sleep struggles and weaning night feedings to helping your 3-year-old fall asleep independently (and stay asleep!). Whether you're trying to make sense of daycare sleep patterns, craving your evenings back, or simply need a working mom podcast to keep you grounded, you're in the right place. Want more from Allison? Sign up here to get her weekly email with podcast updates and other helpful parenting topics. Enjoying How Long 'Til Bedtime? Your rating and review help Allison reach and support more parents. On Apple Podcasts: Click here, scroll to the bottom, rate the show, and tap "Write a Review." On Spotify: Click here to leave a rating or review. Don't miss an episode—subscribe so you're always up to date! Connect with Allison: Instagram | Facebook | Website | YouTube