As the clocks go back this weekend in the UK, many parents wonder how this time change will affect their baby’s breastfeeding routine. With the shift from British Summer Time to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), it’s important to consider how this hour difference can impact your little one's feeding schedule, especially if you're breastfeeding on demand or following a structured routine.
This guide will help you smoothly adjust your baby’s breastfeeding times, explain the potential impacts of not preparing, and offer practical tips to make this transition easier for both you and your baby.
Why the Clock Change Affects Your Baby's Breastfeeding Routine
When the clocks go back, your baby won’t automatically adjust to the new time. Their internal body clock continues on the old schedule, meaning they may wake up earlier than usual or demand feeds at times that no longer match the clock. This could lead to early waking, over tiredness, and a disrupted feeding pattern, especially in the first few days following the change.
How to Prepare for the Clocks Going Back
Gradually Shift Feeding Times
In the days leading up to the clock change, gradually move your baby’s feeding times by 10-15 minutes each day. If your baby typically feeds at 7:00 a.m., move it to 6:50 a.m., then 6:40 a.m., and so on. This slow adjustment helps align their feeding and sleep schedule with the new time.
Follow Hunger Cues
If you’re breastfeeding on demand, be mindful of your baby’s hunger cues. Babies, especially younger ones, often adjust on their own to time changes, but being flexible and responding to their needs will make the transition smoother.
Maintain a Consistent Routine
Stick to your usual bedtime routine, even as you shift the times. Babies thrive on routine, so consistent cues like a bath, lullabies, or quiet nursing in a dimly lit room will help signal to your baby that it’s time to wind down.
Pumping and Storing Breastmilk: Adjusting for the Clock Change
For breastfeeding mums who pump and store breastmilk, adjusting your pumping schedule for the clock change is equally important. If you pump at regular intervals or have set times for pumping during the day or night, gradually shifting these times by 10-15 minutes over a few days can help your body adapt without affecting your milk supply.
To ease the transition:
- Adjust pump times gradually, just like with feeding, so your body can adjust to the new schedule.
- Monitor your milk supply during this period. If you notice a dip, try pumping for a few extra minutes per session or adding an additional session temporarily until things stabilise.
- Check your stored milk. If you store milk based on time, label each bag or container with the time you pumped according to the old schedule, to avoid confusion when feeding.
Pumping mums often juggle work schedules or other commitments, so being mindful of the time change will help ensure your stored milk supply is ready for the shift and your baby’s feeding remains consistent.
What Happens If You Don’t Prepare
Without adjusting, your baby may wake earlier, expecting a feed, which can throw off the rest of their schedule. Earlier waking often leads to disrupted naps, earlier bedtimes, and an overtired baby. This over tiredness can make it harder for your baby to settle at night, leading to more frequent wake-ups. Over time, this disruption may resolve itself, but preparing ahead can reduce stress for both you and your baby.
Top Tips for Adjusting to the Time Change
Start Early
Begin making changes a few days before the clocks go back to avoid a sudden shift.
Use Natural Light
Expose your baby to morning light to help reset their internal clock, speeding up the adjustment process.
Offer Extra Comfort
Your baby may need extra soothing during this transition period, so be prepared to offer more nursing sessions or skin-to-skin contact for comfort.
Be Flexible
Follow your baby’s cues during the transition. Their internal body clock may take a few days to adjust, and being responsive to their needs will make it easier.
Final Thoughts
The UK clock change can impact your baby’s breastfeeding routine, but with preparation, you can minimise disruption. Gradually adjusting feeding and pumping times, maintaining a consistent routine, and paying attention to your baby’s hunger cues will help both you and your baby transition smoothly. With some patience and flexibility, your baby’s feeding and sleep patterns will return to normal within a few days of the clock change.