Why your child’s bedtime might be all over the place this weekend

(Image: Getty Images)

Clocks spring forward one hour on Sunday October 4, 2026 in most of Australia’s states and territories.

Daylight saving is here, which means longer evenings, more time outside and, unfortunately for parents, a little disruption to the usual bedtime routine.

When the clocks move forward, kids can suddenly find themselves going to bed when it still feels like daytime. And if your child is anything like ours, telling them that the clock says bedtime when the sun is still shining may not exactly go down well.

Thankfully, a little preparation can make the transition easier.

Daylight saving is back: Here’s when the clocks change

Spring is officially here, which means longer evenings, warmer days and, depending on where you live, daylight saving is about to kick in.

If you’re in NSW, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania or the ACT, you’ll need to move your clocks forward by one hour this weekend.

Daylight saving starts at 2am on Sunday, October 4, 2026, when the clocks jump forward to 3am. Yep, that means losing an hour of sleep. However, you’ll get that hour back when daylight saving ends on Sunday, April 4, 2027, when the clocks move from 3am back to 2am.

If you’re in Queensland, Western Australia or the Northern Territory, you can sleep easy — there’s no clock changing for you.

Daylight saving: Toddler girl laughing — The clocks are moving forward. Here’s how to get kids ready. *(Image: Getty Images)*

3 ways to help kids when the clocks change

1. Start shifting bedtime before the clocks change

You don’t have to wait until Sunday night to make the adjustment. If your child is particularly sensitive to changes in their routine, try moving bedtime forward by 10 to 15 minutes in the days leading up to the clock change.

You can do the same with dinner, bath time and your usual bedtime wind-down, helping their body clock gradually adjust rather than making the change all at once.

2. Make the bedroom feel like bedtime

When the sun is still shining outside, convincing little ones it’s time for sleep can be tricky.

Keep their bedroom dark, cool and calm and stick to your usual bedtime routine as much as possible. Blackout blinds or curtains can be particularly helpful during those lighter evenings.

3. Don’t stress about a few wonky nights

And yes, you may have to repeat “it’s bedtime” approximately 47 times. It’s important to give everyone a little time to adjust.

Your child’s sleep might be slightly off for a few days, particularly if they’re younger or already a creature of routine. Keep mornings, meals and bedtime as consistent as you can and let their body clock catch up.

And remember, daylight saving isn’t forever. Just when everyone’s finally adjusted, you’ll probably have to do it all over again when the clocks change back.