An extra hour to get cozy: evening routines and family well-being

Soft light, leaves turning golden, cooler temperatures… You’ve probably noticed that fall is slowly but surely settling in. Before the winter solstice arrives just ahead of Christmas, the season brings the familiar clock change, ushering us into a new rhythm. Here’s our guide to making the transition as smooth as possible and enjoying this cozy time with your baby to the fullest.

The clock change

In winter, we call this clock change a “return to normal.” Overnight from October 31 to November 1, 2026—Halloween night—the clocks will turn back from 2 a.m. to 1 a.m. For parents, this change is generally a little easier than the summer one. The kids may wake you up “earlier,” but you’ll have an extra hour to enjoy together as a family. Fall brings a return to cozy family life: warming our bodies, hearts, and senses in countless ways and taking time to reconnect… Like any change, the shift may take some getting used to, but there’s no need to worry. That’s why a good bedtime routine matters: it helps your baby feel at home. 

How can you prepare for the clock change? 

You can help prepare your little one’s body and mind for the change. For example, a week or a few days beforehand, try pushing back bedtime. If your baby goes to bed at 19H30, shift bedtime by 5 to 10 minutes at a time until it’s naturally about an hour later by the end of the week. For newborns, the KUKO bassinet makes it easy to carry your baby from room to room—for example, to settle them to sleep in the living room before moving them to the bedroom…

That early wake-up time may feel a bit abrupt at first, but you’ll see: little by little, your baby will find their rhythm again and adjust their body clock! 

A few tips for a sleep-friendly bedtime routine

Whether or not the clocks change, little ones love routines. Repeating familiar activities and moments helps reassure them and makes bedtime easier. And since a baby’s sleep helps their parents sleep, that’s quite a priority! 

When should you start a bedtime routine? 

As early as you can! Not right after bringing your baby home from the hospital, of course, but around 4–5 months is a great time to establish a few habits. You can build on them as your baby becomes more aware and grows.

The importance of familiar cues 

A bedtime routine can begin at around 4 months with very simple activities. Repeated each evening—even by different people in their own ways—they’ll signal to your baby that sleep is approaching. 

First, you could offer a bath, followed by breastfeeding or a bottle, all in a quiet, soothing setting with soft or even dimmed lighting. Then why not spend some time reading? At Charlie Crane Editions, we offer a collection of poems written especially for babies: https://www.charliecraneparis.com/collections/collection-recueil Your voice can reassure and soothe your baby as you whisper sweet words… 

As your child gets older, the bedtime routine may grow to include a bath, then a dinner with more and more solid foods, a bottle or nursing session, a longer story in bed or in a special reading nook, brushing their teeth, a kiss for their favorite stuffed animal, a cuddle with their parents… And why not sing a lullaby? Our little SABA chair is perfect for a reading nook.

What about playtime? 

Playtime is important for learning and discovering the world, but activities should suit the time of day. Before starting the bedtime routine, nothing beats some quiet play to help ease the transition toward sleep. For infants, that could mean a little time on a play mat, with a wooden play gym and soft toys! 

A few final tips for the clock change…

We strongly recommend continuing to expose your baby to natural light during the day. Rain or shine, let’s take a cue from Nordic families and make time to get outside, even in winter. Fresh air and, if possible, daylight are crucial for helping your baby fall asleep calmly. 

Conversely, darkness is also important for helping your baby gradually learn the difference between day and night. In the evening, complete darkness as night falls earlier can help your baby fall asleep… earlier. A win all around, unlike the summer clock change, which is harder on parents!  

You get the idea: repetition is key! Even if a nanny, dad, mom, or grandma does the routine a little differently, it gives your baby a reassuring point of reference. You can also use this ritual before naptime, but let in a little daylight so your child gets used to the different times of day… and night! The switch to winter time is your cue to go into hibernation mode: parents can curl up under a throw, while baby relaxes in their LEVO bouncer and rocks gently, enjoying these slower moments…