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How to Treat Early Morning Wakings in Babies and Toddlers

Babies Early Morning Wakings

Waking too early is so draining—on the parent as much as the child. And it is quite common for your baby or toddler is wake before 6 AM. Early morning wakings plague many parents who find themselves seeking to know how their little one can sleep through a longer night. Regardless of whether it is early morning wakings baby or early morning wakings toddler that troubles you, knowing why this is happening and using appropriate sleep solutions are key.

In this all-encompassing guide, we are going to find out why babies and toddlers experience early morning wakings, how to fix them, and what you can do to help your baby sleep until a more comfortable hour.

Why Do Babies and Toddlers Wake Up Early in the Morning?

Babies and toddlers have more brief sleep cycles compared to the adult population; they are generally at a high risk of suffering from early morning wake-ups. If the baby wakes every time between 4 AM to 6 AM, then consider the following facts:

1. Normal Sleep Cycle

Sleep gets much lighter towards early morning. Because of the sleep cycle and their light condition, babies, as well as toddlers, would fully wake instead of entering the other sleep cycles.

2. Hunger

Early morning waking baby problems often are associated with hunger, particularly for younger babies who still require nighttime feedings. If the child is not being fed adequately during the day, they might wake up too early seeking to be fed.

Also Read: Finding the Best Milk for Toddlers: 2025

3. Problems in the Sleep Environment

A room that’s too bright, too noisy, or too cold can cause early morning wakings. Even subtle changes in light exposure can tell a baby’s brain that it’s time to wake up.

4. Too Much or Too Little Daytime Sleep

Nap schedules play a huge role in toddlers’ early morning waking. If naps are too short, overtiredness can lead to early risings. If naps are too long or too late in the day, they can interfere with morning wake-up times.

5. Overtiredness

Many parents feel that keeping their babies awake late will make them sleep longer; however, often the opposite occurs. An overtired baby or toddler will often have higher cortisol levels, resulting in early morning wakings.

How to Fix Early Morning Wakings for Babies and Toddlers

1. Change Bedtime and Nap Times

Finding the right balance between naps and bedtime is key. If your child is waking up too early, consider adjusting their schedule:

  • Ensure bedtime is appropriate for their age. Most babies and toddlers do best with a bedtime between 6:30 PM and 8:00 PM.
  • Make sure daytime naps are structured properly. Babies who nap too much during the day or have naps too close to bedtime may wake up earlier in the morning.
  • For toddlers, cap naps if necessary. If your toddler sleeps too long during the day, gradually reduce nap duration to prevent early morning waking toddler problems.

Have a Look: Guide to the 2 to 1 Nap Transition: Signs, Strategies, and Solutions

2. Create the Ideal Sleep Environment

The sleeping environment has much to do with how long your child sleeps. Small changes may help decrease the early morning wake-ups.

  • Blackout curtains: Light can wake the brain, so ensuring the room remains dark may stop early morning wakings baby.
  • Comfortable temperature: Sleep temperature is said to be in the range of 65-72°F or 18-22°C.
  • Use a white noise machine: This can help drown out early morning noises that may wake your baby.
  • Dress your baby comfortably: Make sure they aren’t too hot or cold and that diapers are dry to prevent discomfort.

3. Teach Independent Sleep Skills

Babies and toddlers, who rely on external sleep aids such as rocking or feeding, may have difficulties resettling when they wake during the early hours of the morning. Independent sleep skills can help with the following:

  • Put your baby down drowsy but awake. They will learn how to self-soothe.
  • Don’t rush in at the first sound. Allow them some time to drift back to sleep.
  • Introduce a sleep training method that works for your family. Gentle sleep training methods can encourage longer sleep durations.

4. Feed for Hunger Before Bedtime

Feed for Hunger Before Bedtime to Avoid Early Morning Wakings

If hunger is causing early morning wakings baby problems, make sure they are getting enough calories throughout the day:

  • For babies under 6 months, night feedings may still be necessary. A dream feed around 10 PM may help extend sleep.
  • For older babies and toddlers, add a bedtime snack. Feed them a protein-rich snack before bed, such as yogurt or banana with peanut butter, to keep them satisfied.

5. Gradually Change the Wake-Up Time

If your child has become accustomed to waking up early, it’s time to gradually change the wake-up time:

  • Keep the room dark until it is time to wake up. This reinforces that it is still sleep time.
  • Use an “Okay to Wake” clock for toddlers. These visual clocks help toddlers understand when it’s time to get up.
  • Avoid feeding or playing immediately upon waking. If your baby wakes up too early, keep interactions minimal to avoid reinforcing the early wake-up habit.

Also Read: Vitamin B Complex 8 Excellent Health Benefits

6. Avoid Reinforcing Early Rising

If your baby or toddler wakes up too early, avoid rushing in too quickly. Instead:

  • Wait a few minutes before responding. Sometimes, they will fall back asleep on their own.
  • Keep interactions quiet and calm. If they need a diaper change or a quick feed, do so in a dimly lit room with minimal stimulation.
  • Gradually shift their wake-up time. If they wake at 5 AM, try leaving them in the crib until 5:10 AM, then 5:20 AM, until they naturally adjust.

7. Address Sleep Regressions

Sleep regressions can lead to early morning waking baby dilemmas. These stages are temporary but may disrupt sleep.

  • Be consistent with their sleep routines. Avoid introducing new sleep crutches during the regression.
  • Provide comfort, but do not encourage new habits. It is okay for a quick cuddle, but avoid rocking them back to sleep if they have slept independently before.

What to Do When Your Baby or Toddler Wakes Too Early?

What to Do When Your Baby or Toddler Wakes Too Early?

If your child wakes up too early, how you respond can either reinforce or break the habit. Here’s what to do:

For Babies (0-12 Months):

  • Wait Before Intervening: If your baby wakes up at 5 AM but isn’t crying, give them a few minutes to see if they’ll fall back asleep.
  • Enter the Room without Light or Much Talk: If you have to go into the room, do not switch the lights on or talk too much. Maintain it as minimal as possible.
  • Skip the First Feed Time: In case you let your baby eat as soon as they wake up in the morning, they tend to relate their waking time in the morning with eating. Try to prolong this first morning feeding time gradually.

For Toddlers (12+ Months):

Also Read: 7 Essential Nutrients for Strengthening the Child’s Immunity

  • Use an “Okay to Wake” Clock: These clocks change color when it’s time to wake up. Explain to your toddler that they should stay in bed till the clock changes color.
  • Encourage Quiet Time: If they wake up too early, provide quiet toys or books in their crib or bed and let them entertain themselves until an appropriate wake-up time.
  • Reinforce the Desired Wake Time: When they wake up at an appropriate hour, greet them with excitement and positivity. This helps reinforce good sleep habits.

When to Seek Help for Early Morning Wakings

If your baby or toddler continues to wake up too early despite making adjustments, it may be time to seek professional advice. Signs you may need help include:

  • Your baby has been waking up consistently before 5 AM for more than two weeks.
  • Toddler early morning waking is causing extreme crankiness or resistance to napping during the day.
  • You’ve tried changing schedules, optimizing the sleep environment, and addressing hunger without success. A pediatric sleep consultant can identify underlying sleep disruptions and develop a customized sleep plan.

Final Thoughts

Early morning wakings can be stressful, but by using the proper strategies, most babies and toddlers can learn to sleep until a more reasonable hour. With adjusted sleep schedules, an optimized sleep environment, and encouragement of independent sleep skills, you can help fix early morning waking baby and early morning waking toddler problems over time.

Remember, sleep changes take time. Stay consistent, be patient, and soon enough, your little one will be sleeping longer—allowing everyone in the house to start the day well-rested! Visit here.

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