Early Wake-Ups: Infants and Toddlers who get up far too early and tips on how to address it!

Is your precious little one waking up too early for the day? As a parent, it can be frustrating and exhausting to deal with early wake-ups. But fear not, there may be some reasons behind this early rising that can be easily resolved.

TOP Reasons your baby Might be Waking Up too Early for the Day

1. Discomfort: Your baby might be waking up early because they are uncomfortable in some way. Check their diaper, temperature, and surroundings to make sure they are cozy and content before bedtime.
2. Developmental milestones: Sometimes, babies wake early because they are going through a developmental leap. This might include learning to roll over, sit up, or crawl. These milestones can be exciting for your little one but may cause them to wake up early as they practice their new skills.
3. Over tiredness: Believe it or not, babies who are overtired may actually wake up earlier than those who are well-rested. Make sure your baby is getting enough naps during the day and isn't staying up too late to avoid this issue.
4. Bedtime is too early or too late: Going to bed can be either too early or too late for children, regardless of whether they nap. A bedtime set earlier than 7pm might lead even the best sleepers to wake up at 5am, based on how long they napped. Conversely, delaying bedtime in the hope of having them sleep longer usually doesn’t work and can lead to waking up at night, with many children continuing to rise before 6am.
5. Early morning light: As the sun rises earlier in the morning, natural light in your baby's room can signal their body to wake up too early or stay awake longer. Consider using blackout curtains or shades to keep the room dark and help your baby sleep later. Understanding the reasons for your baby's early awakenings can help you create a consistent bedtime routine and address the issue, leading to more restful sleep.
6. Hunger or some thirst: The early morning light can also trigger your baby's hunger cues, causing them to wake up earlier than usual. Consider adjusting their feeding schedule to ensure they are not waking up due to hunger and thirst. A full belly can help them sleep longer through the night.
7. Noisy environment: If your baby is easily disturbed by noises, they might be waking up too early because of outside sounds. Consider using white noise or blackout curtains to create a more peaceful sleep environment.
8. Daylight saving time: Changes in daylight saving time can mess with your baby's internal clock, causing them to wake up too early. Allow them time to adjust to the new schedule.
9. Illness or teething: If your baby is sick or teething, they might be waking up too early due to discomfort. Make sure to address any health concerns to help them get back to a normal sleep schedule.
10. Temperature changes: With the sun rising in the early morning, the temperature in your baby's room may also increase. If it gets too warm, your baby may wake up due to discomfort and not be able to fall back asleep.

By addressing these potential reasons, you can help your baby get the restful sleep they need and hopefully eliminate those early wake-up calls. 

TOP Tips to SHIFT EARLY RISERS

Do you find yourself waking up at the crack of dawn because your little one is an early riser? It can be exhausting to start your day before the sun even comes up, but fear not! With these top tips, you can help shift your baby's wake-up time to a more reasonable hour.

Tip #1. Establish a bedtime routine: A consistent bedtime routine can help signal to your baby that it's time to sleep. Incorporate calming activities like a bath, reading a book, or singing lullabies to help relax your little one before bedtime.

Tip #2. Create a sleep-conducive environment: Make sure your baby's sleep space is dark, quiet, and cool. Invest in blackout curtains to block out early morning light and use white noise machines to drown out any outside noises that may disrupt their sleep.

Tip #3. Adjust your baby's nap schedule: If your little one is taking long naps during the day, they may not be tired enough to sleep through the night. Try shortening their naps or adjusting the timing to ensure they are ready for a full night's sleep.

Tip #4. Gradually shift wake-up time: Instead of trying to change your baby's wake-up time overnight, gradually shift it by 15-30 minutes each day. This can help their internal clock adjust more easily to the new schedule.

Tip #5. Keep a record of your child's sleep patterns: Why is this necessary? To determine the amount of sleep your child requires within a 24-hour timeframe, you will need to calculate the average over a span of 3-4 weekdays (weekends are often too hectic to accurately assess an average). Depending on your child's age, sleep needs can range from 10 to 18 hours per day, so it's crucial to identify their specific needs within that spectrum.

Tip #6. Healthy and calm sleep with right fit baby cot and comfortable mattress:  Ensuring your baby's sleep environment is conducive to a healthy and calm night's rest is of utmost importance. A suitable baby cot that is the right fit for your little one, paired with a comfortable mattress, can make all the difference. Not only will your baby benefit from a peaceful sleep, but you will also have peace of mind knowing that they are sleeping soundly and safely. 

Tip #7. It's possible that your baby is waking up due to hunger or thirst, so remember to take care of yourself too. Each baby is unique, and they may not always show signs of hunger when they wake up. Don't feel disheartened if your little one seems to need something. Ensure they are receiving enough food and liquids as one may not suffice for the other. With a bit of patience and persistence in the evening, you can assist your baby in staying satisfied throughout the night. Consider modifying their feeding schedule to make sure they're well-fed before bed. A full stomach can contribute to longer sleep sessions at night.

Tip #8. Be consistent: Consistency is key when trying to shift your baby's wake-up time. Stick to the same bedtime routine and wake-up time every day to help reinforce their sleep schedule.

By following these top tips, you can help shift your early riser into a more reasonable wake-up time. With patience and consistency, you'll be able to enjoy a few extra hours of sleep in the morning and feel more rested throughout the day.