When your baby waking too early becomes a pattern, those 4:30 or 5:00 AM wake-up calls can make even the most dedicated parent feel desperate. Early waking is one of the trickiest sleep issues to solve, but understanding the causes can help shift your baby's wake time.
What Counts as "Too Early"?
For babies and toddlers, a normal wake time is typically between 6:00-7:30 AM. If your baby is consistently waking before 6:00 AM, that's generally considered early.[1]
Why Is My Baby Waking Too Early?
1. Too Much Light
Early morning light signals the brain to wake up.[2]
2. Bedtime Too Late
A late bedtime often leads to early waking due to elevated cortisol.
3. Bedtime Too Early
If bedtime is too early, your baby might simply be getting enough sleep by 5:00 AM.
4. Nap Issues
Too much or too little daytime sleep can contribute to early waking.
5. Sleep Associations
Light sleep in the early morning makes babies more likely to fully wake.[3]
How to Fix Baby Waking Too Early
1. Block Out All Light
Invest in true blackout curtains.[4]
2. Use White Noise
Continuous white noise masks early morning sounds.
3. Adjust Bedtime
Try 15-minute increments in either direction.
4. Don't Rush In
Wait 10-15 minutes before responding to early wakings.
5. Work on Independent Sleep Skills
Babies who can self-soothe are more likely to put themselves back to sleep.[5]
At Rose Sleep Co, we specialize in solving tricky early waking cases. Schedule a free discovery call or call (213) 935-0769.
References
- 1.Mindell, J. A., & Owens, J. A. (2015). A Clinical Guide to Pediatric Sleep. Wolters Kluwer.
- 2.Crowley, S. J., et al. (2007). Light effects on circadian rhythms. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 11(2), 163-178.
- 3.Sadeh, A., et al. (2010). Parenting and infant sleep. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 14(2), 89-96.
- 4.Harrison, Y. (2004). Daytime light exposure and night-time sleep. Journal of Sleep Research, 13(4), 345-352.
- 5.Henderson, J. M., et al. (2010). Sleeping through the night. Pediatrics, 126(5), e1081-e1087.
