So your little one is finally sleeping through the night – huge win! But now, the day is starting way too early… like 5am early. If your baby or toddler is waking before 6am, you’re not alone. And there are practical steps you can take to help push that wake-up time a little later.
While we’d all love a 7am start, anything after 6am is good. So here’s how to tackle those too-early wake-ups and help your baby get the rest they need.
8 tips to stop early morning wakings
1. Give it a little time
If your little one has only recently started sleeping through the night, hold off on making changes. Sometimes it takes 2 to 3 weeks for early rising to self-correct once overnight sleep is stabilised.
2. Move the bedtime feed earlier
Make sure any final feed is finished at least 10-15 minutes before bedtime, and avoid putting your little one down drowsy. This helps reduce sleep associations that might cause early waking.
3. Block out the morning light
Even a small sliver of light can signal “wake-up time” to your little one. Use blackout blinds or heavy curtains to keep the room dark – especially in spring and summer months.
4. Minimise early morning noise
Common triggers for early waking include heating systems, birds, or bin collections. Use a white noise machine (pure white noise, no lullabies or music please!) and let it run all night to keep your little one’s sleeping environment nice and consistent.
5. Check room temperature
Around 4am, body temperature drops to its lowest point. Make sure your baby is warm enough -especially their feet and hands. Add an extra layer if needed or use a sleeping bag for comfort.
6. Introduce a toddler clock
Tools like a Zeepy or Gro Clock or a digital clock with taped-over numbers can teach toddlers when it’s okay to get up. From around 18 months to 2 years, many children can learn to wait until “the sun comes up” or “the clock turns orange.” Start at 6am, and once that’s mastered, gradually shift it later.
7. Keep it boring before 6am
Treat any wake-ups before 6am like a night waking. Keep lights off, voices low, and avoid interaction or rewards. I
8. Try an earlier bedtime
Yes, earlier! Overtired little ones often wake too early. If your little one seems wired at bedtime or wakes frequently before dawn, try moving bedtime up by 15–30 minutes (but not before 6pm). Give it a full week to see results.
If you’re still finding your little one is waking early, get in touch and book in a free 15 minute call, we’d love to chat to you in more detail.
