Many parents struggle with babies waking up at 4 or 5 AM, making it difficult for everyone to get enough rest. Understanding why early wakings happen and how to adjust the sleep routine can help.
Common Reasons for Early Wakings
🚼 Too Much Daytime Sleep – If naps are too long, the baby may wake up early.
🚼 Bedtime is Too Early or Too Late – An inappropriate bedtime can lead to early morning wakings.
🚼 Light Exposure in the Morning – Natural light signals wake time to the baby’s body.
🚼 Hunger – Babies who don’t eat enough before bedtime may wake up looking for food.
Solutions to Help Your Baby Sleep Longer
1. Adjust the Bedtime
✔️ If bedtime is too early, try shifting it 15–30 minutes later.
✔️ If bedtime is too late, the baby may be overtired—move it earlier instead.
2. Optimize the Sleep Environment
✔️ Use blackout curtains to keep the room dark.
✔️ Keep white noise playing to mask outside sounds.
3. Ensure Proper Nap Timing
✔️ The last nap of the day should end at least 2–3 hours before bedtime.
✔️ If naps are too short, the baby may wake up overtired.
4. Delay Morning Interactions
✔️ If the baby wakes up early but isn’t crying, wait a few minutes before going in.
✔️ Keep the room dark and quiet to signal that it’s still sleep time.
Final Thoughts
Adjusting a baby’s sleep schedule takes time. By making gradual changes to bedtime, naps, and the sleep environment, most early wakings can be corrected.
