Is Your Little One an Early Bird?

Is your little bundle of joy turning into a morning showstopper? Waking up before the crack of dawn can be exhausting for both you and your baby. But don't worry, you're not alone! Early morning wakings are a common challenge for many parents.

Why is my baby waking up so early?

Believe it or not, one of the biggest culprits for early morning wakings is actually your baby's total sleep. It might sound counterintuitive, but both overtired and undertired babies can be early risers.

• Overtired babies: Increased cortisol levels due to overtiredness can disrupt sleep and lead to early wakings.

• Undertired babies: If your little one is getting enough total sleep, they might simply be ready to start the day!

To figure out which category your baby falls into, check their total sleep time in 24 hours.

Other culprits for early morning wake-ups include:

• The great outdoors: Summer's bright light and cheerful birdsong can be a rude awakening for your little one. Blackout blinds and white noise can create a cozy, sleep-inducing haven.

• New skills: Rolling, pulling up, and babbling are exciting milestones, but they can also turn your baby into an early morning entertainer. Keep things calm and quiet if they wake up early, and let them resettle independently.

• Teething: Sore gums can make it hard for your baby to sleep comfortably. Lots of cuddles, soothing teething toys, and pain relief can help.

• Habit: If your baby has been waking up early for a while, it might become a habit. Treat it like a nighttime waking and use the same resettling techniques.

Need more help?

If you've tried everything and your baby is still waking up too early, don't hesitate to reach out for support. I'm here to help!

What has worked for you?

Share your tips for coping with early morning wakings in the comments below. Let's support each other through this challenging phase!