Early Morning Wakes: Why Is My Baby Waking Up So Early?

Early morning wakings—those 4:30 or 5:00 AM starts—can be one of the most frustrating sleep challenges for parents. Your baby may seem bright-eyed and ready for the day, but you’re left wondering why they’re waking so early and what you can do to fix it.

Why Do Early Wakings Happen?

Several factors can cause a baby to start the day too early, including:

• Over-tiredness from poor naps or late bedtimes

• Too much light or noise in the early morning hours

• A schedule that isn't age-appropriate

The good news? With a few adjustments, you can often shift your baby’s wake-up time later.

3 Ways to Fix Early Morning Wakings

1. Adjust Bedtime (Earlier, Not Later!)

It might sound counterintuitive, but a baby who is overtired will often wake up earlier, not later. If bedtime is too late, try moving it 15–30 minutes earlier for a few nights. A well-rested baby usually sleeps longer and more soundly.

2. Check the Sleep Environment

Light and noise are common culprits. Blackout curtains can keep the room dark and help signal that it’s not time to wake yet. White noise machines can mask early-morning birds, traffic, or household sounds that might rouse your baby prematurely.

3. Find an Age-Appropriate Sleep Schedule

Another commom culprit for the dreaded early morning wakes is a schedule that isn't age-appropriate for your baby. As babys grow and develop, they need frequent schedule changes. If a baby is left on a sleep schedule they have outgrown, one of the first indications it's time to adjust is when you experience night wakes and early mornings.

Every baby is different, so it might take a little trial and error to find what works best. But with consistency and the right adjustments, those early wake-ups can become a thing of the past.

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