Early-rising toddler – Here’s what you need to know about them!

Are you noticing that your older baby or toddler wakes up at an unusually early hour – between 4 and 6 a.m.? You’re not the only one! The most likely question on your mind is why this occurs and how to stop your early-rising toddler from waking up early.

Be realistic. That’s the first thing you need to do. Babies don’t sleep like teenagers or adults. In sync with their daily rhythms, a baby’s natural wake time is between 6 and 7:30 a.m. Anytime before 6 a.m. may be considered a night waking, and every mother knows how frustrating that could be. We have compiled a list to help you cope with the situation.

Daytime sleep

During the day, if your child is taking more naps than their age dictates or not resting sufficiently, they may become overtired or unable to settle at bedtime. In addition, overtiredness may also interrupt your baby’s sleep during the night.

Following a routine sleep schedule during the day, including regular naps and well-timed bedtimes, will likely help you create a consistent sleep pattern for your baby.

Active Days and Lazy Nights

It is crucial that your early-rising toddler run and play during the day to burn out energy, allowing them to sleep well at night.

Spend at least an hour each morning and afternoon with your toddler outside. Just 15 minutes twice a day outside is enough on rainy or cold days. However, bad weather shouldn’t be an excuse to occupy your toddler with screens as this may overstimulate them, making it difficult to relax their brain and body.

You may want to avoid your early-rising toddler from getting excited or overstimulated before bedtime as this may keep them energized to fall asleep and delay bedtime.

Bedtime Snack

Your toddler’s early waking may sometimes be due to hunger. Make sure that they’re not hungry or thirsty at bedtime. You may want to consider offering a light snack to your toddler before bedtime. However, you may want to avoid heavy meals and try something light like a few whole-grain crackers or string cheese may be enough to hold him over until morning.

In addition, make sure your toddler eats enough during the day. In this way, nighttime hunger is prevented. 

Naptime

An average one-year-old may nap for 2-3 hours during the day and still sleep well at night. However, your toddler’s sleep pattern begins to change once they turn 2. In particular, naps that last too long can interfere with toddlers’ nighttime sleep.

How to get your early-rising toddler to daytime naps?

• Keep your toddler active and exposed to fresh air.
• Create a bedtime routine for your toddler.
• Provide gentle activities to help your toddler relax before bedtime. Perhaps you may read them a story.
• Use baby blankets to keep them warm and comfortable.
• Provide a peaceful sleeping environment.
• Dress them in organic clothes to eliminate discomfort.
• Allow your toddler to settle on their own. 
• Although they may not nap, allowing them to rest is still beneficial.

You don’t have to be intimidated by your toddler’s early rise! The key to modifying this behavior is by responding quickly to the situation. Take a holistic approach and account for every factor to address the issue of early waking. With a bit of practice, you and your baby will both get a good night’s sleep and wake up feeling rejuvenated.