SAEDNEWS: Babies are naturally early risers, and there’s little we can do to change their biological rhythm. However, once your child is around six months old, there are a few tricks you can use to encourage timely sleep.
According to Saed News Family Service, a child waking up at night or a baby rising early in the morning depends on multiple factors. A child who sleeps many hours during the day tends to wake up earlier in the morning. Changes in feeding and sleeping schedules, as well as preventing late-evening naps, can shift a child’s internal clock. If your toddler wakes up at six in the morning, don’t expect them to sleep until eight the next day. Sleep patterns vary among children, as each child’s needs are unique. Some may require longer or shorter sleep than peers, while others may need slightly more or less than usual.
Newborns spend most of their first months asleep and wake every few hours to feed. Sleep is crucial for their physical and mental development, helping them store energy. However, a baby waking when parents have not had enough sleep can become challenging over time, gradually wearing down the caregiver’s energy. Caring for a child who consistently wakes early can become exhausting, so it’s important to share responsibilities with your partner until the child develops a stable sleep routine.
If your baby wakes at 5 a.m. daily and doesn’t go back to sleep after a diaper change or feeding, it’s worth reviewing their sleep schedule. Still, waking between 6 and 7 a.m. is generally normal, though patterns vary. Teething, illness, or other external factors can also disturb sleep, especially if a baby suddenly wakes earlier than usual.
There’s no strict formula for newborn sleep because their internal clocks are not fully developed. Typically, newborns sleep or nap 16–20 hours a day in intervals. In the first two weeks, they should be woken every 3–4 hours for feeding to maintain weight. After this period, longer sleep stretches are generally fine. The longest continuous sleep usually lasts 4–5 hours, depending on how much their small stomach can hold. Extended sleep may lead to hunger during the day, requiring more frequent feeding.
By three months, babies often sleep five hours during the day and ten at night, usually with one or two interruptions. About 90% of infants at this age sleep 6–8 hours at night. Occasional noises, brief waking, or minor fussing do not necessarily indicate true waking. Allowing babies to learn to fall asleep independently is beneficial, though repeated crying in babies under six months should be attended to.
By six months, babies may sleep around three hours during the day and 11 hours at night. Parents can gently soothe a baby back to sleep if they wake crying. Between six months and one year, excitement or stimulation often causes night waking, but the approach remains consistent: avoid picking them up, turning on lights, talking, playing, or feeding them during nighttime awakenings, as these actions can reinforce waking.
Feeling too hot or cold
Excessive or disturbing light
Sudden noises
Illness or disrupted routines, such as travel
Learning new skills they want to practice at night
Dependence on pacifiers or bottles for sleep
Movement or rocking habits
Hunger due to insufficient feeding before bedtime
Review the sleep schedule: Ensure your child gets enough sleep. Overly tired children may struggle to sleep well. Adjust nap times gradually by a few minutes daily until a consistent rhythm is achieved. Consult a pediatrician for guidance.
Control light and noise: Babies may be sensitive to light or external sounds. Use blackout curtains or a white noise machine and keep the room quiet.
Allow self-soothing: Wait at least 5–10 minutes before responding to minor fussing to encourage independent settling.
Address hunger gradually: Slowly delay the first morning feeding to reduce early waking. Always discuss changes with your pediatrician.
Use pacifiers if helpful: For pacifier-dependent babies, ensure it’s in place when leaving the room.
Ensure a safe sleep environment: After 12 months, attach toys or activity items to the crib to occupy the child safely if they wake early.
Soon, your child will be walking and more active, making consistent sleep even more important. Aim to adjust bedtime and nap routines to support both your child’s development and your own rest.
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