How to Help Your Baby Sleep Longer in the Morning
- Niharika Prinsloo
- Feb 3
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 7
Many parents face the challenge of their baby waking up much earlier than expected. It can feel frustrating and exhausting, especially when you’re not sure what’s causing it.
The good news is, with a little adjustment, consistency, and also training methods you can help your baby sleep longer in the mornings.
In this article, I’ll discuss common causes of early morning wake-ups and simple strategies to help your baby sleep longer.
I’ll Cover:
Let's dive in!
Common Reasons for Early Morning Wake-Ups
Understanding why your baby is waking early is the first step in addressing the issue.
Babies often wake up early for reasons that might not be immediately obvious.
Hunger
Babies, especially younger ones, might wake up early if they’re genuinely hungry.
However, as they grow older, they should be able to go longer stretches without needing a feeding.
Light and Noise
A room that’s too bright or too noisy can cause your baby to wake up early. Even small amounts of morning light or sounds from outside can disrupt their sleep.
Too Much Daytime Sleep
If your baby is napping too much during the day, it can affect how long they sleep at night and lead to early wake-ups.
Overtiredness
Ironically, a baby who’s overtired at bedtime may sleep less soundly and wake up earlier.
When babies are overtired, their bodies produce stress hormones that make it harder for them to stay asleep.
Natural Sleep Patterns
As babies grow, their sleep patterns shift. Sometimes, early wake-ups can be a temporary phase as their internal clock adjusts.
Learn more about baby sleep cycles.
Tips to Help Your Baby Sleep Longer in the Morning
If you’ve identified the reasons behind those early morning wake-ups, you can start making changes to help your baby sleep longer.
Keep the Room Dark and Quiet
Block out early morning sunlight with blackout curtains. Use a white noise machine or a fan to mask outdoor noises.
A dark, quiet room signals to your baby that it’s still time to sleep.
Adjust Bedtime Gradually
If your baby goes to bed very early, consider shifting their bedtime later by 10–15 minutes at a time.
This gradual adjustment can help them sleep longer into the morning without causing overtiredness.
Offer a Comfort Item
Introduce a small, safe comfort item like a soft blanket or a favorite stuffed animal.
Having something familiar and comforting can help your baby self-soothe and fall back asleep if they wake up early.
Avoid Rushing In
If you hear your baby stirring early in the morning, wait a few minutes before going in. Sometimes, they may resettle on their own if given the chance.
Adjust the Last Feeding
For younger babies, consider giving a final feeding a bit later in the evening. A full tummy might help them sleep longer.
Check out more tips on how to help your baby sleep better.
Adjusting Bedtime and Nap Schedules
Your baby’s overall schedule plays a big role in their sleep patterns. If they’re waking up too early, tweaking their bedtime and naps can make a difference.
Ensure Enough Daytime Sleep
Some parents cut back on naps in the hopes that their baby will sleep later. However, the opposite often happens.
Make sure your baby is getting the appropriate amount of daytime sleep for their age. Well-rested babies tend to sleep longer at night.
Balance Wake Windows
Pay attention to how long your baby is awake between naps and bedtime.
Long wake windows can lead to overtiredness and early wake-ups, while short wake windows might cause nighttime sleep disruptions.
Adjust Bedtime Gradually
If you’ve been putting your baby down very early, try moving their bedtime later by small increments.
On the other hand, if they’re staying up too late, an earlier bedtime might help them sleep more soundly through the early morning hours.
Creating a Sleep-Friendly Environment
A comfortable, calming sleep environment can make a big difference in how long your baby sleeps.
Use Blackout Curtains
Even a small sliver of light can tell your baby it’s time to wake up. Invest in blackout curtains to keep the room dark and help your baby stay asleep longer.
Introduce White Noise
A consistent sound, such as white noise, can drown out early morning disturbances. This creates a soothing backdrop that helps your baby stay in a deeper sleep for longer.
Keep the Room Comfortable
Make sure your baby’s room is at a comfortable temperature—not too hot or too cold. A comfortable sleep environment can prevent wake-ups caused by discomfort.
Discover more tips for creating a calm and safe sleep environment.
How MyBabySleepConsultant Can Help
MyBabySleepConsultant understands that every baby’s sleep situation is unique. When you’re facing early morning wake-ups, having professional guidance can make all the difference.
Here’s how MyBabySleepConsultant can support you:
Personalized Sleep Plans
Get tailored recommendations based on your baby’s age, temperament, and current sleep patterns.
Expert Advice
Work one-on-one with a sleep consultant who can answer your questions and help you troubleshoot any issues causing those early wake-ups.
Ongoing Support
As your baby’s sleep needs change, MyBabySleepConsultant will provide ongoing support to help you adjust their schedule and keep those early mornings at bay.
Learn how MyBabySleepConsultant can help you.
Conclusion
Early morning wake-ups can be tough, but they’re not impossible to fix.
By identifying the cause, making gradual adjustments, and creating a sleep-friendly environment, you can help your baby sleep later and wake up feeling more refreshed.
With patience and consistency—and the guidance of MyBabySleepConsultant—you’ll be able to enjoy more peaceful mornings and better nights for everyone.
Ready to tackle those early mornings? Schedule a consultation with MyBabySleepConsultant today!
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