As a baby sleep expert in Edinburgh, I understand how frustrating it can be when your little one wakes up too early. If youâre tired of those early mornings and craving more sleep, youâre in the right place! Here are 3 effective tips to help your baby or toddler sleep in longer and enjoy better rest:
1ď¸âŁ Create the Right Sleep Schedule: The Key to Longer Sleep â°
One of the fastest ways to resolve early morning wake-ups is to ensure your little one is following a sleep schedule thatâs age-appropriate. The timing and duration of naps are crucial for a restful nightâs sleep. Too much or too little daytime sleep, or naps at the wrong time, can lead to early waking. If youâre unsure about the best sleep schedule for your baby or toddler, feel free to send me a DM, and Iâll guide you to the right routine for their age.
2ď¸âŁ Is It a Habit or Something Else? đ
Early waking can sometimes become a habit, but the good news is, just like adjusting to a new time zone, your childâs internal body clock can be reset. By sticking to a consistent routine, their body will naturally adjust and sleep patterns should improve. However, early waking might not always be habit-formingâhere are other potential causes:
- Sleep Environment: With the changing seasons, lighter mornings could disrupt your little oneâs sleep. Ensure their sleep space is completely blackout dark to prevent early wake-ups. Even small slats of light creeping in can trigger an early start to the day.
- Hunger: Make sure your baby is well-fed before bedtime. For toddlers and older children, I recommend offering a small âsupperâ before bed to help prevent waking up hungry in the early hours.
- Temperature: Babies and toddlers are sensitive to temperature changes, especially between 3am-7am. A slight dip in room temperature, even by 1-2 degrees, could be enough to wake your little one too early. Ensure their room stays at a consistent, comfortable temperature throughout the night.
3ď¸âŁ Consistency is Key đ
All children thrive on routine, and early waking is no exception. Once youâve identified a plan to tackle early rising, consistency is crucial. Stick with the changes, and youâll see improvements over time.
In Summary:
Patience and consistency are the keys to helping your little one sleep longer and wake up after 6am. By adjusting their sleep schedule, optimising the sleep environment, and ensuring theyâre well-fed and comfortable, you can improve their sleep patterns and get more rest yourself!
Give these gentle sleep training tips a try, and with time, Iâm confident your familyâs sleep will improve. đur first post. Edit or delete it, then start writing!