Do you know this? It’s not even properly light outside yet, but your baby or toddler is already wide awake.
The clock shows 5 a.m. – or even earlier – and you’re wondering why your day has to start already.
Maybe you’ve tried many things, but nothing has helped in the long run.
Often there’s more behind it than it seems at first glance.
Here are five reasons you may not know yet – and that can explain why your child wakes up so early.
1. Bedtime too early or too late
Many parents think: “The later my child goes to bed, the longer they will sleep in the morning.”
Unfortunately, this doesn’t work for most children.
An overtired child often sleeps worse and even wakes up earlier.
Sometimes it can help to move bedtime slightly earlier.
Conversely, starting the night too early can mean the internal clock is “finished” too soon.
2. Sleep pressure and sleep cycles
Children – and especially babies – have a pronounced sleep-wake rhythm that is biologically controlled.
When the last sleep cycle shifts into a lighter sleep phase in the early morning, it’s harder to fall back asleep.
This is also because sleep pressure has almost completely dissipated by then.
3. Light and noise in the early morning
The body reacts extremely sensitively to light. Even the smallest brightness can signal to the brain: “It’s daytime.”
This is especially true in summer, when the sun rises early.
Noise – from outside or inside the house – can also prevent your child from falling back asleep.
4. Hunger or habit
Especially with babies, hunger can be a reason why they wake up early.
Sometimes, however, it’s simply habit: If your child has been breastfed or fed at 5 a.m. over a longer period, their body gets used to waking up exactly at that time.
5. Developmental leaps and emotional security
During phases of rapid development – whether motor, language, or emotional – many children sleep more restlessly.
Early waking can occur more frequently during such times.
Sometimes it’s simply the desire for closeness: your child knows that they will surely find you in the morning.
What you can do
There isn’t one single solution that works for all children.
But you can find out what works for you:
– Observe the entire daily routine, not just the night.
– Ensure a quiet, dark sleep environment.
– Check if bedtime is really optimal.
– React as calmly and consistently as possible at night to avoid reinforcing habits.
Conclusion
Early waking is not a sign that you’re doing something wrong.
It’s often a combination of biological rhythms, habits, and needs.
And sometimes just a small change is enough to create more relaxed mornings.
If you feel like you’ve already tried everything but nothing really helps – feel free to reach out to me.
Together we’ll find out which adjustments work for you, so your nights – and your mornings – become more relaxed.
