Key takeaways: Many babies naturally wake early, and 6 to 7 a.m. is normal. Waking before about 6 a.m. can be caused by light, noise, hunger, overtiredness, too much daytime sleep, or a bedtime that’s too early or too late. Room darkening, consistent morning routines, and schedule tweaks may help. Some babies are simply early risers.
Babies are often early birds. Here’s how to tell if early waking can be changed.
What’s Normal?
Many babies wake between 6 and 7 a.m. That’s typical. Waking before 6 a.m. regularly is often called early waking.
Common Causes
- Light: sunrise in summer can wake babies.
- Noise: garbage trucks, birds, family members getting ready.
- Hunger, especially in younger babies who still need night feeds.
- Overtiredness from too little daytime sleep or a late bedtime.
- Too much daytime sleep or a long last nap.
- Bedtime too early for your baby’s needs.
- Temperature: early morning is often the coldest part of the night.
- Developmental changes like new skills.
From the author
From First Breath to First Birthday is my month-by-month guide to your baby’s first year, written as a NICU and postpartum nurse. My book covers sleep month by month, alongside feeding, growth and the warning signs that mean it’s time to call the doctor.
What to Try
- Darken the room with blackout shades.
- Use white noise at a safe, low volume.
- Check temperature and dress your baby appropriately.
- Adjust the schedule: look at nap length, timing, and bedtime.
- Treat early wakings like night wakings: keep lights dim and interactions calm until your chosen wake time, if your baby isn’t hungry.
- Start the day at a consistent time with lights, breakfast, and play.
Give Changes Time
Try one change at a time for a week or two to see what works.
Some Babies Are Early Risers
If your baby is happy, well-rested, and sleeping enough, early waking may just be their natural rhythm.
The Bottom Line
Early waking often has a fixable cause, such as light, noise, or schedule. Some babies are simply early risers.
Want more support for your baby’s first year? My book, From First Breath to First Birthday, is available on Amazon.
Related Articles
- Short Naps: Why They Happen and What Helps
- Darkness, Night Lights, and Your Baby’s Sleep
- Daylight Saving Time and Your Baby’s Sleep
- Day-Night Confusion: Helping Your Baby’s Body Clock Develop
Sources
- Mindell JA, Owens JA. A Clinical Guide to Pediatric Sleep. 3rd ed. Wolters Kluwer; 2015.
- American Academy of Pediatrics. Healthy sleep habits. HealthyChildren.org. https://www.healthychildren.org
- Paruthi S, Brooks LJ, D’Ambrosio C, et al. Recommended amount of sleep for pediatric populations: a consensus statement of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. J Clin Sleep Med. 2016;12(6):785-786.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Always talk with your baby’s health care provider or your own provider about your specific situation. If you think your baby or you may have a medical emergency, call 911.
