Pop-Up: Sleep Support Live Q&A

Hi Ashley!

Thanks for your question. Has he always woken that early?

That's actually an improvement. He used to get up at 4:30, but eventually he kind of worked it out himself to 5 and then 5:30.

Also, we have black out shades in his room, so I don't think it is the light.

Ah ok. So some kids are just early risers (just like some adults!). That being said, can you tell me what his daytime schedule looks like? When does he nap and for how long?

He naps from 12-2 at daycare pretty consistently. Sometimes on the weekend he will sleep from 11-1, but he still goes to bed and gets up at the same time. I wouldn't mind him getting up at 5:30 if he was ready to get up, but he doesn't seem to be.

Ok, I would try putting him to bed earlier. I know it sounds counterintuitive, but earlier bedtime leads to a later wakeup! Especially given when he wakes, I would aim to have him asleep no later than 7 p.m. I would also introduce an "ok to wake clock" and set it for 6 a.m. (for now). When the light turns green, it's "ok" for him to get up for the day.

We will give it a try! Thank you.

You're welcome! Let me know how it goes!

Hi Cara,

That actually doesn't sound like separation anxiety, it just sounds like he's upset that you're changing things up on him! I'd do some research about sleep training methods and figure out which methods feel most comfortable for you to start implementing with him.

Arielle

Hi Maria,

Sure! Developmentally speaking, toddlers don't quite understand WHY they need to stay in their bed/rooms until closer to age three. It has nothing to do with anything other than development. Some are developmentally ready by 2.5/2.75 years, but the majority of children will do best and understand the boundaries closer to age three or later.

Hope that makes sense!

Arielle

Hi Stacey!

It's very common for children to go through a difficult stage when they are dropping their nap. It does, indeed, sound like he is dropping his nap. Given his age, I would definitely get him a toddler bed and then begin using what I call a "routine" chart. It's similar to a reward chart in that you would give him stickers and such as he completes various things in his sleep routine (including staying in his bed and his room). I would also recommend continuing with the early bedtime. You may even consider a 6 p.m. bedtime as he gets through this yucky in between phase of dropping his nap.

Let me know if you have any other questions!
Arielle

Hi Cara,

I don't love that approach at all. In my experience, by the end of the day, babies and toddlers typically need their SHORTEST wake time.

How old is your child?

Arielle

6 months

At 6 months, my recommended schedule is:

Wake by 7 a.m.
Nap at 9 a.m.
Nap at 1 p.m.
Variable third nap around 1.5/2 hours after waking from nap 2 but ending no later than 5 p.m.

Bedtime 2 hours after waking from the third nap or 2.5 hours after waking from the second nap (if the child is on a 2-nap schedule).

Would you wake the baby if he's sleeping? Or what if they wake earlier? He tends to wake around 5, and I have a hard time getting him back to sleep without nursing or bringing him into bed with me.

I would definitely wake if he's still sleeping at 7. If he's awake before 6, I would not get up and start the day with him any sooner than 6 a.m.