Newborn sleep patterns can often be a mystery and challenge for parents, especially when a baby waking up every hour or having a baby waking up too early becomes a regular occurrence. These early wakeups, which typically happen between 4:00 AM and 6:00 AM, are a source of concern for many parents struggling to understand their baby’s needs. Dr. Jodi Mindell, a renowned pediatric sleep expert, explains: “Newborns have unpredictable sleep cycles, which can be exhausting for parents, but it’s important to remember that early morning wakeups are normal and part of their natural development.”

Understanding and managing these early morning wakeups is essential for both the baby’s and the parents' well-being. While these early wakeups are often part of a newborn’s biological makeup, there are several strategies that parents can employ to promote better and longer sleep.

Why Do Newborns Wake Up Early?

There are several biological and developmental reasons why newborns wake up frequently, especially in the early morning hours:

Short Sleep Cycles

Newborns have shorter sleep cycles compared to older children and adults. A typical newborn’s sleep cycle lasts between 40 and 60 minutes, compared to 90-minute cycles in adults. This means they transition between light and deep sleep more frequently, making them more likely to wake up. Parents often wonder, "why is my baby waking up every hour?" Studies have shown that the rapid development of the brain during this stage leads to frequent wakeups, which are necessary for growth and neurological development.

Hunger and Feeding Needs

During the first few months of life, newborns need to feed frequently—every 2-3 hours—to support their rapid growth. This is a primary reason for early morning wakeups, as babies often wake up hungry. Parents might notice baby waking up crying or even a baby waking up at 5am demanding a feed. Dr. Harvey Karp, author of The Happiest Baby on the Block, explains: “A newborn’s stomach is tiny, and they need to eat often, especially during growth spurts. Hunger is a leading cause of baby waking up too early."

Diaper Changes

Newborns’ bowel and bladder control is minimal, leading to frequent diaper changes, which can disturb their sleep. Wet or dirty diapers often cause discomfort, prompting the baby to wake early in the morning. This discomfort can sometimes result in baby waking up screaming, adding stress to both parents and the baby.

Developmental Milestones

As babies grow, they go through various developmental milestones, such as teething, learning to roll over, or sitting up, which can interfere with sleep. These milestones, while exciting, can cause frequent night and early morning awakenings. A study found that sleep disturbances are common during periods of significant physical and cognitive growth in infants. During these times, it’s not uncommon to find a baby waking at 5am, or even earlier at baby waking up at 4am.

Immature Circadian Rhythm

A newborn’s circadian rhythm—the internal body clock that regulates sleep-wake cycles—takes several months to mature. Newborns do not yet have a fully established differentiation between day and night, often leading to early morning wakeups. Some parents may question, "why is my baby waking up early?" According to the National Sleep Foundation, it takes around 3-4 months for babies to begin developing a more structured circadian rhythm. It is during this time that parents may also experience their baby waking every hour.

How Much Sleep Do Newborns Need?

Newborns (0–3 months) typically require 14-17 hours of sleep per day, though this can vary from baby to baby. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) notes that newborn sleep is often fragmented, with sleep occurring in short bursts of 2-4 hours throughout the day and night. This fragmented sleep is normal and is part of a baby’s developmental process, which can also explain the baby waking up every 2 hours.

While newborns sleep a lot, they do not differentiate between day and night during the first few weeks. Over time, as they are exposed to light and darkness, their sleep patterns begin to consolidate. However, it’s important to recognize that a baby waking up at 5am or baby waking up at 4am are part of this transitional phase.

Factors Contributing to Early Morning Wakeups

Several factors can exacerbate early morning wakeups in newborns:

Hunger or Thirst

As newborns typically feed every 2-3 hours, they are likely to wake up in the early morning due to hunger. Babies may also need extra hydration, especially during warmer months, contributing to these early morning wakeups. Parents often wonder, "why is my baby waking up at 5am?" The answer often lies in their baby's natural hunger patterns.

Discomfort (Diaper, Temperature, or Illness)

Physical discomfort such as a wet diaper, an overly hot or cold room, or illness can easily cause a newborn to wake up early. Pediatric sleep therapist Kim West, LCSW-C, from sleeplady.com advises: “Always ensure that the baby’s environment is conducive to sleep—diapers should be dry, the room temperature comfortable, and bedding free from irritants.” In cases where a baby is ill, some parents might experience a sick baby waking every 20 minutes, a sign that immediate attention is needed.

Environmental Factors

Light, noise, or room temperature can significantly affect a baby’s sleep. Exposure to early morning light can cue a baby’s internal clock that it’s time to wake up, leading to issues like baby waking up early. Blackout curtains and white noise machines can be helpful in controlling environmental factors that disturb sleep.

Overstimulation or Overtiredness from the Previous Day

A baby who is overstimulated during the day or overtired from missed naps may have trouble staying asleep through the early morning hours. Studies have shown that overtired babies are often more difficult to settle at night and tend to wake more frequently. This overtiredness may even result in baby waking up screaming during the night or early morning.

Addressing Early Morning Wakeups: Key Questions to Consider

The sound of your baby from the next room may be lovely at 7am. At 4am, or 5 am, not so much. Your baby may be up and ready to start the day, but you probably aren’t. Answering the questions below may help you get there:

1. Is your nap schedule mucking up your baby’s overnight sleep? 

This might seem like an obvious question, but your baby’s sleep needs will change fast in the first few years of their lives. A quick look at the average nap number and duration might give you an idea:

• For babies from 3-6 months old, it’s normal to take 3-4 hour-long naps per day.
• For babies 6-15 months old, expect 2 naps with 3-3.5 hours of total sleep.
• For one and two-year-olds, you should expect a single 2-hour nap. Part of the reason you might be seeing earlier wakeups is that your baby has graduated from one nap cycle to the next.

2. Does your baby have enough time between their last nap and their bedtime?  

We call this an “awake window,” and it can make a big difference. It might seem strange that your baby went to bed fine the night before, and you’re seeing a response to nap scheduling in the pre-dawn hours, but if your kiddo’s sleep is disrupted at night, it will impact the morning.

• 3-6 months: at least 1.5-2 hours between final nap wakeup and bedtime.
• 6-12 months: at least 2.5-3.5 hours between final nap wakeup and bed.
• 12-18+ months: 3.5-4.5 hours between final nap wakeup and bed.

 3. Is the room staying dark after the sun comes up?

Blackout curtains can make a big difference here. Remember that our brains signal wakeup when the light changes. So if dawn is at 4:30am, and even a little bit of light comes into your baby’s room, their little brains will PING with wake up juice.

4. Is your baby going to sleep too early or too late?

It might seem counter-intuitive, but a late bedtime can actually backfire on you. Overtired kids don’t sleep as well. If you made their bedtime later and it didn’t fix the problem, try an earlier bedtime and see if that helps. You might be surprised.

5. How do you make it better? 

Try to make one change at a time; just one. Stick with that change for 3-5 days to see if it impacts things. (One night is usually not enough to see substantial change.) Be as consistent as you can with the change you made. For instance, if you decide to increase the space between bedtime and final nap wakeup, make sure to stick to the wakeup time you planned.
If your baby is waking up and chirping happily to themselves, feel free to leave them there for a little while. Let them get used to being alone in the crib. If you can, try to delay the start of the day by 5-10 minutes each day. This can make a big impact.

6. Establish a Sleep-Friendly Environment

Consider the temperature in the room and ensure your baby is dressed in breathable, comfortable clothing. Too many layers can cause overheating, which may disturb their sleep. Checking the room temperature regularly and using a room thermometer can help you maintain an optimal sleep environment for your baby.

Tips to Manage Early Morning Wakeups

Establish a Consistent Bedtime Routine

A consistent and soothing bedtime routine can signal to your baby that it’s time to sleep. This might include a warm bath, feeding, reading a book, or singing a lullaby. For parents wondering how to stop baby waking at 3am, this bedtime consistency can gradually encourage longer sleep stretches. “Routines provide babies with a sense of security and help regulate their internal clock,” says paediatric sleep consultant Cara Dumaplin.

Control the Sleep Environment

Ensure that the baby’s sleep environment is optimal. Room temperature should be between 68-72°F, and the room should be dark. Consider using blackout curtains to block out early morning light and a white noise machine to mask any sudden noises that might wake the baby, especially if you are dealing with a baby waking up at 4am or baby waking up every 30 minutes.

Check for Hunger or Discomfort

Always rule out hunger or discomfort as reasons for early wakeups. Ensuring your baby is well-fed before bedtime and that their diaper is clean can help prolong sleep. If the baby wakes early, assess whether a feed or a diaper change is needed before resettling them. This can prevent unnecessary baby waking up crying from discomfort or hunger.

Understand Baby’s Cues

Recognizing when your baby is truly awake versus when they are in a light phase of sleep is important. Many babies briefly wake during light sleep but can self-settle back to sleep. Avoid rushing to pick them up immediately and give them a chance to fall back asleep on their own. Misinterpreting sleep cues can often lead parents to ask, "why is my baby waking up screaming?" when the baby might not need immediate attention.

Help Baby Differentiate Between Day and Night

Encourage daytime exposure to natural light and activity, while keeping the night routine quiet and dimly lit. This helps reinforce the development of the baby’s circadian rhythm. Dr. Richard Ferber, a leading sleep expert, recommends keeping daytime interactions engaging and nighttime interactions calm to help babies differentiate between day and night. This can gradually reduce issues like baby waking every hour at night.

Encouraging Longer Night Sleep

If appropriate for the baby’s age, gradual night weaning may help reduce early morning wakeups. Additionally, soothing the baby back to sleep without immediately picking them up can help teach them to self-soothe. For parents dealing with why is my baby waking up at 4am, this gentle approach can encourage longer sleep stretches.

Everything Else Aside...

Remember that this is a short time in your kid’s life; as they get older, their sleep will become more regular, and so will yours. Don’t let yourself get too discouraged. Things are hard now, and you’re doing a great job.

In the coming months, as your baby grows, the sleep patterns will consolidate, leading to more restful nights for both the baby and the parents. Patience and persistence in following these sleep strategies can go a long way.

 When to Seek Help

While early morning wakeups are common, certain signs may indicate a need for professional consultation. If your baby is excessively fussy, has trouble gaining weight, or shows signs of sleep disorders like sleep apnea, it’s essential to seek guidance from a pediatrician. According to Dr. Marc Weissbluth, author of Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child, “Chronic sleep disruptions or excessive crying may be a sign of underlying health issues that require medical evaluation.”

Conclusion

In conclusion, early morning wakeups in newborns can be challenging and often perplexing for parents. Understanding that these wakeups are a normal part of a baby’s development can help alleviate some of the stress. Newborns have shorter sleep cycles, require frequent feedings, and have immature circadian rhythms, all contributing to their tendency to wake up early. As they grow, their sleep patterns will gradually consolidate, leading to longer and more restful nights.

Parents can take proactive steps to manage early morning wakeups by establishing consistent bedtime routines, optimising the sleep environment, and addressing potential sources of discomfort or hunger. Being patient and persistent with these strategies is crucial, as these early challenges are typically temporary.

If early morning wakeups are accompanied by excessive fussiness, difficulty gaining weight, or signs of sleep disorders, seeking advice from a paediatrician is important. Remember, this period is just a phase in your baby’s growth journey. With time and careful attention to sleep strategies, both you and your baby can look forward to more restful nights.

References:

• Weinraub, M., Bender, R. H., Friedman, S. L., Susman, E. J., Knoke, B., Bradley, R., ... & Williams, J. (2012). Patterns of developmental change in infants' nighttime sleep awakenings from 6 through 36 months of age. Developmental Psychology, 48(6), 1511.
• Sadeh, A., Gruber, R., & Raviv, A. (2010). Sleep, neurobehavioral functioning, and behavior problems in school-age children. Child Development, 71(3), 723-735.
• Scher, A., & Cohen, D. (2005). Sleep patterns of Israeli infants and toddlers: a cross-cultural comparison. Infant and Child Development, 14(2), 73-80.

About the Author

Emily Silver is a Family Nurse Practitioner and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). She is also a co-founder of NAPS. NAPS supports women throughout pregnancy and up through early childhood with an in-depth online learning platform, Nurture by NAPS, a wide array of virtual classes and consultations and even in-home lactation and nursing care.