Tips on Coping With Early Risers

19 Nov Tips on Coping With Early Risers

The old nursery rhyme about “early to bed and early to rise” may be popular among little ones, but if you are a parent who has an early riser on your hands, it can be anything but fun to deal with. It is a common thing for toddlers to want to get up super early, even if their parents aren’t keen on the idea. This can really throw off your work schedule and your other children’s schedule as well.

This is why we have curated a list of a few practical tips on how to cope with early risers so you can get everyone on the same page and the same sleep schedule.

1. Try Shifting the Bedtime- It is important that you look at how much sleep your child is getting every evening. If your child is going to bed at 7 PM and getting up well-rested at 5 AM, they may just need less sleep then some other kids. To help shift their natural wake-up time start moving their bedtime back farther and farther. Only move 15 minutes at a time, to make sure that it doesn’t completely throw your child’s schedule off and so they aren’t completely exhausted by the end of the day. This may not always work, but it is worth a try.
2. Switch Up the Nap Routine- If your child is getting up really early on their own, then the nap could be the culprit. Try shortening their nap times or transitioning from two naps to one per day.
3. Try Overnight Diapers- If your child is waking up super early every morning with an uncomfortable, soaking wet diaper, you may want to try a more absorbent option. The wet diaper may be waking them up in the morning or keeping them from drifting back off to sleep.
4. Consider a Bed-Time Snack for Toddlers Who Wake Up Hungry- There are many toddlers who wake up early in the morning simply because they are hungry and can’t go that long without food. Try a high-protein bedtime snack like nut butter or yogurt right before they go to bed. (before they brush their teeth of course).

Many times, this process involves a lot of trial and error. Remember, as a parent you need to make sure that you are getting enough sleep to be an active, engaged caretaker for your child.

Here at Continuum Pediatrics, we can help you with proven, safe approaches to getting your child on a better sleep schedule and one that works with you and your family’s current routine. We are here to answer any questions you may have, just call us at 817-617-8600 to make an appointment today!