Check your baby’s surroundings

Keep the temperature of the room your baby sleeps in at a comfortable temperature, between 16-20°C. Check whether something is rousing them or keeping them awake. If sunlight is streaming in through the window at 5am, consider putting up some blackout blinds. If a leaky nappy is the problem, try super-absorbent nappies made for night time use.

Leave them in their cot

If you want to break the habit of bringing your baby into your bed when they wake up, try to be consistent about keeping them in their cot until it’s time to get up. Letting your baby self-soothe and settle back to sleep on their own can really help, especially after a nappy change, feed or waking in the night. You might have a week of tired mornings, but you may solve the issue in the long run.

Reduce daytime naps

If your baby takes long naps during the day, it’s likely that they won’t need as much sleep at night and will wake earlier in the morning. Every baby is different, but an hour’s nap in the morning and again in the afternoon should be enough. Try not to let your baby sleep too late in the afternoon as this could upset your bedtime routine.

Consider changing bedtime

From around 6 months most babies need 12-14 hours sleep during a 24 hour period.  However, all children are different, and your baby can only sleep so much. If your baby’s sleep patterns are disrupting your home you may want to consider changing their bed time but take your cue from them - they’ll let you know when they’re tired and are unlikely to settle if it’s too early. Be sure not to make bedtime too late; if your baby is sleep-deprived they’ll have more trouble sleeping soundly through the night and into the morning.