⏰The art of chilling at 6am⏰
Another question I get asked a lot, if baby wakes at 6am, do I get them up straight away or can I let them chill?
It’s absolutely fine for your baby to be chilling in their crib at 6am, as long as they’re happy, calm, and safe. In fact, this quiet time is healthy and can even help foster independent sleep skills.
Here’s why it’s not only okay, but even good:
🌅 1. Early wakeups aren’t always “wake-up” time
Many babies naturally stir or wake between 5–6:30am, especially during lighter sleep phases. If your baby isn’t crying or calling for you, they might:
* Drift back to sleep
* Be content to relax and look around
* Be experimenting with their voice, movement, or just soaking in the world (My 3rd son used to recite all the nursery rhymes he knew 😅)
🧠 2. Independent time in the crib builds confidence
Letting your baby have some downtime alone helps them:
* Practice self-soothing
* Strengthen their sense of security in their sleep space
* Learn they don’t need you instantly the moment they wake
⏰ 3. No need to “rescue” them if they’re fine
You don’t need to rush in the moment they stir. If you jump in too quickly, it can:
* Reinforce unnecessary wake-ups
* Prevent them from developing patience or self-settling
🚦When to intervene:
You should get your baby up if:
* They’re crying
* They’ve been happily awake for more than 30–40 minutes and it’s clearly their morning wake time
Bottom line is to let them chill! It’s not only ok — it’s a sign of healthy sleep development. You’re doing great by not rushing in. Let them guide you with their cues.
