Being the parent of a child who wakes during the night, is probably alot easier - at least there is hope of another few hours sleep, than those who are presented with a bright-eyed baby, ready to start the day at the crack of dawn. Often there is no choice in the matter, and parents just have to become used to starting the day before the rooster rises, however, it won't do any harm to seek solace from these techniques:

• Add a few 'safe-toys' to her cot at night, so she can keep herself amused while you catch up on that much needed sleep.
• Invest in heavy curtains or drape a blanket over her window, to keep the bright light out.
• Restructure his routine, as you may just be putting him down too early in the evening.
• Try feeding her a little later in the mornings, as she may just be used to waking up for an early morning feed.
• Refrain from rushing to her cot at the sound of her first whimper - she may just fall asleep on her own after awhile.
• As your child gets older, you may like to invest in a few kiddie video's to entertain her in the early hours.
• Leave a healthy snack and a pile of books next to her bed.

Unfortunately, all your efforts may be in vain - but with a little patience and shared duties, this phase will pass in no time!

HOME