Managing baby waking times - what worked for us

We had two very active boys 16 months apart. They were both in the same room when I initially used this technique. They were waking up a 4.30 to 5am and I was a zombie who had to work full time. We decided on a strategy to keep us both

sane and able to work. We bought a clock radio and set it for 4.30 - the music or talking would come on and we would appear at the door. We did this for a few days - the eldest was about 20 months and youngest 4 months. Every second night we reset the radio to add 5 minutes -they got a bit grizzly but were fine because we appeared at the door. They knew that when the music/ noise came on Mum or Dad were on their way. They were two happy little chappies - thinking their music coontrolled us. Then we added in 10 minute increments and eventually  we managed to get to 7am successfully. Even if they woke up they amused themselves until the music came on and if we didn't show then it got loud!!!! From there we adapted it's use to our NSW, Austrailia daylight saving. We used10 minute changes per day - never a problem. Everyone of my friends complained about grizzly kids waking up early and out of routine because of daylight saving but ours happily adjusted to thie music alarm that made Mum or Dad appear and get them up. Personally I don't like too many electricals around kids but this was a very good strategy and we were all happy. When they got older each had their own clock radio, which we kept synchronised and working for all our benefit. After about age 6 they used them their way. I have told a few people this tecnique but only a few ever did it - the others just suffered.