Toddler sleep

Hey all! I have a 17 month old and I had a few questions about his sleep! He typically goes to bed around 7:15-7:30. We have been noticing he wakes up a good bit earlier than usual but just sits in his crib, doesn't make a sound and plays with his blanket. Usually around 6:45-7am when he use to get woken up at 7:30 for breakfast and daycare. I will look at the monitor if I get up and he will just he sitting up as calm as can be. Lol. Also sometimes he does this for 10 minutes or so before bed. I just feel bad leaving him in there but he doesn't seem to mind at all. Is this normal for a toddler?