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When “Good Sleepers” Suddenly Start Waking Again

Good Sleepers” Suddenly Start Waking Again

Just when you thought you had cracked the sleep code — the night wakings start again. Your baby, once a “good sleeper,” is now crying at bedtime, waking every two hours, and refusing naps.

It’s disorienting. Confusing. Frustrating.

And it’s also completely normal.

If your baby or toddler has suddenly hit a rough patch after weeks or months of great sleep, you’re likely dealing with a sleep regression — a developmental phase that disrupts established routines and leaves many parents wondering what went wrong.

What Is a Sleep Regression, Really?

A sleep regression is a temporary period when a child who was previously sleeping well suddenly starts waking more often, fighting naps, or experiencing early wakings. It’s not a result of poor habits or failed routines — it’s a sign of progress.

Sleep regressions are often linked to:

  • Developmental milestones (like crawling, walking, or talking)
  • Neurological changes
  • Cognitive leaps that increase awareness of surroundings
  • Emotional growth, such as the rise of separation anxiety

These changes affect your child’s ability to fall and stay asleep. And while it can feel like you’re back at square one, the truth is: you’re right where you’re supposed to be.

“When babies experience major developmental milestones, it’s natural for sleep to regress temporarily. These regressions often coincide with exciting cognitive growth.”
Dr. Richard Ferber, Pediatric Sleep Specialist (source)

Why It Happens to “Good Sleepers”

The phrase “good sleeper” often gives the illusion of permanence — as if babies who sleep well early on will always do so. But sleep in infancy is fluid. Changes are the rule, not the exception.

A few reasons your “great sleeper” might suddenly struggle:

  • New skills (rolling, standing, talking) are hard to turn off at bedtime
  • Increased awareness can make quiet separation feel scary
  • Changing sleep needs — wake windows lengthen, naps consolidate, and night sleep shifts
  • Sleep associations (like rocking or feeding) may no longer work as reliably

The result? Your once-sleepy baby now wants to practice crawling at 3 a.m.

Common Regression Ages (and What Triggers Them)

Even seasoned sleepers often struggle during the 4-month, 8–10 month, 12-month, 18-month, and 2-year regressions.

Here’s what can cause disruption at each stage:

  • 4 months: Brain matures, sleep cycles become lighter
  • 8–10 months: Crawling, standing, and object permanence
  • 12 months: Walking and language development
  • 18 months: Separation anxiety, emotional awareness, independence
  • 24 months: Increased autonomy, imagination, nightmares

Each of these stages reflects your child’s brain and body working overtime but sleep is often the casualty. For a complete breakdown of each regression and how to handle it, see this sleep regression guide.

What You Can Do (Without Starting Over)

1. Stay Calm and Curious

This isn’t a parenting failure. It’s a developmental leap. Your child’s sleep may be disorganized right now, but that doesn’t mean you’ve lost progress.

Keep your response gentle and consistent. Avoid making major changes out of panic.

2. Revisit Wake Windows

As your child grows, their sleep needs evolve. What used to work  like a 3-hour wake window may now result in undertired or overtired sleep.

According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, toddlers aged 1–2 years need about 11–14 hours of total sleep per day, with wake windows often between 4–6 hours (source).

Adjust nap and bedtime routines based on current needs, not past habits.

3. Offer Extra Connection

If your child is experiencing separation anxiety, bedtime might feel like abandonment. Offer extra snuggles, verbal reassurance, or a calming bedtime book.

Some parents find that adding a comfort object, like a soft toy or blanket (safe for age), helps ease transitions.

Tip: Pediatric psychologist Dr. Laura Markham suggests incorporating a “connection ritual” at bedtime to soothe anxious toddlers (source).

4. Resist the Urge to Overcorrect

In a regression, it’s tempting to overhaul routines  or resort to last-resort tactics like car naps or late-night TV. But too many changes can make things worse.

Stick to your core routine as best you can:

  • Wind-down time
  • Predictable cues
  • Same bedtime, even if sleep is broken

Consistency is a stabilizer during chaos.

5. Take Care of Yourself, Too

Parents often forget that sleep regressions affect the whole family. If you’re feeling burnt out, irritable, or emotionally low, that’s valid.

Ask for help. Trade off night shifts. Nap when possible. Even 20 minutes of alone time can reset your nervous system.

Sleep regressions are survivable  but only if the caregivers get support, too.

When to Seek Help

Sleep regressions are usually temporary. But reach out to your pediatrician if:

  • Your child shows signs of sleep apnea (snoring, gasping, restless sleep)
  • Regression lasts longer than 6 weeks with no improvement
  • You’re concerned about growth, nutrition, or behavior

Persistent issues may require professional guidance, such as from a pediatric sleep consultant.

A Gentle Guide to Navigating Regressions

One of the hardest parts of a sleep regression is the not knowing — how long it’ll last, what’s causing it, or whether you’re making it worse.

That’s why this in-depth guide to baby sleep regressions is a helpful starting point. It walks you through each stage, what it means developmentally, and gentle ways to support your baby or toddler through the transition.

Whether your baby is 4 months or 2 years, this guide gives clarity, perspective, and reassurance.

Final Thought: Your Baby Still Knows How to Sleep

If you’re wondering, “What happened to my great sleeper?” — the answer is: nothing went wrong. Your child didn’t forget how to sleep. They’re simply growing in leaps and bounds.

These regressions are hard, but they’re also fleeting. With a little patience, a lot of coffee, and a steady hand, you’ll both settle back into rest.

Until then, remember: your baby hasn’t gone backward. They’re just moving forward… a little more loudly than usua

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