Sleep_Advice

Baby was sleeping well and all of a sudden isn’t?

A common scenario I see almost daily…

A baby who has been sleeping well suddenly starts fighting bedtime or waking more overnight.

I wish there was one simple answer — but the reality is that it’s often one or several factors working together.

Here are the first questions I ask parents when sleep suddenly changes:

🤍 Are they well?
🤍 Have they had a developmental leap (rolling, crawling, walking, starting solids)?
🤍 Could they be too hot or too cold?
🤍 Are sleep windows still right for them — or have their sleep needs changed?

If your baby’s sleep shifts suddenly, start by working through these questions — in this order. You might just find your answer.

So what can you do?

✔ If they’re unwell: Extra cuddles, extra support. Once they feel better, sleep usually improves naturally.

✔ Developmental leaps: Their little brains are busy! Extend your wind-down and slow the bedtime routine to help them switch off.

✔ Temperature matters: Dress your baby how you are dressed — but remember temperatures often drop around 3–4am. If you’re pulling up the blanket overnight, your baby may be feeling it too. Dress for the cooler early hours, use a fan initially, then switch it off when you head to bed.

✔ Sleep windows change: Awake times are only ever a guide. A baby who sleeps longer may need a slightly longer awake window. A baby who only catnapped might need an earlier sleep. Adjust the day as it unfolds.

At the end of the day, sleep is never just about one thing.

✨ Consistency AND flexibility will always be your greatest tools.

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