Expert Answers to Common Baby and Toddler Sleep Questions

I recently asked my community for all of their sleep questions and promised I would answer them the following week. Well, here we are, and it is time for me to live up to my side of the agreement. 

First, let me say thank you so much for the incredible questions you sent my way! From tricky toddler sleep regressions to teething troubles and everything in between, I was thrilled to see how many of you are invested in improving your little one’s sleep. 

From here on down, I will list the question and provide my answer, as well as link to additional resources you can find on my blog or site. Ready? Let’s do this!

How can I get through the 4 month sleep regression with my baby?

The 4-month sleep regression occurs when your baby’s sleep patterns change, shifting to more adult-like cycles. To navigate it, keep your baby’s sleep routine consistent, be patient with night wakings, and avoid introducing new sleep associations. It helps to focus on teaching your baby how to self-soothe, if they don’t already know how to fall asleep independently. By the way, I prefer to call this the biologically correct name: the sleep-wake cycle maturation process. You can read more about this in my blog here.

How can I tell if my baby is teething or just going through a sleep regression?

Teething tends to cause more physical symptoms like drooling, swollen gums, and biting on things, not just at night but also during the day. Regressions, on the other hand, occur around predictable developmental milestones. If the disruption is paired with daytime fussiness or visible gum changes, teething may be the culprit.

Are sleep associations really harmful, or can they be part of a healthy sleep routine?

Sleep associations like rocking or feeding to sleep aren’t harmful but can become problematic if your baby can’t fall asleep without them. If you’re okay with providing the association long-term, it’s fine, but for independent sleep, you’ll want to gradually wean from these habits.

How can I help my toddler adjust to a big bed without disrupting their sleep?

Make the big bed transition exciting! Introduce the bed as a special milestone and keep their sleep environment similar to what they’re used to (darkness, continuous noise playing). A consistent bedtime routine will help, and you can use a toddler clock to set boundaries around wake-up time. You can read more about this transition in my blog here.

What should I do if my baby always wakes up crying?

Babies often wake up crying due to being overtired, hungry, or startled. Evaluate your baby’s wake windows and sleep environment. If crying persists, and your baby hasn’t yet learned to fall asleep independently, they may be getting startled because the same conditions (i.e., you) that were present at the beginning of the night (or nap) are not present anymore and they are upset as a result. In this case, it may be worthwhile exploring helping them learn more independence.

Is there a ‘right’ way to handle night wakings during a sleep regression?

There isn’t one right way, but the key is consistency. Try to avoid introducing new habits like feeding or rocking if your goal is independent sleep. Instead, stick to your usual routine while offering brief reassurance to soothe your baby.

How can I tell if my baby is overtired or under-tired?

An overtired baby will often seem fussy, have difficulty falling asleep, or wake frequently during the night. An under-tired baby may resist sleep or take longer to settle, or wake too early in the morning. Knowing your baby’s wake windows and observing their behavior can help you adjust accordingly.

How can I help my baby transition out of a swaddle?

Start by leaving one arm out of the swaddle, then both arms, and transition to a sleep sack once your baby adjusts. You can try doing this gradually over several nights to minimize disruption. An alternative approach is to switch to a safe swaddle transition product like the Zipadee Zip which contains the arms and hands but still allows free movement if your baby is starting to roll over.

How do you get a 2-year-old to sleep through the night?

At two years old, sleep disruptions are often due to developmental milestones, separation anxiety, or changes in routine. To encourage your toddler to sleep through the night, establish a consistent bedtime routine, ensure they are getting enough daytime sleep (but not too much), and set clear boundaries. A toddler clock can be helpful to signal when it’s time to wake up. If they wake at night, keep interactions calm and brief, encouraging them to return to sleep independently. Patience and consistency are key! You may also be interested in my toddler sleep workshop series here, here, here and here.

Is a 2-year-old too young to be potty trained?

No, a 2-year-old is not too young to begin potty training if they show readiness signs like staying dry for longer periods, showing interest in the potty, or expressing discomfort with dirty diapers. Both my girls were potty trained at 18 months old! However, every child is different, and some may not be ready until closer to age 3. It’s important not to rush the process—forcing it too soon can lead to resistance. Keep potty training fun, and be patient! You may also be interested in my potty training bundle, which helps you through this using step by step guidance, or my blog about potty training here.

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