Sleep Regressions: When They Happen and How to Best Support Your Baby

As a parent, you may have heard the term sleep regression—or you might be living through it right now. Just when your baby starts sleeping longer stretches, suddenly they’re waking up more frequently, crying at bedtime, or skipping naps entirely.

This phase can feel frustrating and exhausting—but you’re not alone. Sleep regressions are a normal part of infant and toddler development, and with the right sleep routine, schedule, and support, your little one will return to more restful nights.

In this blog, we’ll walk through:

• What is a sleep regression?

• When the most common regressions happen

• Sample sleep schedules by age

• How to help your baby through it

• When to seek extra support from a Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant

  
  

Peaceful moments like these can be interrupted by sleep regressions, but with a safe sleep environment and the right support, your baby can return to restful nights.

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What Is a Sleep Regression?

A sleep regression is a temporary disruption in your baby’s usual sleep habits. It often includes:

• Frequent night wakings

• Shortened or skipped naps

• Difficulty falling or staying asleep

• Increased clinginess or fussiness, especially at bedtime

  
  

These regressions are typically linked to major developmental milestones—such as rolling over, crawling, pulling up, talking, or walking. As your baby’s brain and body grow rapidly, sleep can temporarily take a back seat.

You may feel like all your progress with sleep has disappeared overnight, but the truth is: your baby is learning and growing—and this phase will pass.

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When Do Sleep Regressions Happen?

While every child is different, sleep regressions commonly happen around certain developmental ages. Keep in mind that the timing isn’t exact—your baby may experience a regression a bit earlier or later than expected based on their individual growth and development.

4 Months

This is often the first major sleep disruption. Around this time, your baby’s sleep cycle matures, causing lighter, more fragmented sleep. They may begin waking between cycles and need help resettling.

8–10 Months

As your baby learns to crawl, pull up, and stand, sleep can take a hit. Separation anxiety also begins to emerge, making naps and bedtimes harder.

12 Months

Near their first birthday, many babies begin transitioning from two naps to one. This can lead to increased fussiness, nap refusal, and disrupted nighttime sleep.

18 Months

Toddlers are asserting their independence, and that often includes pushing back at bedtime. Teething, language development, and new fears can also contribute to sleep challenges.

2 Years

Your toddler may face new fears, molars, and major emotional development. Potty training, crib-to-bed transitions, and the desire for independence can all make sleep unpredictable.

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Sample Sleep Schedules By Age

Every child’s sleep needs are different, but maintaining an age-appropriate sleep schedule during regressions can support better rest. While this blog doesn’t include full sample schedules, Family Tree Support Services offers personalized sleep plans and tools to help you get back on track.

Looking for structure or quick answers? Whether you need a full custom routine or just have a few pressing questions, our Ask Me Anything Call is a great way to get expert guidance tailored to your baby’s sleep needs and your family’s schedule.

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How to Help Your Baby Through a Sleep Regression

Sleep regressions can be exhausting, but they’re manageable with consistency and care. Here’s how to help your baby during this transition:

Maintain a Consistent Routine

Stick to a calm and predictable sleep routine, even when things feel off. Activities like a bath, lullaby, storytime, or quiet cuddle time help signal that it’s time for sleep.

Protect Daytime Naps

Skipping naps can backfire. Overtired babies tend to wake more frequently at night. Keep offering rest opportunities, even if naps are shorter or harder to settle.

Offer Reassurance, With Boundaries

Comfort your child when they wake, but try not to introduce habits that are hard to break later (like rocking or feeding to sleep every time). Gentle patting, soothing words, and offering a favorite comfort item can help.

Create a Sleep-Friendly Environment

Use blackout curtains, white noise, and a consistent sleep space to reduce distractions and help your baby wind down. The right environment can support better quality sleep, even during regressions.

Give Yourself Grace

Sleep regressions can be tough on everyone. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, take breaks, and prioritize rest where you can. This phase is challenging—but it’s temporary.

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When to Seek Extra Support

If your baby’s sleep doesn’t improve after a few weeks—or if the disruption is significantly impacting your family—it may be time to seek expert help.

At Family Tree Support Services, Jacael Wallace, a Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant, specializes in helping families build healthy, sustainable sleep habits for infants and toddlers.

We offer:

• Personalized sleep support sessions

• Virtual workshops like “All About Newborn Sleep (First 12 Weeks)”

• Ask Me Anything Call – a focused consultation where you can get quick answers to your baby or toddler sleep questions

• Proven sleep strategies tailored to your child’s temperament and developmental stage

  
  

Book your session today at www.familytreess.com

Let’s help you get back to restful nights—and a happier, more rested household.

Toddler Temper Tantrums: What They Mean, Why They Happen, and How to Handle Them

Temper tantrums are a common—and often stressful—part of early childhood development. If your toddler suddenly bursts into tears, screams over the wrong snack, or throws themselves on the floor when it's time to leave the park, you’re not alone. These intense emotional outbursts can feel overwhelming, but they’re actually a normal and healthy part of your child’s development.

Understanding the why behind tantrums and learning age-appropriate strategies can make a world of difference. In this blog, we’ll explore:

• What temper tantrums are

• Why they happen at different stages

• How to manage tantrums with calm, confidence, and consistency

• When to seek extra support from a Certified Parent Coach

  
  

Temper tantrums are a common behavior amongst toddlers, especially between the ages of 1 and 4.

What Are Toddler Temper Tantrums?

Temper tantrums (also known as meltdowns) are intense emotional reactions in toddlers and preschoolers. These outbursts can include:

• Crying or screaming

• Kicking, hitting, or throwing

• Refusing to follow directions

• Emotional shutdowns or withdrawal

  
  

Tantrums are most common between ages 1 and 4, when children are rapidly developing emotionally but still lack the language, self-control, and coping skills to handle big feelings.

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Why Do Temper Tantrums Happen?

While every child is different, tantrums are often triggered by common emotional, physical, or environmental factors. Understanding why tantrums happen can help you respond with more patience and clarity.

Here are the most common causes:

Frustration

Toddlers are curious, determined, and constantly trying to do things on their own. But when their physical or language skills can’t keep up with their goals—like not being able to open a snack bag or express what they want—they quickly become frustrated. Tantrums are their way of saying, “I need help!” or “This isn’t fair!”

Overstimulation

Busy environments, loud noises, bright lights, or too many activities at once can overwhelm a toddler’s developing nervous system. When they’re overstimulated, they may have trouble processing their surroundings, leading to sensory overload and emotional meltdowns.

Hunger or Tiredness

Think of your toddler like a phone with a low battery—when they’re hungry or tired, they’re far more likely to crash. A skipped nap, a late meal, or a packed day can lower their tolerance for frustration and lead to explosive reactions over seemingly small things.

Transitions and Change

Switching from one activity to another—like leaving the playground, turning off the TV, or getting dressed—can be emotionally jarring for toddlers. They thrive on predictability, and sudden or frequent transitions can leave them feeling powerless, which often leads to resistance or tantrums.

Limited Language Skills

Even if your child knows a few words, they’re still learning to name their feelings and ask for what they need. When they can’t explain that they’re upset, tired, overstimulated, or frustrated, their emotions bubble over into physical expressions—like yelling, throwing, or crying.

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Tantrums by Age: What to Expect and How to Respond

Ages 1–2: Building Emotional Foundations

At this stage, toddlers are learning to express themselves but don’t yet have the words. Tantrums are often their only way to communicate frustration or confusion.

Tips:

• Stay calm—your composure helps them feel safe.

• Label emotions simply: “You’re mad.”

• Offer choices: “Red cup or blue cup?”

  
  

Ages 2–3: Seeking Independence

Toddlers want control and independence—but still need help managing boundaries. Tantrums can erupt when they feel overwhelmed or powerless.

Tips:

• Set clear, consistent boundaries.

• Use distraction and redirection.

• Validate feelings: “It’s okay to feel upset.”

  
  

Ages 3–4: Learning to Regulate Emotions

Kids this age are more socially and emotionally aware but still lack strong self-regulation skills. Tantrums may happen after busy days, during transitions, or when told "no."

Tips:

• Teach calm-down techniques (deep breathing, counting).

• Use simple social stories about emotions.

• Create calm-down corners or safe spaces.

  
  

Ages 4–5: Social & Emotional Pressure

As peer interactions grow, so do emotional challenges. Tantrums may stem from social frustration, feeling misunderstood, or wanting autonomy.

Tips:

• Model how to express frustration calmly.

• Praise emotional regulation: “You used your words—great job!”

• Role-play social situations like sharing and taking turns.

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Tantrums Are Normal—But You Don’t Have to Handle Them Alone

Tantrums can feel like a test of your patience, but they’re also an opportunity for teaching emotional skills and building connection. With the right approach, these challenging moments can become powerful learning tools—for both you and your child.

At Family Tree Support Services, we understand how tough this season can be. That’s why we offer personalized parent coaching to support you through toddlerhood with confidence and compassion.

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Get Support Through Parent Coaching

If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of how to respond to your child’s behavior, we’re here to help. Work one-on-one with Certified Parent Coach Jacael Wallace to:

• Build a plan for managing tantrums calmly and effectively

• Learn how to support your child’s emotional development

• Set healthy limits without power struggles

• Reduce yelling, guilt, and overwhelm

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Learn More in Our Positive Parenting Workshops

We also offer interactive virtual workshops designed to help you understand your child’s behavior and respond in ways that build trust, connection, and emotional strength.

Upcoming Workshops:

Positive Parenting: Navigating the Toddler Years

Perfect for parents of toddlers ages 1–4, learn how to:

• Manage tantrums

• Set limits with love

• Support toddler brain development

Reserve your spot today at www.familytreess.com

Bringing Home a New Baby with a Toddler: A Guide for Parents

Bringing Home a New Baby with a Toddler: A Guide for Parents

Welcoming a new baby into the family is an exciting milestone, but it can also be challenging, especially with a toddler at home. The arrival of a new sibling brings a mix of emotions, and preparing your toddler and yourself for this significant change is essential. Here’s a guide to help your family navigate this transition smoothly.

Start the Conversation Early

Introduce the idea of a new sibling well in advance. Use simple language to explain the baby’s arrival, focusing on the fun aspects of being a big brother or sister. Reading picture books about new siblings can help your toddler visualize the changes to come.

Involve Your Toddler in Preparations

Encourage your toddler to participate in preparations. Let them help decorate the nursery, pick out baby clothes, or choose a special toy for their new sibling. This involvement fosters excitement and helps your child feel important during the transition.

Celebrate Their New Role

Recognize and celebrate your toddler’s new role as a big sibling. Consider hosting a small family celebration or giving them a special “big sibling” gift, such as a book or toy. Celebrating this milestone can instill pride and excitement about their new responsibilities.

Create Special Bonding Time

Once the baby arrives, carve out dedicated time for your toddler. Engage in activities they love—reading together, playing games, or going for a walk. This one-on-one time reassures them of your love and attention, aiding their adjustment to family changes.

Set Realistic Expectations

Help your toddler understand that babies require a lot of attention. Explain that there will be times when you need to focus on the baby, but reassure them that you’ll always make time for them, too. Setting clear expectations can reduce feelings of jealousy and frustration.

Encourage Gentle Interactions

Foster gentle interactions between your toddler and the new baby. Show your toddler how to help with simple tasks, like fetching diapers or singing to the baby. Involving them in caring for their sibling fosters a sense of connection and pride.

Acknowledge Their Feelings

Toddlers often experience mixed emotions about a new sibling. Validate their feelings and encourage them to express themselves. Let them know it’s okay to feel happy, confused, or even jealous, and reassure them of your love and support.

Expect Regressions

It’s common for toddlers to exhibit regressive behaviors when a new baby arrives. You might notice them reverting to old habits, like wanting a pacifier or being clingy. This response is natural; it offers extra comfort and understanding to help them feel secure.

Maintain Routines (as much as possible)

Consistency provides a sense of security during times of change. Try to maintain familiar routines for meals, playtime, and bedtime. Predictability helps your toddler feel more secure and can ease anxiety about the new family dynamics.

Seek Support if Needed

If your toddler struggles significantly with the transition, consider seeking support from parenting groups, therapists, postpartum doulas, parent coaches, or online resources. Connecting with other parents who have navigated similar experiences can provide valuable insights and encouragement.

Conclusion

Bringing home a new baby with a toddler is a beautiful journey filled with opportunities for growth and connection. You can create a loving environment that fosters strong sibling relationships by preparing your toddler, involving them in the process, and providing reassurance. Remember, it’s normal to experience ups and downs during this transition—what matters most is the love and support you provide as a family. Embrace this exciting new chapter together, and cherish the moments of joy and discovery ahead!

We Can Support You

If you are facing challenges with your newborn and toddler, consider booking a one-on-one parenting session or hiring a postpartum doula. To learn more about these services offered by Family Tree Support Services, visit our website today.