New Baby and Toddler Sleep

Expect Some Regression

A new baby is one of the biggest changes in a toddler's world. Sleep regression around this time is extremely common and completely normal. Your toddler may start waking at night, resisting bedtime, requesting extra comfort, or asking to sleep in your bed — even if they were a great sleeper before.

Preparing Before the Baby Arrives

• Make any major sleep changes (crib to bed, room change, dropping pacifier) at least 2-3 months before the due date so the toddler does not associate the change with the new baby.
• If the toddler needs to move rooms, frame it as a big-kid upgrade, not as making room for the baby.
• Do NOT transition out of the crib just because the baby will need it. Buy a second crib or wait until the baby outgrows the bassinet.
• Read books about being a big sibling. Talk about what the new baby will and will not change.

After the Baby Arrives

• Protect the toddler's bedtime routine above all else — this is their anchor of normalcy.
• If possible, have the non-recovering parent handle toddler bedtime to keep it consistent.
• Give the toddler extra one-on-one time during the day, especially before bedtime.
• Respond to night wakings with compassion but maintain boundaries — "I know this is hard, and I'm here, but it's still sleep time."
• Do not introduce new sleep crutches (co-sleeping, staying until asleep) that you will need to undo later.

If They Share a Room

Room sharing between a newborn and a toddler works better than most parents expect. The toddler usually learns to sleep through the baby's cries surprisingly quickly. Use white noise to mask the newborn's sounds, and stagger bedtimes — put the toddler down first, then the baby. Wait until the newborn has a somewhat predictable nighttime pattern (usually around 3-4 months) before moving them into the shared room.