As a pediatric sleep consultant, one question I frequently hear from parents is “Why is my baby suddenly crying at sleep times?!” It can be so confusing (and exhausting and frustrating) when your little one, who may have been settling well, suddenly starts protesting at naps and bedtime. Oftentimes it will feel like it comes out of nowhere and you’re left grasping at straws to try to figure out what happened.

First off, I want to make sure you know that it’s not a reflection on you. It doesn’t mean you’ve failed or that you’ve ruined your good sleeper. Please don’t take this sudden increase in crying and protest personally. It is not your fault. Babies go through all kinds of changes and developments and it’s completely normal to have ups and downs. Let’s talk through some common reasons this might be happening and how you can help your baby through it.