Will My Baby Wake Their Sibling During Sleep Training? A Common Fear, Answered.

It’s such a valid concern—especially when one child is already a solid sleeper. You don’t want to risk disrupting the sleep you've worked so hard for, and I get that! 

As a mom myself, I’ve been in your shoes. My son is just 16 months older than my daughter, and during her colicky newborn phase (which came with lots of crying), I was sure he’d wake up constantly. But guess what? He didn’t. He slept right through it. Total shocker!

That’s the thing: a lot of kids can and do sleep through their sibling’s cries—especially if they’ve already developed healthy sleep habits. Of course, every child is different. But it is possible, and it happens more often than you'd think.

Still worried? Let’s break it down.

Here’s the hard truth: You might have a few rough nights. And yes, your older child might wake up a time or two while the baby learns to fall asleep independently. But think about it like this:

Would you rather:

Jump up multiple times a night forever to soothe your baby so they don’t wake your toddler,

Power through a few days of sleep training and then enjoy peaceful nights where both kids sleep well on their own?

That short-term discomfort can lead to long-term sleep for everyone—your baby, their sibling, and you. And you deserve that rest. Your children do too!

When siblings share a room, sleep training can feel even more intimidating. But here are a few tips that can make it work:

✅ Consider a temporary sleepover – If one child is already a strong sleeper, you can move them into your room or another quiet space for a few nights. It’s easier to make short-term changes for the good sleeper while you focus on helping the other learn the ropes.

✅ Stagger bedtimes – Younger children often need more sleep than older siblings. Consider putting your toddler to bed earlier, then spending one-on-one time with your older child before their own bedtime. Not only does this help prevent distractions, but it also gives each child special, focused time with you—something they both crave!

✅ Encourage sibling sleep modeling – Siblings can actually motivate each other to sleep better! If your older child is already a great sleeper, invite them to be a “sleep role model” for their younger sibling. Let them know how proud you are of their sleep habits and how they can help teach their little brother or sister by showing how it's done. On the flip side, younger children often love to copy their big siblings—so encouraging them to follow their older sibling’s lead at bedtime can help build healthy sleep habits for both. It's teamwork!

Absolutely! If both of your children are struggling with sleep, you can tackle it together—or do one at a time. There’s no right or wrong way here. It really depends on your family’s needs, your energy, and what feels manageable for you.

If this feels overwhelming or you’re unsure where to start, I can help. Book a free 30-minute consultation, and let’s talk about your child’s sleep struggles and how we can bring restful nights back to your home—without sacrificing your other child’s sleep in the process.