Understanding Sleep Regressions
Sleep regressions are temporary periods when a baby or toddler who was previously sleeping well suddenly starts waking frequently at night, fights naps or seems restless. These phases coincide with developmental leaps and growth spurts. As children gain new skills and awareness, their sleep patterns temporarily shift. Parents often describe these regressions as frustrating and exhausting because just when it seemed like consistent rest was achieved, the old routines no longer work.
It’s important to remember that regressions are not regressions in your parenting; they are a reflection of your child’s rapidly developing brain and body. During a regression, your child is learning to integrate new abilities such as rolling, crawling, standing, talking or understanding complex emotions. These milestones can disrupt the rhythm that allowed them to drift into deep sleep. Knowing what causes regressions and how to handle them will help you remain calm and supportive during these transitions.
Common Ages for Sleep Regressions
Although every child is unique, certain ages are known for sleep disruptions. Below are the typical stages and what might be happening at each:
Four-Month Sleep Regression
At four months, babies’ sleep cycles become more like adults’ with distinct phases of light and deep sleep. This neurological shift can cause them to wake more frequently. They may also be mastering head control and beginning to roll over, which makes them excited to practice these skills even at night. To cope, maintain consistent bedtime routines, keep nighttime interactions brief and soothing and give your baby opportunities to practice rolling and tummy time during the day.
Six-Month Sleep Regression
By six months, many babies are teething, learning to sit without support and experiencing growth spurts. Separation anxiety can also begin, causing them to become more aware of when caregivers leave the room. If your baby wakes, offer comfort but avoid creating sleep associations that will be hard to break later, like feeding to sleep or rocking for long periods. A gentle pat and reassuring words can be enough to help them resettle.
Eight- to Ten-Month Sleep Regression
This period often coincides with crawling, pulling up to stand and sometimes early cruising. Babies are thrilled by their new mobility, but their bodies and brains may be overstimulated by these developments. You may notice more night wakings and shorter naps. Ensure plenty of practice time for these motor skills during the day. Establish a relaxing bedtime routine and encourage self-soothing techniques like offering a lovey or allowing your baby to find a comfortable sleeping position independently.
Twelve-Month Sleep Regression
At around one year, toddlers can experience disrupted sleep as they start walking, increase their vocabulary and shift from two naps to one. They may also experience a surge in separation anxiety. Consistency is crucial; stick to the same bedtime and nap schedule whenever possible. Provide comfort at night but try to avoid bringing your child into bed as a quick fix, since this can develop into a habit that is difficult to change.
Eighteen-Month Sleep Regression
The eighteen-month regression often relates to the rapid cognitive development toddlers experience. They begin asserting independence, using more words and experiencing mood swings. Tantrums can crop up and nighttime fears may emerge. Continue to set clear boundaries at bedtime, use calming rituals like reading or quiet songs and reinforce positive sleep habits such as falling asleep in their own bed. Validate their feelings while reminding them that nighttime is for sleeping.
Two-Year Sleep Regression
By age two, toddlers are exploring autonomy but may also have fears around being alone in the dark. Changes in family dynamics, such as a new sibling or moving to a toddler bed, can contribute to sleep disruptions. Potty training may also cause nighttime awakenings. Offer reassurance, maintain a predictable bedtime routine and address underlying needs (for example, a quick trip to the bathroom). A night-light or security object can be helpful.
Why Do Sleep Regressions Happen?
Sleep regressions stem from both biological and environmental factors. Key drivers include:
- Developmental milestones: Learning new physical skills like rolling, crawling and walking, or cognitive leaps like object permanence and language acquisition, can disrupt sleep because the brain is consolidating these skills.
- Growth spurts: Rapid physical growth can cause increased hunger, leading babies to wake more often to feed. Sometimes they simply need a little extra nutrition to satisfy their growing bodies.
- Teething: The discomfort of emerging teeth may cause restlessness, drooling and increased fussiness, particularly around bedtime and nap time.
- Separation anxiety: Between six months and two years, babies and toddlers develop stronger attachments to caregivers and greater awareness of when they are alone. Nighttime wakings can be triggered by their desire for comfort and assurance.
- Changes in routine: Travel, illness, returning to work, starting daycare, or even minor schedule shifts like daylight saving time can disrupt an established sleep pattern.
By identifying which factors are influencing your child’s sleep, you can tailor strategies to help them through the regression.
Strategies for Weathering Sleep Regressions
While sleep regressions are inevitable, there are several strategies you can use to ease the transition for both you and your child:
Maintain Consistent Routines
Bedtime routines signal to your child that it’s time to wind down. A typical routine might include a bath, putting on pajamas, dimming the lights, reading a story and singing a lullaby. The specific activities don’t matter as much as the consistency and the calming effect. Doing the same sequence every evening helps regulate your child’s internal clock.
Encourage Self-Soothing
Self-soothing is the ability to fall asleep without assistance from a caregiver. Encourage this by putting your baby down drowsy but awake so they learn to drift off independently. Offer a safe sleep object such as a small blanket or stuffed animal for comfort (for babies over 12 months). Avoid rushing in at the first whimper; give your child a few minutes to settle on their own.
Offer Comfort Without Creating New Sleep Crutches
During a regression, it’s natural to want to soothe your child quickly. However, bringing them into your bed or nursing them to sleep can lead to habits that persist after the regression. Instead, provide comfort in their sleep space: a gentle pat on the back, soft humming or reassuring words. If your child wakes frequently, limit interactions to 5–10 minutes to reinforce the idea that nighttime is for sleeping.
Create a Conducive Sleep Environment
Make sure the sleep environment supports restful slumber. Keep the room dark with blackout curtains, maintain a comfortable temperature (around 68–72°F) and use white noise to mask household sounds. A firm, flat mattress and fitted sheet are essential for safe sleep. Remove distractions like mobiles or stimulating toys from the crib at bedtime.
Prioritize Daytime Naps
Overtired children often have more trouble falling and staying asleep. Don’t be tempted to skip naps in the hope they’ll sleep better at night—often the opposite happens. Maintain age-appropriate nap schedules (e.g., three naps per day for a 4-month-old, two for a 6–12-month-old and one for toddlers). Nap routines can also be shorter versions of the bedtime routine.
Adjust Feeding Schedules
During growth spurts, babies may need more calories. If your child is waking due to hunger, consider increasing daytime feedings or offering a “dream feed” around 10 pm to top them off for the night. For toddlers, ensure daytime meals and snacks are well-balanced with complex carbohydrates, protein and healthy fats to sustain them.
Be Patient With Yourself and Your Child
Sleep regressions can feel like setbacks, but they are a normal part of development. It may take a week or two for your child to re-establish better sleep patterns. Take care of yourself by resting when you can, asking for help from a partner or family member and remembering that this phase will pass. Respond to your child with empathy; they are not intentionally disrupting your sleep but adjusting to rapid changes in their world.
Supporting Your Child’s Emotional Needs During Regressions
Beyond physical factors, emotional growth plays a role in sleep disruptions. Separation anxiety, fears and the budding need for independence all influence nighttime behavior. Here are a few emotional-support strategies:
- Practice goodbyes: During the day, practice leaving your child with a trusted caregiver for short periods. Keep departures brief and cheerful, and always return when you say you will. Over time, your child will learn that separations are temporary.
- Use transitional objects: A favorite stuffed animal or blanket can serve as a source of comfort when you’re not in the room. Reinforce that the object is there to keep them company.
- Talk about feelings: Toddlers may not have the words to express fear or frustration. Label emotions and validate them: “You’re feeling sad because it’s bedtime. It’s okay to be sad. I’m right here.”
- Empower with choices: Offering small choices (which pajamas to wear or which book to read) can help toddlers feel a sense of control, making them more willing to cooperate at bedtime.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do sleep regressions last? Most regressions last between two and six weeks. The exact length depends on the child and the underlying cause. Consistent routines and gentle guidance can minimize the duration.
Should I try sleep training during a regression? Regressions may not be the best time to start a rigorous sleep-training program because your child is already dealing with changes. However, you can reinforce healthy habits by following a predictable schedule, encouraging self-soothing and avoiding creating new sleep dependencies.
Is it okay to feed my baby at night during a regression? If your baby is under one year or recently started a growth spurt, nighttime feedings can be appropriate. For older babies who no longer need nighttime calories, try to reduce feeding gradually to avoid associating waking with food.
When should I consult a healthcare provider? Talk to your pediatrician if sleep disruptions are extreme, last longer than six weeks or are accompanied by concerning symptoms like breathing difficulties, weight loss, snoring or excessive daytime lethargy. They can rule out medical issues and provide guidance.
The Light at the End of the Tunnel
Although it may not feel like it in the middle of the night, sleep regressions are temporary. Each phase signals a burst of development and new skills, and with your support, your child will return to more restful patterns. By maintaining consistency, creating a calm environment, encouraging self-soothing and addressing emotional needs, you set the foundation for healthy sleep habits that last beyond infancy and toddlerhood.
Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Stay attuned to your child’s cues, adjust strategies as needed and take solace in knowing that countless families are navigating similar challenges.
Further reading: Sleep Foundation — Baby Sleep Regressions Explained
