BIRTH TO 2 YEARS
Sleep Regression – What’s Happening and How to Survive It
Imagine this: your baby has been sleeping like a dream, naps are predictable, nights are long and peaceful and you finally feel like you've got this parenting thing down. Then, without warning, they're waking up every hour, rejecting naps and behaving as if sleep is a long-lost concept. Sound familiar?Welcome to sleep regression, the phase every parent dreads but almost every baby goes through. But here’s the thing: sleep regression isn’t a problem, it’s actually progress. Let’s break it down.
16 Mar 2025
What Is Sleep Regression?
Sleep regression is a temporary disruption in your baby’s sleep, often linked to developmental milestones. It can show up as:
More frequent night wakings
Shorter naps or nap refusals
Trouble falling asleep
Increased fussiness at bedtime
Basically, everything that was working… suddenly isn’t. But before you panic, know this: it’s temporary.
Why Does Sleep Regression Happen?
Think of your baby’s brain as a busy construction site, with new skills, new connections and new ways of experiencing the world. All this growth can throw off their sleep. Here’s why:
1. Your Baby’s Brain Is in Overdrive
When babies learn new skills (rolling over, crawling, standing, walking), their brains are working overtime. They may even “practice” these skills in their sleep, leading to restless nights.
Give your baby extra time during the day to practice new skills. If they’re learning to roll, let them roll. If they’re trying to stand, let them pull up. The more they practice awake, the less they’ll need to at 3 AM.
2. Sleep Cycles Are Changing
Around 4 months, babies shift from newborn sleep (deep, easy sleep) to more adult-like sleep cycles. This means they wake up more often between cycles (just like we do), but they don’t yet know how to get back to sleep on their own.
Start introducing gentle sleep associations that encourage self-soothing, like a comfort object (if age-appropriate), a bedtime phrase or white noise.
3. Separation Anxiety Kicks In
Around 8-10 months, babies become more aware that you’re a separate person from them. This is great for their emotional growth but not so great for sleep because they want YOU, not an empty crib.
Play peekaboo and practice short separations during the day so they learn that you always come back. At night, respond with comfort, but try to avoid creating new sleep habits that you’ll later want to break.
4. Growth Spurts and Hunger
Babies go through growth spurts at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and beyond. These spurts can make them extra hungry, leading to more night wakings for extra feeds.
If your baby suddenly wants to eat more at night, consider offering more calories during the day. If they seem genuinely hungry, feed them, but if they’re waking out of habit, use a gentle soothing technique first.
When Does Sleep Regression Happen?
Every baby is different, but common sleep regression phases happen around:
4 months – Major sleep cycle shift, increased awareness.
6 months – Growth spurt, new motor skills.
8-10 months – Separation anxiety, crawling, standing.
12 months – Walking, dropping to one nap.
18-24 months – Language explosion, independence struggles.
Each of these regressions can last anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks, but they do pass!
How to Survive Sleep Regression Without Losing Your Mind
Keep Your Routine Consistent – Babies thrive on predictability. Stick to the same bedtime and naptime routine so they feel secure, even when their sleep is disrupted.
Don’t Introduce New Sleep Crutches – If your baby wasn’t being rocked to sleep before, don’t start now. Instead, offer comfort in ways that won’t be hard to undo later.
Give Them Extra Daytime Connection – More cuddles, more play, more one-on-one time. The more secure they feel during the day, the easier sleep will be at night.
Adjust Wake Windows – If naps are suddenly a disaster, your baby may need slightly longer awake periods before sleeping. Watch for sleep cues like eye rubbing or zoning out.
Take Care of Yourself – Sleep regressions are tough! Take turns with a partner, ask for help and sneak in naps when you can. A well-rested parent handles regressions way better than an exhausted one.
It may feel endless when you’re in the thick of it, but sleep regression is a phase, not a forever thing. Your baby is growing, developing and adjusting to their ever-changing world. With a little patience, some tweaks to your routine, and a whole lot of coffee, you’ll both get through it.
Need help creating a personalized sleep plan for your baby? Book a consultation with me, and let’s get both of you sleeping better.
