Your Baby’s Sleep Schedule Suddenly Changed? A Guide to Baby Sleep Regression

Is your little sleeper who used to be so good at bedtime suddenly waking up in the middle of the night or crying every time you put them down for their regular nap? 

This might be a case of sleep regression. 

Let’s talk about what sleep regression is, when it usually happens, how long you can expect it to last, and what you can do to help everyone get back to sleeping well.

What is baby sleep regression?

When babies who usually sleep well start waking up frequently at night and shortening their naps, this is called sleep regression. 

This sudden change in sleep pattern is often linked to the rapid growth and development of their brains and bodies. For example, learning to roll over or becoming more active could mess up your little one’s sleep. 

To understand this better, let’s break down sleep regression into parts:

• Onset: Sleep regressions are often associated with specific ages – the notable ones occur around 4, 6, 8, 9, 12, 13, 18, and 24 months (2 years old) of a baby’s life.
• Duration: You can expect a sleep regression to last anywhere from two to six weeks typically. Remember, each child is different, and so is the length of their sleep regressions.
• Signs: Besides the evident sleep disturbances, you might notice increased fussiness, changes in appetite, or more frequent clinginess.

What causes baby sleep regression, and why does it happen?

Baby sleep regression could be because of a few different things. Let’s take a closer look at them.

Developmental Leaps

During developmental leaps, babies tend to learn new skills like rolling over, crawling, and walking. These fun and stimulating activities can sometimes mess with their sleep, causing shorter naps and more wake-ups at night.

Changes in Sleep Pattern

As your baby grows, their sleep pattern changes, which can result in sleep regression. Around four months old, babies start to have a sleep cycle that’s more similar to adults, shifting from mainly REM sleep to a mix of REM and deep sleep. This change can make it harder for babies to settle back down after waking up at night.

Teething and Illness

Thirdly, when your baby starts teething, it can make them wake up more often due to the discomfort. The same goes for when they are unwell – a cold, ear infection or other health issues can make it tough for them to sleep.

Separation Anxiety

At around nine months of age, babies may experience sleep regression due to separation anxiety. As they begin to understand that objects and people continue to exist even when they can’t see them, they may start waking more frequently at night, seeking reassurance from you.

Signs of baby sleep regression

To spot sleep regression in your baby, you need to know what to look for. 

Unlike typical sleep issues, these signs often line up with developmental milestones and different growth phases. 

Being able to recognize them can give you a good idea of what kind of sleep problems your baby might be dealing with and how long they might last.

Sudden Wakefulness

If your baby, who usually sleeps through the night, starts waking up often during the night, it’s probably because of sleep regression. This happens when they’re going through growth spurts and developmental changes, which can make their sleep less consistent and more interrupted.

Reduced Nap Duration

If your baby’s regular long naps start getting shorter, it could mean they’re going through a sleep regression. This often happens when they’re learning new skills like rolling over or hitting cognitive milestones like object permanence.

Nighttime Fussiness

Babies going through sleep regression can get super cranky, especially at night. When they’re also dealing with teething or feeling sick, they might wake up more often and end up getting less sleep overall.

Appetite Changes

If your baby seems hungrier or less hungry than usual, it might mean they’re going through a sleep regression. Babies grow really fast, so their bodies need different amounts of energy at different times, which can mess with their sleep.

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When baby sleep regressions happen: Baby sleep regression age-by-age

Sleep regression can happen unexpectedly because of disruptions in routines or illness. 

However, there are certain times when sleep regression is more predictable, such as during growth spurts, teething, or when reaching new milestones:

4-Month Regression

Around the 4-month mark, babies go through a big developmental leap. Their sleep pattern changes, moving from newborn sleep cycles to a more adult-like routine. This shift may result in them waking up more often.

📖 Learn more about 4-month baby sleep regression.

6-Month Regression

At six months, babies start teething and working on skills like sitting, rolling, and maybe even crawling. These changes can mess with their sleep, causing what’s called sleep regression.

📖 Learn more about 6-month baby sleep regression.

8-Month Regression

Around 8 months, your baby’s brain is growing, which might bring on separation anxiety and disrupt their sleep. This is often called the 8-month sleep regression.

📖 Learn more about 8-month baby sleep regression.

9-Month Regression

When babies reach around 9 months old, they may start getting more curious and explorative. This newfound awareness can sometimes cause them to have trouble sleeping through the night or taking naps peacefully.

📖 Learn more about 9-month baby sleep regression.

12-Month Regression

At around 1 year old, babies usually start taking fewer naps, going from two to one. This, along with their new ability to walk, can bring on what’s known as the 12-month sleep regression.

📖 Learn more about 12-month baby sleep regression.

13-Month Regression

Around the age of 13 months, toddlers usually start feeling separation anxiety. They might have trouble falling asleep, which can lead to waking up at night – a common sign of the 13-month sleep regression.

📖 Learn more about 13-month baby sleep regression.

18-Month Regression

By around 18 months, your little one might start facing some bedtime fears and might be learning to comfort themselves during the night. This could lead to what’s commonly known as the 18-month sleep regression phase.

📖 Learn more about 18-month baby sleep regression.

2-Year Regression

“The terrible twos” are no joke. Dealing with the emotional ups and downs at this age, resistance to naps, and potty training can all contribute to the 2-year sleep regression.

📖 Learn more about 2-year-old baby sleep regression.

Tips for managing baby sleep regression

Fortunately, sleep regression usually doesn’t last long. Here are some tips to handle your baby’s sleep regression:

• Keep an eye out for your baby’s sleep signals, like rubbing their eyes or getting fussy, so you can put them to bed before they get too tired. 
• Stick to a regular bedtime routine, like dinner, bath, book, lullabies, and some comforting words. 
• Make sure your baby gets enough sleep during the day because overtired babies can have trouble sleeping at night. 
• If your baby starts crying in the middle of the night, wait a couple of minutes before going to them – they might settle back to sleep on their own. If not, check on them, pat them gently, say something reassuring, and then leave. Try not to rock, cuddle, or feed them, as that might encourage them to keep waking up. If they keep crying, you can say comforting words from the door and gradually increase the time between checking on them.
• If your baby is 4 to 6 months old, you can consider sleep training, but give it at least two weeks to see if it’s making a difference. 
• Lastly, give your baby some extra attention during the day and before bedtime, especially if they seem stressed or have separation anxiety – it can help them feel more secure at night.

How long does baby sleep regression last?

Sleep regression duration isn’t set in stone, but most parents notice a return to normal sleep within two to six weeks. 

Check out our table below for an overview of the typical duration for each regression based on the baby’s age:

❗Keep in mind that sleep regression duration can vary depending on the cause and how it’s handled. These are just average durations, so your baby’s sleep regression period might not fit within these time frames.

Can you prevent baby sleep regression?

For all the tired new parents out there dealing with a baby who just won’t sleep, there’s no stopping sleep regression.

It’s a normal part of having a baby or a toddler. 

But for now, sticking to a bedtime routine and sleep schedule can help lessen the chances of sleep issues. 

Hang in there and remember that this won’t last forever.

When to call the doctor about baby sleep regression?

If you’ve been trying to help your baby sleep better for a couple of weeks with no success, don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor for advice. 

When your baby is sick and having trouble sleeping, keep an eye out for signs like a high fever, bloody nasal discharge, swollen glands, or pulling at their ears, and consider calling the pediatrician if you notice any of these symptoms. 

If you have any concerns about your baby’s sleep or any persistent issues, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your doctor.

To Sum It Up

When your baby starts having trouble sleeping, just remember that it’s because of big changes happening – whether it’s because they’re growing, learning new things, or dealing with new feelings. 

Regression sucks for everyone. But it’s normal and will probably go away with time. Stick to your usual bedtime and sleep routines, which little ones find comforting, and your baby will hopefully be sleeping like a champ again soon.

So, when it happens, just take it easy and be patient with your little one. With the right approach, you’ll make it through the difficult times and see your baby grow and learn.