Your baby was finally sleeping through the night… and then suddenly, you’re back to hourly wake-ups, nap battles, and early-morning cries. Welcome to the frustrating — but completely normal — world of sleep regressions.
But what exactly is a sleep regression? Why do they happen? And how can you survive them without losing your mind (or your sleep)?
Let’s break it down.
🍼 What Is a Sleep Regression?
A sleep regression is a period when a baby or toddler who was sleeping well suddenly starts waking up more often, resisting naps, or struggling to settle. These phases are usually temporary but can feel endless when you’re in the thick of them.
Sleep regressions typically coincide with major developmental leaps, such as:
- Learning to roll, crawl, or walk
- Language growth
- Separation anxiety
- Teething or illness
“Sleep regressions aren’t setbacks — they’re signs your baby’s brain is growing,” says Dr. Harvey Karp, paediatrician and author of The Happiest Baby on the Block.
🧠 When Do Sleep Regressions Happen?
While every child is different, these are the most common ages:
- 4 months: A permanent shift in sleep cycles — often the toughest regression
- 6–8 months: Mobility, teething, and new awareness
- 12 months: Walking, language, and transitioning from two naps to one
- 18 months: Separation anxiety and newfound independence
- 2 years: Nightmares, bedtime resistance, and asserting control
Each regression can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.
🔁 What Sleep Regression Looks Like
Signs include:
- More frequent night wakings
- Short or skipped naps
- Increased fussiness around sleep
- Resistance to bedtime
- Early morning waking
- Clinginess or anxiety
It can feel like you’re back to square one — but it’s temporary.
💡 How to Cope (and Help Your Child Through It)
1. 🕰️ Stick to Routines
Children thrive on predictability. Keep bedtime and nap time routines consistent to signal when it’s time to sleep.
2. 🧸 Offer Comfort, But Don’t Create New Sleep Crutches
It’s okay to offer extra cuddles, but try not to introduce habits you’ll have to break later (like feeding to sleep or staying in the room for hours).
3. 💤 Prioritise Sleep — Even If It’s Messy
Don’t skip naps or push bedtime later hoping for longer night sleep. Over-tiredness can make things worse.
4. 🎧 Use White Noise
Helps block out distractions and soothes overstimulated little brains.
5. 🧠 Remember: This Is a Phase
You’re not doing anything wrong. Regression is part of the process.
✨ What About Sleep Training?
If you’ve already done sleep training, a regression doesn’t undo your hard work. Stay consistent and confident — your child remembers the routine.
If you haven’t done sleep training, a regression may not be the best time to start. Wait until things stabilise.
🧠 A Word on You
Sleep regressions affect parents too. You may feel exhausted, defeated, and impatient — and that’s valid.
Make small changes to protect your own sleep:
- Nap when your child naps (yes, seriously)
- Ask for help from a partner or support system
- Lower expectations around chores or productivity
This is a temporary blip in a long journey.
Sources:
- American Academy of Pediatrics – HealthyChildren.org
- Dr. Harvey Karp, The Happiest Baby on the Block
- Sleep Foundation – sleepfoundation.org
- National Institutes of Health – Infant Sleep and Development Studies
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