Being a mom is miracle.. But let’s be honest — it’s also a never-ending chain of uncertainties. Just when your baby finally starts sleeping peacefully through the night, everything can suddenly turn upside down. Right when you’re thinking, “Finally, we’ve got a routine!” the wake-ups begin again, along with fussiness and short naps. At this point, what you’re facing has a name: sleep regression.
Sleep regression is a temporary sleep disruption that shows your baby has reached a developmental milestone. Usually lasting just a few weeks, this phase often brings more frequent night wakings, trouble falling asleep, and disruptions to both daytime and nighttime sleep routines. Although it can sound frightening, it’s a positive sign that your baby is growing and developing in a healthy way.
Why Does Sleep Regression Happen?
A baby’s development is a constant journey of change and growth. Major milestones like crawling, sitting up, and starting to speak can be both exciting and exhausting for little bodies. During these leaps, sleep habits often get temporarily disrupted. Certain ages, in particular, tend to bring more noticeable sleep regressions:
4 months: Babies’ sleep cycles start to look more like those of adults, leading to lighter sleep and more frequent night wakings.
8–9 months: Around this time, babies begin crawling, sitting up, and experiencing separation anxiety. This cognitive and physical leap often shows up as night wakings and disrupted sleep patterns.
12 months: First steps, new words, and growing independence mean your baby gets more stimulated during the day. This developmental intensity can cause them to wake more often at night.
18 months: This is when toddlers discover their sense of “self” and a desire for control. Resistance to bedtime and sudden changes in behavior can appear.
24 months: Language development, blossoming imagination, and the beginning of resistance to daytime naps can really shake up sleep. This stage can also bring night fears and more intense separation anxiety.
All these phases mark moments when babies gain new skills and grow. Even though these changes are precious, the temporary sleep disruption of sleep regression is simply part of this natural developmental journey.
Signs of Sleep Regression
If your baby, who used to sleep fairly well, suddenly starts showing these signs, you’re likely in the middle of a regression:
• More frequent night wakings
• Crying or fighting sleep at bedtime
• Shorter, less restful naps
• Restlessness after waking up
• Sudden changes in mood or clinginess (e.g., wanting to nurse more, separation anxiety)
What Can You Do During Sleep Regression?
Let’s admit it: sleep regression is tough for both babies and parents. But remember: This too shall pass. Here are a few gentle tips to help you through:
Stick to your bedtime routine: Bath, storytime, lullabies — these familiar steps become extra important now. Routines give your baby a sense of security.
Watch for sleepy signals: Look for signs like eye rubbing, ear pulling, or yawning. Try not to miss the window when your baby naturally feels ready for sleep.
Keep naps balanced: An overtired baby often sleeps worse at night. Establish a steady daily rhythm to prevent your little one from becoming overly wired by bedtime.
Check for physical comfort: Teething, hunger, or a wet diaper can make sleep harder. Address these first — and if needed, ask your pediatrician.
Don’t hesitate to cuddle: Skin-to-skin contact, gentle rocking, or even a loving gaze can calm your baby’s anxiety during developmental leaps.
Can Sleep Regression Affect Sleep Training?
Yes, it can. If you’re in the middle of sleep training, you might need to pause or slow down during a regression phase. Babies’ sleep is more sensitive now, making it harder to establish new habits.
If this feels like your situation, it may be better to wait until things settle a bit or approach training more gently. Remember: every baby has their own rhythm. Baby first, then the rules.
What Happens After the Regression?
Here’s the good news: most regressions naturally fade within 2–6 weeks. Your baby starts to adjust, feels more secure with their new skills, and sleep usually settles again. The patience and understanding you show now will not only help your baby’s sleep but will also strengthen the trust between you.
