If you’re a parent, you’ve probably heard the term sleep regression. And if you’re in the middle of one right now, you might be wondering what happened to your once peaceful sleeper. Suddenly, nights are longer, naps are shorter, and you’re running on fumes and sheer determination. The good news is that sleep regressions can be normal, and most importantly, they’re temporary. Let’s dive into what causes them, when they typically happen, and how you can manage them without losing your sanity.

What Is a Sleep Regression?

A baby sleep regression is a period when a baby who has been sleeping relatively well suddenly begins waking more often at night or resisting naps during the day. It can feel like you’ve taken a big step backward just when you were starting to find your rhythm. While sleep regressions can be frustrating, they are actually a sign of progress. They often happen when babies are going through major developmental changes, such as learning new skills or experiencing growth spurts.

When Can Sleep Regressions Happen?

Sleep regressions tend to follow common patterns, though every baby is different. The most frequent stages include:

Around 4 months, when babies shift into more adult-like sleep cycles.
Around 6 months, when rolling, sitting, or teething can disrupt sleep.
Between 8–10 months, as crawling, pulling up, and separation anxiety peak.
Around 12 months, when walking and talking skills are developing.
At 18 months and 2 years, as toddlers test boundaries and assert independence.

Not all babies will hit every regression or regress at all, but it’s helpful to know when they’re most likely to happen so you can prepare.

Why Do Sleep Regressions Happen?

Sleep regressions are almost always connected to developmental growth. Babies’ brains and bodies are working overtime, and that extra stimulation often spills over into sleep. Other common triggers include teething, illness, travel, or changes in routine. While regressions may feel disruptive, they usually signal that your baby is mastering important milestones. Regression can also happen if the foundation for sleep wasn’t laid properly; rushing the sleep training progress or changes to the schedule.

How to Handle Infant Sleep Challenges

Dealing with a sleep regression is tough, but there are steps you can take to make it more manageable. Here are some of my favorite strategies:

Stick to a routine. Babies thrive on consistency. Keep bedtime and naptime routines as predictable as possible; a warm bath, feeding and then bed. A familiar sequence helps signal to your baby that it’s time to rest.

Offer comfort without creating new habits. It’s natural to want to soothe your baby through tough nights, but try to avoid starting new sleep associations (like rocking to sleep every night) that may be difficult to break later. Gentle pats, shushing, or brief check-ins can provide reassurance without creating long-term habits.

Pay attention to sleep cues. Look for signs like rubbing eyes, turning away, or fussing. Catching these signals early and putting your baby down before they’re overtired can make falling asleep much easier.

Adjust wake windows. As babies grow, they can stay awake for longer stretches. Sometimes adding or removing just 15–30 minutes of awake time between naps can make a big difference in how well they sleep.

Take care of yourself too. Parental fatigue is real, and it can be overwhelming. If possible, trade nights with your partner, nap during the day, or lean on friends and family for support. Your rest matters too.

Can Sleep Regressions Be Prevented?

While you can’t completely avoid sleep regressions you can make them easier by building a strong sleep foundation. A consistent bedtime routine, a calm and dark sleep environment, and sticking to regular wake times can help minimize disruptions. Encouraging your baby to fall asleep independently is also important. Establishing these healthy sleeping habits early on and remaining consistent will help ease the transition and minimize the impact of sleep regression.

How Long Do Sleep Regressions Last?

Most sleep regressions last anywhere from two to six weeks, though it can feel much longer when you’re in the middle of one. The key is remembering that this phase is temporary. Once your baby adjusts, their sleep usually settles back into a more predictable rhythm.

Improving Baby Sleep with Extra Help

If you’re struggling with infant sleep challenges and feeling completely drained, know that you don’t have to go through it alone. Working with a Newborn Care Specialist can be a tremendous help. These professionals are trained to support families through sleep disruptions, establish healthy routines, and guide you through regressions so that both you and your baby can get more rest. Sometimes having that extra set of hands and expertise is the best investment you can make in your family’s well-being.

Sleep regressions can be exhausting. With patience, consistency, and support, you and your little one will get through them and come out stronger on the other side. Remember: this is temporary, and better sleep is just around the corner. You’ve got this.

What Is Sleep Regression and How to Handle It