What is sleep regression?
Just like food and drink, sleep plays an important role in the growth and mental wellbeing of your baby. Babies usually develop a unique pattern of sleeping and waking. Some babies sleep a lot, others in short bursts. Some babies sleep through the night early on, while others don’t for a long time. That’s why it’s important that you sleep when your baby sleeps3.
Sleep regression refers to temporary disruptions in your baby’s usual sleeping habits. Your once soundly sleeping baby may start waking up more often or resisting bedtime. It can feel like you’re back to square one, but it’s completely normal4.
As your baby’s brain develops, their sleep patterns shift and become lighter. By the four-month mark, they begin to cycle through different sleep stages, making them more prone to waking at night4.
Sleep regression is often linked to changes in routine or approaching normal phases of development. For example, your baby may be ill, you may have travelled, or they may be reaching a developmental milestone such as crawling or walking1.
While sleep regression may vary from child to child, these phases are usually short-lived, lasting about one to two weeks before your child settles back to their usual sleeping routine4.
Common sleep regression ages
While sleep regression can take place anytime during periods of rapid growth and development, there are certain ages where the chances of sleep regression are at their highest.
3-6 month regression
Between three and five months of age, your baby may begin to sleep for longer stretches at night, often around five to six hours at a time, though they may still wake up now and then. Most babies learn to sleep through the night somewhere between four and nine months, but every baby’s timeline is different1.
Reasons for sleep regression
Adjusting sleep patterns. Around three to six months, your baby will be awake more during the day and sleep longer at night. As their sleep becomes more adult-like, they may alternate between light and deep sleep, which can cause brief disruptions that might require help with falling back to sleep1.
Developmental milestones. Sleep regression can also occur when your baby reaches new developmental milestones like rolling, crawling, or standing. Babies often become so eager to practice these skills that they try them at night too! If your baby can stand but hasn’t learned to sit back down, they may wake and cry for help1.
Environmental changes. Even small environmental changes can impact your baby’s sleep. A shift in weather could alter the room temperature, causing your baby to become too warm or too cold during the night and make it harder for them to stay asleep comfortably1.
6-12 month sleep regression
By around six to 12 months, many babies can go without night feeds and start sleeping for longer stretches, sometimes up to 15 hours total, with the majority of that sleep at night3. However, that doesn’t mean that it’s all plain sailing.
Reasons for sleep regression
Separation anxiety: Between six and 12 months, your baby may begin to realise that they’re separate from you, which can lead to separation anxiety. This phase often peaks around 10 to 18 months and eases by age two. Your baby may cry out for you at night, try to climb from the crib, or want to sleep beside you1.
Changes in routine. A shift in routine can easily disrupt your baby’s sleep patterns. A holiday with later bedtimes, or even a simple time zone change can make it harder for your child to settle. Fortunately, once routines return to normal, their sleep typically follows1.
Illness. An upset stomach, ear infection, or fever can disrupt your baby’s usual sleep pattern1.
Teething/hunger. Some babies may wake during the night due to teething discomfort or hunger3.
How long does sleep regression last?
Sleep regression can be a particularly troubling time for parents and carers. You might find that your baby – who was once sleeping soundly for up to eight solid hours – is now crying multiple times through the night5.
The good news is that sleep regression doesn’t last forever. While it may vary from one child to another, it usually lasts about a week or two before your baby resumes a more regular sleeping pattern5.
Sleep regression causes
As mentioned earlier, sleep regression can happen for several reasons. Some of the most common sleep regression causes include:
Growth
As your baby develops, they’ll start to gain a sense of independence and try to test their limits. They may also experience separation anxiety and feel as if they’re missing out – especially when you put them down for a nap or bedtime. This can show up as trying to play instead of sleeping, power struggles, or stalling techniques1.
Sickness
Sickness may disrupt your child’s sleeping pattern. If your baby is sick, they may require comfort causing them to wake up frequently at night. It’s wise to be close to your child when they’re sick to ensure they’re safe and comfortable1.
Travel
Your child may also experience sleep regression when traveling, causing them to either sleep more or wake up a lot during the night. They may require comfort to feel safe and secure when traveling1.
Life changes
Changes to your baby’s routine or environment may overwhelm your child. For example, getting a new caregiver, going to daycare, switching to a bigger bed, or having a sibling can all disrupt their sleeping pattern1.
Being overtired
While it’s ideal to keep your baby or toddler busy so that they’re tired at night, they might become overtired which could disrupt their sleeping pattern1.
Inconsistent naps
If your baby or toddler isn’t napping regularly, they may develop sleep regression due to being overtired. Toddlers usually have regular naps until they reach the ages of five1.
How to manage sleep regression
Sleep regressions are usually temporary. Your baby may simply be adjusting to rapid growth and a developing awareness of the world, including you. Before trying any sleep strategies, make sure your baby isn’t unwell, as illness can also affect sleep. Consult your doctor if your baby has a fever or seems unusually fussy6.
Maintain a routine
Establishing a calm and consistent bedtime routine can help your baby settle more easily and provides special one-on-one time together. Try creating a simple routine, perhaps starting with a warm bath, changing them into a clean nappy, reading them a short bedtime story or singing a gentle lullaby, and then putting your baby to bed3.
Wait before responding to your baby at night
If your baby wakes up during the night, give them a few minutes to see if they settle on their own. If the crying continues, gently respond. Keep nighttime interactions calm and brief — change or feed them quietly, avoid talking or playing, and keep the lights dim. Bright light, including from phones or computers, can make it harder for your baby to fall back asleep. A calm, low-key approach helps teach your baby that nighttime is meant for rest6.
Spend time in fresh air
Sometimes all your baby needs is some fresh air, especially if they have been in the house all day1.
Keep the temperature cool
If your baby’s room is warmer than usual, this might disrupt their regular sleeping pattern and keep them up at night. You might need to make the room cooler (not colder) to get them back to sleep1.
Block out daylight
Plenty of daylight in your child’s bedroom might trick them into thinking it’s time to wake up and play, especially on long summer days. By ensuring there’s enough cover at the windows, with blackout blinds and curtains if necessary, your baby’s room will be dark enough to convince them that it’s bedtime1.