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Baby Sleep Regressions: What They Are and How to Support Your Little One
Discover what baby sleep regression is, why it happens, when it occurs and gentle ways to support your little one through these normal phases.
Just when you think you’ve finally found your rhythm with sleep, things can suddenly change again. Your baby, who was happily settling and sleeping for longer stretches, may begin waking more frequently, resisting naps, or finding it harder to fall asleep. If this sounds familiar, it may be a sleep regression. The good news is that this is a normal part of development, and it will not last forever. This guide helps you understand what is sleep regression in babies, why it happens, when it commonly occurs, and gentle ways you can support your little one.
What is sleep regression in babies?
A sleep regression is a temporary phase where a baby who has been sleeping well suddenly begins to sleep less well, often waking more at night or struggling with naps. It can feel confusing and exhausting, but it typically isn’t a sign that anything is wrong. Sleep regressions usually happen as your baby reaches new developmental milestones or experiences changes in their sleep patterns.
What causes baby sleep regression?
Several factors can contribute to sleep regression, including developmental leaps such as rolling, sitting, crawling or walking, maturing sleep cycles, increased separation awareness, teething, illness, changes to routine such as nursery transition or travel, and growth spurts.
When do babies have sleep regressions?
Sleep regressions don’t happen at the exact same time for every baby. However, many parents notice sleep changes at ages linked to key developmental stages. The most common times babies go through sleep regression are around 4 months, 8 to 10 months and 12 months.
4 month sleep regression
At around 3 to 6 months, your baby’s sleep becomes more like an adult’s, cycling through lighter and deeper stages. This means they may wake more fully between cycles and need help settling again. This change in sleep pattern is permanent, not just a temporary phase.
How to support your baby:
- Keep a consistent bedtime and nap routine
- Create a calm, dark sleep environment
- Offer white noise
- Give brief chances to practise settling with reassurance
8 month sleep regression
Between 8 and 10 months, your baby may be practising new skills such as crawling, pulling to stand and babbling. Emotional development also increases and your baby may seek more closeness with you than before. This can impact sleep.
How to support your baby:
- Keep predictable bedtime rituals
- Offer reassurance while they settle
- Play simple games like peekaboo to support separation confidence
- Adjust daytime naps if sleep needs have changed
12 month sleep regression
At around 12 months, many babies are learning to walk and are excited to practise new skills. This can make winding down more challenging. You may notice nap refusal, shorter naps, night waking or early rising.
How to support your baby:
- Offer plenty of active play during the day
- Make time for 1:1 connection before sleep
- If helpful, introduce a small comfort item (from 12 months+)
Sleep regressions can feel tiring, but they are also a sign of growth and development. Keeping routines calm and consistent, offering reassurance and supporting your baby emotionally can make this stage easier. If sleep challenges continue or start to feel overwhelming, it is always okay to seek additional support. You know your baby best and you are doing a great job.
FAQs around baby sleep regression
Sleep regressions usually last from a few days to around 2- 6 weeks. The length depends on the cause, your baby’s temperament and how routines are supported during this phase. The aim is not to stop sleep regression but to support your baby as they adjust and return to more settled sleep.
Not all babies experience noticeable sleep regressions. Some show very few changes while others show more. Every baby is unique. If sleep shifts suddenly, there is usually a developmental reason and with support it will settle again.
