Just when you think you've finally nailed your baby's sleep routine—suddenly, they won’t settle at night and are fussing and crying for what feels like hours. Sound familiar?
A few days ago, a mum I worked with emailed me in a panic. Her 7.5-month-old baby, who had been sleeping peacefully through the night after we worked together, was suddenly taking hours to fall asleep, crying, and fussing non-stop.
The culprit? A common but exhausting phenomenon: sleep regression stages.
Sleep regression stages are temporary periods of disrupted sleep caused by developmental leaps in your baby’s growth. These leaps, often referred to as milestones, are critical moments in your child’s physical, cognitive, and emotional development. While they may feel like setbacks, they’re actually signs of progress. 🌱
In this guide, we’ll cover:
✅ What sleep regression stages are and why they happen
✅ A detailed chart of sleep regressions by age
✅ The impact of developmental milestones on sleep
✅ Simple strategies to get through regressions
✅ Expert FAQs to answer your burning questions
Sleep regression stages occur alongside your baby’s key developmental milestones. Here’s a quick breakdown of how each stage corresponds to their growth:
|
Leap |
Age Range |
Signs of Regression |
New Abilities |
|
1 |
4.5–5.5 weeks |
Fussiness, clinginess |
Sensory awareness, social smiling |
|
2 |
7.5–9.5 weeks |
Longer wakefulness |
Recognising patterns, varied cries |
|
3 |
11.5–12.5 weeks |
Attempting to grab objects |
Coordinated movements |
|
4 |
18–20 weeks |
Increased clinginess |
Cause and effect understanding |
|
5 |
22.5–26.5 weeks |
Separation anxiety |
Object permanence |
|
6 |
33.5–37.5 weeks |
Frustration, routine resistance |
Categorisation skills |
|
7 |
41.5–46.5 weeks |
Need for structure |
Sequencing actions |
|
8 |
50.5–55.5 weeks |
Independence, exploration |
Creating routines |
|
9 |
59.5–64.5 weeks |
Testing boundaries |
Complex problem-solving |
|
10 |
70.5–75.5 weeks |
Assertion of independence |
Managing systems |
These stages aren’t a sign of anything wrong—they’re proof that your baby is learning and growing. 🌟
Here’s a closer look at each sleep regression stage and what to expect:
Signs: Fussiness, clinginess, longer crying spells.
What’s Happening: Your baby’s sensory awareness is developing. They’re starting to notice sights, sounds, and smells around them, which can feel overwhelming.
How to Help: Stick to a simple, soothing routine. Extra cuddles and skin-to-skin contact can provide comfort.
Signs: Shorter naps, longer periods of wakefulness.
What’s Happening: Your baby is learning to recognize patterns and starting to distinguish different cries. This cognitive growth can disrupt sleep.
How to Help: Use white noise to block distractions and help your baby settle into sleep.
Signs: Trouble falling asleep, increased night wakings.
What’s Happening: Your baby’s motor skills are advancing—they may start reaching for objects or trying to roll over.
How to Help: Provide plenty of tummy time during the day to help them practice their new skills.
Signs: Frequent wakings, shorter sleep cycles, clinginess.
What’s Happening: Your baby’s sleep cycles are maturing to resemble those of an adult, with light and deep sleep phases.
How to Help: Begin teaching independent sleep skills, like putting your baby down drowsy but awake.
Signs: Resistance to naps, frustration at bedtime, night wakings.
What’s Happening: Your baby is mastering object permanence, which means they now realize you still exist when you’re out of sight—a key milestone but tricky for sleep!
How to Help: Add extra reassurance at bedtime, like a soothing voice or gentle pat, to help your baby feel secure.
Signs: Crawling practice at night, standing in the crib, separation anxiety.
What’s Happening: Your baby’s mobility is improving, and separation anxiety often peaks at this stage.
How to Help: Practice leaving and returning during the day to build trust and help your baby feel confident even when you’re not nearby.
Signs: Increased resistance at bedtime, shorter naps.
What’s Happening: Your baby is becoming more independent, which can sometimes translate into testing boundaries at bedtime.
How to Help: Stay consistent with your bedtime routine and set clear sleep expectations.
Signs: Nap refusal, bedtime battles, frequent wake-ups.
What’s Happening: Your toddler is asserting their independence and may test limits more frequently. Teething and molars may also play a role.
How to Help: Stick to an age-appropriate schedule and be patient. Offer extra comfort if needed but avoid creating new sleep associations.
Signs: Nap strikes, stalling at bedtime, waking too early.
What’s Happening: Your toddler’s awake windows are lengthening, and they’re eager to explore the world on their terms.
How to Help: Adjust nap and bedtime schedules to match their growing needs, and stay firm but loving with bedtime routines.
|
Sign |
Description |
When It Happens |
|
Frequent Night Wakings 🌙 |
Your baby wakes up more often during the night, even if they were previously sleeping well. |
Common in all regressions, especially at 4, 8, and 18 months. |
|
Shorter Naps ⏱️ |
Naps become inconsistent or are cut short, often lasting only 20–30 minutes. |
Peaks during 4–5 months, 8–10 months, and 18 months. |
|
Nap Resistance 🛌 |
Your baby refuses to nap or struggles to settle during nap times. |
Common during nap transitions (e.g., 8, 12, and 18 months). |
|
Fussiness and Crying 😭 |
Increased irritability during bedtime or wake-ups, often tied to frustration or separation anxiety. |
Peaks during 6, 8, and 18 months. |
|
Difficulty Settling 💤 |
Trouble falling asleep at bedtime or needing more assistance to settle. |
Common at 4, 8, and 12 months. |
|
Early Morning Wakings 🌅 |
Waking earlier than usual and struggling to resettle, leaving parents feeling exhausted. |
Common during most regressions, especially 4–5 months. |
|
Clinginess 🤗 |
Your baby wants to stay close to you, often resisting being put down for sleep. |
Peaks during 6–9 months (separation anxiety). |
|
New Skills Practice 🚶♀️ |
Rolling, crawling, standing, or other milestones being practiced at night. |
Peaks at 8–10 months. |
Sleep regressions are caused by your baby’s incredible growth and development. Here are the main factors behind them:
Developmental Milestones ✨
Rolling, crawling, and walking can disrupt sleep as your baby practices their new skills.
Cognitive Growth 🧠
Your baby’s brain is developing rapidly, which can make it harder for them to wind down.
Separation Anxiety ❤️
Starting around 6–9 months, your baby may struggle with being apart from you, even during sleep.
Teething or Illness 🦷
Discomfort from teething or minor illnesses can temporarily impact sleep.
Changes in Routine 📅
Travel, nap transitions, or big family changes can throw off even the best routines.
Here are simple strategies to help you and your baby through sleep regression stages:
Stick to a Consistent Routine 📖
A calming bedtime routine (e.g., bath, story, lullaby) signals that it’s time to sleep.
Adjust Nap and Bedtime Schedules ⏰
Watch for sleep cues and adjust your baby’s schedule as needed—sometimes an earlier bedtime helps.
Create an Ideal Sleep Environment 🌌
Use blackout curtains, sleep shades for buggies, white noise, and keep the room at a comfortable temperature.
Encourage Independent Sleep Skills 💤
Put your baby down drowsy but awake to help them learn to self-soothe.
Be Patient and Reassuring 🤗
Regression stages are temporary. Offer comfort while staying consistent with your routines.
1. How do I know if my baby has a sleep regression?
Signs of a sleep regression include:
Increased night wakings 💤
Shorter naps or skipping naps entirely 🕒
Difficulty settling at bedtime 🌙
Clinginess or fussiness 😢
If these sound familiar and your baby is hitting a new developmental milestone, you’re likely dealing with a sleep regression.
2. What are the ages for sleep regression?
Sleep regressions commonly occur at:
8–10 months
12 months
18 months
2 years
Each stage ties to developmental milestones like learning to crawl, walk, or talk.
3. Which sleep regression is the hardest?
Many parents find the 4-month sleep regression the toughest because it’s the first major change to sleep cycles. It’s often unexpected and can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry—with the right tools, you’ll get through it!
4. How long does sleep regression last?
Most sleep regressions last around 2–4 weeks, as your baby adjusts to their exciting new skills and development.
5. Are all babies affected by sleep regressions?
Not every baby experiences noticeable regressions. Some sail through milestones with only minor disruptions, while others might find these phases more challenging. Both are perfectly normal!
6. Can teething cause sleep regression?
Yes, teething can temporarily disrupt sleep. The good news? These disruptions usually resolve once the discomfort passes. In the meantime, extra comfort can go a long way! 🦷✨
7. Should I stop sleep training during a regression?
Nope! In fact, sticking with sleep training can help reinforce positive habits during regressions. Consistency is key to navigating this tricky stage successfully. 💪
8. What’s the difference between sleep regressions and growth spurts?
Sleep regressions are linked to developmental milestones, like learning new skills or becoming more aware of their surroundings. Growth spurts, on the other hand, are often hunger-driven and result in increased feedings.
9. How do parents survive sleep regression?
Stick to a predictable bedtime routine 🛁📚
Ensure your baby gets enough daytime naps to avoid overtiredness 🌞
Create a soothing sleep environment (dark room, white noise) 🌌
Take turns with a partner if possible—it’s okay to ask for help 💕
Remember, this is temporary, and better sleep is just around the corner!
Sleep regression stages can feel exhausting, but they’re a sign that your baby is growing and thriving. With a consistent routine, patience, and a few small adjustments, you can support your baby through these phases and get back to restful nights. 🌙
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or need extra guidance, I’m here to help. Book a free 15-minute Sleep Assessment, and we’ll create a plan tailored to your family’s needs.
You’ve got this! 💪
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