Sleep Regressions. What They Are, When They Happen and How to Survive Them

Just when you think you’ve finally cracked the sleep, bam! Your baby suddenly starts waking more, resisting naps, and you’re back to googling “why won’t my baby sleep?!” at 3am with one eye open.

Welcome to the world of sleep regressions.

They’re frustrating, yes. But also completely normal. And the good news? They pass.

Here’s what’s happening, when to expect it, and how to get through it without losing your mind!

What Is a Sleep Regression?

A sleep regression is a temporary blip where your baby’s sleep suddenly goes a bit haywire more wake-ups, shorter naps, difficulty settling, even if they were previously sleeping well. It usually happens because of big developmental leaps. Their brain is busy learning all kinds of new tricks, and sleep takes a bit of a backseat while that happens.

Sleep regressions can also be caused by your little one feeling unwell or any changes in their normal environments or routines. 

Some things that may contribute to sleep regressions are- 

• having a growth spurt

• teething pain

• learning to roll, stand, crawl or walk

• learning to talk or language development

• starting nursery or parents going back to work

• separation anxiety

• illness

• change in nap routine

• desire to be more independent

Regressions can happen at any time as all little ones develop at different rates but the most common ages are 4, 8 and 18 months when big changes are going on for them. 

The 4-Month Sleep Regression

The “welcome to the real sleep” regression.

This one is a biggie. Around 4 months, your baby’s sleep cycle matures, they start to sleep in cycles, with lighter stages of sleep and more frequent transitions. That means they now wake more often and may struggle to link sleep cycles on their own.

Big growth spurts, more awareness of what’s going on around them and the very first stages of teething can also be going on around this time and coincide with the regression. 

You might notice:

• Shorter naps

• Increased night waking

• Fussiness or early rising

• Trouble settling to sleep

What helps:

• Create a consistent bedtime routine

• Put baby down awake to practice self settling

• keeping a check on the awake times in between naps

The 8–10 Month Sleep Regression

The “I just learned to crawl, stand, and wave, why would I sleep?” regression.

Around 8 to 10 months, babies are hitting massive milestones, crawling, cruising, pulling up. Their brains are busy, and their little bodies want to practice at 3am. Yay.

Separation anxiety and teething can also be starting to kick in at this age. Nap transitions from 3-2 naps each day can lead to your little one becoming overtired and this could lead to early wakings too as they navigate the difference in their daytime sleep. 

You might notice:

• Fighting naps or bedtime

• Standing up in the cot (and not knowing how to get back down)

• Separation anxiety kicking in

What helps:

• Give them plenty of time to practice new skills during the day

• Stick with your routine as best you can

• Offer reassurance, but avoid creating new habits you’ll want to undo later

This phase can last a few weeks but it’s usually short-lived.

The 18-Month Sleep Regression

The “my toddler has opinions now” regression.

Around 18 months, toddlers become fiercely independent. Frustrations with language and communication may start to kick in, they may also be teething (hello, molars) and experiencing a surge in separation anxiety.

You might notice:

• Refusing bedtime

• Night waking and calling for you

• Fighting naps (or skipping them entirely)

• Cries of “no!” becoming your new bedtime soundtrack

What helps:

• Stay consistent with boundaries

• Keep the bedtime routine calm and predictable

• Offer choices when you can (“blue PJs or red ones?”) to help them feel in control

This one can feel tough, but it’s also an amazing sign your toddler’s brain is growing like mad.

Sleep regressions are hard, but they’re also signs your little one is growing, learning, and developing exactly as they should.

Stay consistent. Keep your routine. Offer comfort, but try not to introduce new sleep habits that’ll be tough to break later. And remember, you’re not alone in this.