If there’s one question I see parents Googling over and over, it’s some version of: “Is there an [insert age here] sleep regression?” From milestone-tracking apps to endless chatter about baby “leaps,” it can feel overwhelming trying to figure out why your little one’s sleep has suddenly gone sideways.
Let’s break down what sleep regressions actually are, why they happen, and what you can do to get through them without losing your sanity or your baby’s sleep skills.
What Are sleep Regressions?
A regression, by definition, is “a return to a former or less developed state.” In sleep terms, that usually looks like a child who has been falling asleep easily, sleeping through the night, and napping predictably…and now, all of a sudden, they aren’t.
Sleep regressions are not prescribed or predetermined periods where your child is guaranteed to start waking at night or fighting naps.
Sleep regressions are normal parts of development that occur at different time points for different reasons in different children.
Even the best sleepers can have off nights — children are humans, not robots. When sleep disruptions last longer than a few days, that’s usually what we call a sleep regression. Beyond illness or teething, developmental milestones are the most common culprit.
Why Sleep Regressions Happen
For your baby, learning to roll, crawl, walk, or talk is a huge deal. Their brain and body are wired to want to practice these skills constantly — morning, afternoon, bedtime, and even in the middle of the night. This drive to practice can temporarily compete with sleep. Think of it as the novelty of a new skill taking over their brain, making sleep feel less interesting by comparison.
Milestones — or “leaps” as some apps call them — happen all throughout childhood.
But just like we see general trends but individual difference in when and how babies meet their milestones, we also see general trends and individual differences in when and how sleep is disrupted because of them.
That’s why sleep regressions aren’t guaranteed at specific ages and why I’m not a huge fan of rigid “leap calendars” like the Wonder Weeks.
Age-Specific Sleep Regressions
Remember: trends exist, but every child is unique. Timing, intensity, and duration of any disruptions can differ.
4-Month Sleep Regression
- Why it happens: Your baby’s sleep cycles are changing; they’re moving from newborn-like sleep to more adult-style sleep patterns. This is a biological change.
- What to expect: Maybe…nothing! If you’ve been supporting independent sleep from the start, your baby could sail through this stage with minimal disruption. Or, you might notice that what worked in the newborn stage isn’t as effective anymore. Night wakings may become more frequent, naps might shorten, and it could take longer for your baby to fall asleep.
- For a deep dive on how to handle the 4-month sleep regression, check out my full 4 Month Sleep Regression Guide.
6-Month Sleep Regression
- Why it happens: Around six months, your baby is becoming more mobile — rolling, sitting, and exploring their environment. Their curiosity and drive to practice new skills can temporarily compete with sleep.
- What to expect: You might notice your baby practicing new skills at bedtime or during naps — naps could be shorter, and bedtime might take longer as they roll, shift, or find their preferred sleep position. This is a normal part of development and usually resolves once your baby masters these new movements.
- For tips on safely handling rolling in the crib check out: What To Do When Your Baby Starts Rolling In The Crib.
8-Month Sleep Regression
- Why it happens: Around eight months, babies are often crawling, pulling to stand, and becoming more aware of separation from their parents. These physical cognitive milestones can temporarily interfere with sleep.
- What to expect: Bedtime and nap resistance can show up as clinginess or difficulty settling down. You might notice your baby scooting around their crib or trying to stand.
- Make sure the crib is lowered to the appropriate height for this stage. Even during this phase, confidently following your usual bedtime routine helps signal that it’s time to sleep, giving your baby consistency and security.
12- and 18-Month Sleep Regression
- Why it happens: Between 12-18 months, your baby is hitting major milestones like walking, talking, and exploring independence. These major skills can temporarily compete with sleep.
- What to expect: Naps may be shorter or harder to settle into, and bedtime may come with some strong opinions or resistance as your young toddler tests boundaries.
- Remember: these disruptions are usually temporary, and your toddler will settle back into healthy sleep patterns once they’ve mastered their new skills.
Remember, not every baby will be disrupted by these milestones just like not every baby hits them at the exact ages listed above. Either way, these phases are temporary. Your child’s sleep skills aren’t lost; they’re simply practicing new abilities in bursts that may spill into naps or bedtime. And believe it or not, you are in charge of the trajectory. Staying consistent and supportive now helps ensure sleep gets back on track when the newness is over.
How to Handle Sleep Regressions
Disruptions due to developmental leaps are temporary, but in trying to fix sleep, parents often unintentionally make things worse by changing routines, moving bedtimes, or introducing new habits. Here’s a practical approach to riding it out:
- Don’t panic: A night of bad sleep or a weekend of disrupted naps doesn’t mean sleep skills are lost. Babies, like adults, go through periods of off sleep.
- Don’t assume skills are lost: Your child hasn’t suddenly forgotten how to fall asleep independently. Their skills are intact; they’re just practicing new ones.
- Practice skills during the day: The quicker your child masters the new milestone, the sooner it stops disrupting sleep.
- Give space at night: Assuming you already have an independent sleeper who doesn’t need support falling or staying asleep…
- Rolling: Once they can intentionally roll both ways, tummy sleeping is generally okay (check with your pediatrician). Remove swaddles.
- Sitting: Let them figure out how to lay down; intervene minimally.
- Standing: Lay them down only if it’s unsafe, but avoid turning it into a 3 a.m. game.
Use judgment: uncomfortable ≠ unsafe.
- Avoid new habits you can’t maintain: Adding rocking, feeding back to sleep, or changing bedtime routines can reduce confidence in independent sleep and encourage new habits that your child continues to seek out. Stick with habits that are sustainable and that you know work!
- Ask for help: Sometimes you just need another set of eyes, a fresh perspective, or a little reassurance that you’re doing the right thing. That’s exactly what I’m here for — to help you feel confident, supported, and less alone while navigating these tricky phases. Don’t hesitate to reach out for some personalized guidance — you deserve the peace of mind!
Remember: regressions are temporary. Consistency and a supportive environment are key. By giving your baby space to practice their new skills while keeping expectations clear, you’ll help them (and yourself) navigate these phases with less stress
Most regressions resolve on their own, but if sleep disruptions are lingering or you’re feeling stuck, there may be more going on. Reach out for support! You deserve to feel confident, supported, and back in control so both you and your little one can get the rest you need.
