Understanding Sleep Regressions in Babies

This blog post was written by Abby Sharpe, the sleep consultant on the Infant Insights team and inside Bloom by Infant Insights. 

Just when you think you have it all figured out and sleep is going smoothly…your baby hits a sleep regression!! A sleep regression refers to a temporary disruption in a baby's otherwise consistent sleep patterns. Unlike teething, illness, or long-term sleep issues, sleep regressions are brief and often linked to developmental milestones. 

So what are signs of a sleep regression?

Here are some signs your baby may be going through a sleep regression! 👇 Please note that not all of these signs have to be present! Your baby may only experience one of two of these signs, but could still be going through a regression.

• Increased Night Wakings: A baby who previously slept through the night may start waking up frequently.
• Shorter Naps: Naps may become shorter or harder to initiate, even if your baby seems tired.
• Difficulty Falling Asleep: Babies might resist bedtime or take much longer to settle than usual.
• Fussiness or Clinginess: Your baby may seem more irritable during the day or require extra comfort at night.
• Changes in Eating Patterns: Some babies may want to feed more frequently, as they use feeding for comfort during the regression.
• Practicing New Skills: If your baby is learning a new skill like rolling, sitting, or standing, they may practice it during sleep times. It’s so much fun to do that in the middle of the night! Ha! 
• Separation Anxiety: Around 8-10 months, babies may struggle with being apart from parents, leading to disruptions in sleep. This is super common, but read below for tips to get through this!

Common Times for Sleep Regressions

While every baby is unique (let me say that again…every baby is unique!), sleep regressions typically occur at predictable ages. Knowing when your baby may experience a sleep regression can help with your expectations for their sleep! To learn more about regressions, sign up for the FREE Sleep Workshop here!

Preparing for a time when things may be a little rough often allows us, as parents, to stick with our routines and power through, which helps baby get through the regression easier.

Here are the most common times your baby may experience a sleep regression 👇 

1. 4 Months: Often the first and most dramatic, the 4-month sleep regression stems from a permanent change in your baby’s sleep cycles as they mature.

2. 6 Months: As babies become more mobile and start sitting up or crawling, their excitement can disrupt sleep. They love to practice their skills during naps and nighttime! 

3. 8-10 Months: Linked to major milestones like standing, cruising, or even walking, this regression can also coincide with separation anxiety.

4. 12 Months: Around the first birthday, as babies transition to toddlerhood or master walking, sleep can temporarily suffer. It can also seem like baby may be working to drop their second nap, but try to resist the urge to drop that second nap if possible!

5. 18 Months: Toddler independence and increased awareness often spark disruptions during this regression.

6. 2 Years: The 2-year sleep regression can involve nap refusals, bedtime resistance, or fears as toddlers assert their independence. Keep offering nap time though! 

Tips to Get Through Sleep Regressions

Sleep regressions, though temporary, can be exhausting and frustrating! Some strategies to help you and your baby get through them as quickly as possible include:

1. Stick to Your Routine: Consistency is key. Maintaining your bedtime and nap routines helps signal to your baby that it’s time to wind down.
2. Offer Comfort, but Avoid New Habits: It’s okay to provide extra cuddles or reassurance during a sleep regression, but try not to introduce habits you don’t want to continue long-term, like rocking to sleep if your baby previously self-soothed.
3. Be Patient: Remember that sleep regressions are temporary. With time and consistency, your baby’s sleep will return to normal.
4. Prioritize Daytime Sleep: Ensuring your baby gets adequate daytime rest can prevent overtiredness, which often exacerbates sleep issues during a regression.
5. Adjust Bedtime Temporarily: If your baby is more tired than usual, consider moving bedtime earlier to help them catch up on sleep. This often leads to more overnight sleep, which is only helpful to your baby!
6. Encourage Developmental Play: If your baby is practicing a new skill, like crawling or standing, give them plenty of opportunities to work on it during the day to reduce nighttime disruptions.

What a Sleep Regression Is Not

It’s important to distinguish a true sleep regression from other sleep disruptions. A sleep regression is not:

• Teething: While teething can cause temporary fussiness or wake-ups, it’s typically accompanied by other signs like drooling or gum swelling.
• Illness: Sickness, such as a cold or ear infection, usually includes symptoms like fever, congestion, or ear tugging.
• Consistent Difficulty Sleeping: Chronic sleep issues might indicate a need to reassess sleep habits, environment, or routines.

Good news–sleep regressions are a normal part of your baby’s development! But that doesn’t mean that they can’t cause frustration. Understanding the common times for sleep regressions and having a plan to manage them can make the experience less stressful. Remember, sleep regressions are temporary, and with patience and consistency, your baby’s sleep will improve. If you ever feel unsure or overly concerned, don’t hesitate to reach out! We’d love to help! If you need help with your baby's sleep, be sure to submit the FREE Sleep Assessment here!