Sleep Regressions: What Every Parent Should Know

You might notice your baby waking up more at night or skipping naps. That’s because sleep regressions happen. They are normal and usually happen when your baby or toddler is growing fast or learning new skills.

Basically, a sleep regression means your child’s sleep changes suddenly. It can show as waking often, fussiness at bedtime, or shorter naps. These phases are temporary, and most babies get back to normal sleep after a few weeks.

It can feel tiring and confusing, right? But understanding why it happens and what to expect can make things easier. 

Keep reading, and you’ll learn practical tips to handle these tricky sleep times without losing your mind.

What is Sleep Regression?

So, what is sleep regression? Simply, it’s when your baby or toddler’s sleep pattern changes suddenly. You may notice your little one waking up multiple times at night, refusing naps, taking shorter naps, or being extra fussy at bedtime.

This does not mean your child is going backward. Sleep skills don’t disappear. Sleep regressions often happen when your child is learning new skills or going through big changes. 

Baby sleep regression is very common, especially in the first year.

Why Do Sleep Regressions Happen?

Usually, sleep regressions happen because your child’s brain is growing fast. Some reasons include:

• Learning new physical skills like crawling, standing, or walking

• Cognitive development, like understanding words or solving problems

• Separation anxiety or fear of being alone

• Life changes like moving, starting daycare, or a new sibling

• Teething or minor illness

• Changes in sleep needs, like dropping a nap

Basically, your baby’s brain is full of exciting changes, and sleep sometimes takes a back seat. Sleep regressions and growth spurts often happen together.

What’s the Science Behind Sleep Regressions?

• Babies’ brains grow and learn new things. At this moment, sleep can be interrupted.

• They may wake at night, skip naps, or take longer to fall asleep.

• Sleep skills don’t disappear. They are just learning new things.

• Changes in sleep happen when babies grow, move, or think in new ways.

• Every baby is different. Sleep can change at any age.

What are Common Signs of Sleep Regression?

Every child reacts differently, but some signs include:

• Crying or fussing more than usual

• Shorter or skipped naps

• Trouble falling asleep at bedtime

• Waking up early in the morning

• Waking frequently at night

If these changes last for a few days to weeks, your baby may be going through a sleep regression. Sleep regressions in babies often show as sudden changes in sleep patterns.

During regressions, some babies show more toddler tantrums, and learning how to handle them makes daily life calmer.

How Long Does Sleep Regression Last?

Sleep regression usually lasts 1 to 6 weeks, depending on the reason. 

Some are short and only last a few days. This can happen if your baby is teething, a little sick, or going through a small change. Longer regressions happen when your baby is learning new skills or growing fast. These can last 2 to 6 weeks.

Keeping routines steady and healthy sleep habits can help your baby get back to normal sleep faster. 

What are Sleep Regressions by Age?

Babies usually have six main sleep regressions. These happen around 4, 6, 8, 12, 18, and 24 months. At these ages, sleep can change, like waking more at night or skipping naps. This is normal and part of growing up.

Let’s look at sleep regression ages in a simple way. Babies and toddlers go through them at different times. Here’s what you can expect and how to handle it.

3 Month and 4 Month Sleep Regression

At 3 months, your baby may wake a lot at night and take short naps. By 4 months, sleep changes are clear. Babies start sleeping in stages. They may need help learning to fall asleep alone. 

What to do: Keep bedtime routines steady. Put your baby down while they are awake. Comfort them when needed, but avoid rocking or feeding to sleep every time. 

These regressions may last a few weeks.

5 Month and 6 Month Sleep Regression

At 5 months, naps may get shorter, and night waking can increase. A 6-month sleep regression happens due to growth, teething, or learning to sit. Here’s what you should do.

Keep routines consistent. Offer extra daytime feeds if the baby is hungry. Comfort at night, but try not to create new habits like rocking to sleep.

7 Month, 8 Month, and 9 Month Sleep Regression

At 7 months, fussiness and skipped naps may appear. An 8-month sleep regression happens as your baby moves more and shows separation anxiety. 

By 9 months, crawling, pulling up, or early walking may disturb sleep. So, what to do now? Practice new skills during the day, not at bedtime. Keep naps and bedtime routines steady. 

Comfort your baby, but continue to encourage them to learn self-soothing.

10 Month and 11 Month Sleep Regression

At 10 months, naps and bedtime may be hard. An 11-month sleep regression may shorten night sleep. At this stage, you should keep routines consistent. Offer reassurance and allow active play during the day to tire your baby naturally. 

Stick to the same sleep schedule every day. Fun toddler activities can help when your child is extra fussy from poor sleep.

12 Month and 14 Month Sleep Regression

At 12 months, your baby may start refusing naps. They are busy walking, exploring, and learning new things. At 14 months, many babies drop to just one nap a day. 

At this point, you can keep nap and bedtime times the same every day. If your baby is upset, give comfort, but let them try falling asleep on their own. 

Make sure they get lots of active play during the day so they feel ready to sleep at nap and bedtime.

15 Month, 16 Month, and 18 Month Sleep Regression

At 15 months, your toddler may start refusing naps and wake up more at night. At 16 months, mornings can come very early, and bedtime may be harder. 

By 18 months, your child may be moving from two naps to one and testing independence. Here, your toddler wants to do things on their own, say no, or make choices by themselves.

What to do: Keep bedtime around 7 to 8 pm every day. Give comfort if your toddler is upset, but stick to the same routine. You can adjust nap times a little if needed, but keep them regular so your child stays on a schedule.

19 Month and 20 Month Sleep Regression

At 19 months, your toddler may wake up early and feel fussy. By 20 months, they might resist naps and bedtime.

What to do: Keep daily routines the same. Reassure your child if they are upset. You can adjust nap and bedtime slightly, but don’t make big changes. 

Keep bedtime calm and predictable. Encourage them to fall asleep on their own while offering comfort when needed.

2 Year and 2.5-Year-Old Sleep Regression

2-year sleep regression and 2-year-old sleep regression happen during big changes like potty training or moving to a toddler bed. 2.5 year 2.5-year-old sleep regression may include pushing limits, nap refusal, and night waking. 

What to do: Adjust nap schedules. Offer comfort, but don’t create new sleep dependencies. Keep routines consistent.

3 Year Sleep Regression

3-year-old sleep regression is less common but can happen during preschool transitions, nightmares, or fears. Here, you can keep bedtime calm and predictable. Encourage your child to self-soothe. Comfort them when scared, but stick to routines.

Sleep Regression Chart by Age: What Happens and How to Handle It

How Can Parents Handle Sleep Regressions?

Here are simple tips:

• Maintain routines: Stick to the same bedtime and nap times every day. 

• Adjust wake windows: Let your baby stay awake long enough to get sleepy, but not too long to get overtired.

• Practice skills during the day: Crawling, walking, or talking should happen in the daytime. Don’t practice new skills at bedtime.

• Offer comfort wisely: Extra hugs and snuggles are fine. Avoid making new habits like rocking to sleep every night.

• Be patient: Sleep regressions and leaps take time. Keep routines, and your child will sleep better soon.

• Check for physical causes: Teething, sickness, or discomfort can look like a sleep regression. See a doctor if needed.

• Consider sleep training if appropriate: Babies 4 months and older can learn to self-soothe. Methods like Ferber or graduated extinction can help.

When Should You Call a Doctor About Sleep Regression?

See your pediatrician if you notice:

• Persistent fussiness or pain

• Feeding or weight gain issues

• Unusual symptoms like rash, fever, vomiting

• Excessive sleepiness or difficulty waking

• Most sleep regressions are normal, but doctors can rule out underlying issues.

A Helping Hand for Sleep Regressions: The Swaddle Tote

Sleep regressions can throw your routine off. You might be up late, rushing in the morning, or heading out with a cranky baby. The Swaddle Tote All-in-One Diaper Bag keeps you ready for it all.

The large Parent Bag has space for diapers, bottles, toys, snacks, and even a built-in changing pad for quick fixes at night or on the go. The smaller Sidekick Bag works for short trips, just pack wipes, diapers, and a change of clothes. Clip it to the stroller, wear it crossbody, or carry it on its own.

Both bags help you stay organized during long nights, busy days, and those unexpected wake-ups. Easy to clean and built to last, the Swaddle Tote isn’t just a diaper bag; it’s a tool that makes parenting less stressful during tough sleep phases.

Since nights get rough, having the right gear matters, so check out how to choose a diaper bag that keeps you prepared.

What’s the Takeaway About Sleep Regression?

Sleep regressions are temporary. They happen because your child is growing, learning, and exploring. Keep healthy sleep habits, offer comfort when needed, and be patient. With time and consistency, your baby or toddler will return to better sleep patterns.

Remember, not every baby will have all sleep regressions. Each child is unique. Their sleep patterns reflect their own growth pace. Sleep regressions in toddlers and infants are completely normal.