Surviving Sleep Regressions

Just when you thought your baby was finally sleeping well… BAM—suddenly they’re waking up all night, fighting naps, or refusing bedtime. What happened?

You might be in the middle of a sleep regression—a completely normal (but very frustrating) part of your child’s development.

Let’s break it down so you can understand what’s going on—and how to get through it.

What Is a Sleep Regression?

A sleep regression is a temporary period where a baby or toddler who was sleeping well suddenly starts waking frequently, skipping naps, or struggling to fall asleep.

These regressions usually line up with big developmental changes—like learning to crawl, walk, talk, or becoming more socially aware. Their brains are growing at lightning speed, and that growth can disrupt sleep.

The good news? Sleep regressions are a sign of progress. Your little one is learning new skills, becoming more aware of the world—and it’s all part of healthy development.

🗓️ Common Ages for Sleep Regressions

While every child is different, here are some typical ages where regressions happen:

• 4 months: A permanent shift in sleep cycles—this one’s a biggie!

• 6 months: Learning to roll, sit, or crawl can disrupt naps and nights.

• 8–10 months: Separation anxiety peaks, and babies often start pulling to stand or cruise.

• 12 months: First steps and dropping naps can make sleep tricky.

• 18 months: Big emotions, new words, and testing boundaries.

• 2 years: More independence, nap transitions, and a surge in imagination (and fears).

• 2.5–3 years: Potty training, sleep resistance, and bedtime stalling often show up here.

What Sleep Regressions Look Like

You might notice:

• Increased night waking

• Shorter or skipped naps

• More crying or clinginess at bedtime

• Early morning wake-ups

• General crankiness or fussiness

How to Handle Sleep Regressions

1. Stay Consistent with Routines
   Children crave predictability, especially when everything else feels new and overwhelming. Stick to your bedtime and nap routines as much as possible.

2. Offer Comfort—But Keep Boundaries
   It’s okay to offer extra snuggles or reassurance, but avoid starting habits you don’t want long-term (like rocking to sleep every time or bringing them into your bed if that’s not your goal).

3. Watch for Overtiredness
   Regressions often lead to poor naps or skipped sleep, which can spiral into overtiredness—and make sleep even harder. Aim to get back on track with rest as soon as you can.

4. Be Patient and Give It Time
   Most regressions last about 1–3 weeks. They will pass. The key is to stay calm, offer support, and not panic into major schedule changes unless they’re truly needed.

5. Adjust When Necessary
   Sometimes a regression signals it’s time to drop a nap or shift a schedule. Watch your child’s patterns and be open to small tweaks.

🚨 When to Ask for Help

If a sleep regression seems never-ending, or your child’s sleep has been off track for weeks (or months), it might be time to get support.

You don’t have to figure it all out alone.

✨ I help families create age-appropriate sleep plans that work with your child’s development—not against it. Together, we’ll get sleep back on track so your whole family can rest easier.

Reach out today to schedule a free sleep assessment call or learn more about my sleep support packages.

Looking for more info on the 4-month sleep regression? Click HERE for my free guide.

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