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It can be incredibly frustrating when your previously great sleeper suddenly starts struggling with sleep. What you’re likely experiencing is a sleep regression, a common phase that usually resolves with time and a steady routine.

Is your previously perfect sleeper suddenly waking up in the middle of the night or crying when you put her down for naps?

You might be dealing with sleep regression, a common phase that many babies go through. In this article, we’ll explain what sleep regression is, when it typically happens, how long it lasts, and some tips to help you and your baby sleep peacefully once again.

What Is Sleep Regression?

Sleep regression is a temporary period, typically lasting two to four weeks, when a baby who usually sleeps well starts having trouble settling down at bedtime or wakes up in the middle of the night. During this time, your baby may appear restless and have difficulty getting back to sleep, leaving you wondering what happened to your previously great sleeper.

What Causes Sleep Regression in Babies?

Sleep regression can be triggered by a variety of factors, all of which can cause discomfort or anxiety in babies. Some of the most common causes include:

• A growth spurt: Babies often feel extra hungry during growth spurts, which can disrupt their sleep patterns.
• Teething pain: Teething can be painful and lead to sleepless nights.
• Reaching a developmental milestone: Achieving new skills like rolling over or sitting up can excite or disturb your baby’s sleep.
• Disruptions in routines: Changes like starting daycare or travel can cause sleep issues.
• Illnesses: Colds, ear infections, or other illnesses can make your baby uncomfortable and impact their sleep.

How Long Does Sleep Regression Last?

Sleep regressions typically last about two to four weeks, giving your baby enough time to adjust to changes, like a new routine or developmental milestone, or to recover from an illness. The duration may vary from baby to baby, depending on the cause of the regression.

During this period, it’s important to stick to your usual routines. If necessary, you may want to explore sleep training methods to help your baby get back on track.

Signs of Sleep Regression

The signs of sleep regression can differ depending on the underlying cause. Here are some common signs that your baby may be experiencing a sleep regression:

• Frequent night waking
• Difficulty falling asleep at bedtime
• Increased fussiness or crankiness
• Resistance to naps

When Does Sleep Regression Typically Happen?

Sleep regression can occur at any time, especially when linked to disruptions or illness. However, there are certain ages when sleep regression is more likely due to predictable factors, such as growth spurts, teething, or developmental milestones. Here are some common stages:

• 3 to 4 months: This is often the most challenging sleep regression because it’s the first major one. At this stage, babies may struggle due to teething pain, growth spurts, or the excitement of rolling over.
• 6 months: Another growth spurt often happens around six months. At this age, babies may be capable of sleeping through the night but might still wake up for snuggles or comfort.
• 8 to 10 months: Many babies start crawling around 9 months and may stand up around 10 months. Separation anxiety can also begin at this stage, causing babies to wake up seeking reassurance.
• 12 months: As babies start to stand or take their first steps, they may experience temporary sleep disturbances related to these major milestones.
• Toddlerhood: Sleep regressions can also occur at 15 months, 18 months, 2 years, and 3 years, often due to nightmares, fear of the dark, teething, or separation anxiety.

Tips for Managing Sleep Regressions

Fortunately, sleep regression is usually temporary. Here are some tips to help you manage this phase:

• Watch for sleep cues: Pay attention to your baby’s signals like rubbing her eyes or yawning. Putting her to bed before she gets overtired can make it easier for her to fall and stay asleep.
• Stick to a consistent bedtime routine: Establish a calming routine, such as a feeding, bath, a book, lullabies, and a few comforting words to signal it’s time for bed.
• Ensure enough daytime sleep: Overtired babies have more trouble sleeping at night, so make sure your baby is getting enough rest during the day.
• Give her a few minutes before responding at night: If your baby starts crying in the middle of the night, allow a few minutes for her to self-soothe. If she doesn’t settle, go in and offer gentle reassurance, but avoid picking her up, rocking, or feeding her.
• Consider sleep training: If your baby is at least 4 to 6 months old, sleep training may be worth trying. Give it at least two weeks to see results.
• Offer extra attention during the day: If your baby is feeling stressed or has separation anxiety, providing extra comfort before bedtime can help her feel secure at night.

Can You Prevent Sleep Regression?

Unfortunately, sleep regression is a normal part of growing up, and there’s no way to completely prevent it. However, following a consistent bedtime routine and sleep schedule can help reduce the chances of sleep disruptions.

Take comfort in knowing that sleep regression is temporary, and with time, your baby will likely return to a more consistent sleep pattern.

Key Takeaways

• Sleep regressions can be triggered by teething, reaching milestones, growth spurts, illness, traveling, or routine changes.
• Signs of sleep regression include more frequent night waking, trouble falling asleep, resisting naps, and increased fussiness.
• Sleep regressions often happen at 3 to 4 months, 6 months, 8 to 10 months, 12 months, and in toddlerhood (15 months, 18 months, 2 years, and 3 years).
• To manage sleep regressions, pay attention to your baby’s sleep cues, maintain a consistent bedtime routine, and ensure she gets enough rest during the day.

When to Call the Doctor About Sleep Regression

Although sleep regression usually resolves on its own, there are times when it’s important to contact your doctor:

• If you’ve been consistently using a sleep training method for at least two weeks without improvement, a pediatrician might be able to provide additional insights or suggestions.
• If your baby’s sleep issues are related to illness, watch for signs like fever, nasal discharge, coughing, or earaches. In such cases, consult your pediatrician for advice.

Sleep regression can be challenging, but remember it’s a normal phase in your baby’s development. With patience and consistency, your little one will likely be sleeping soundly again soon.