Infant sleep regression follows a clear pattern with six distinct stages between 4 and 24 months. Studies indicate 72% of infants can sleep for six hours straight by their first birthday. These quiet nights might face short-term setbacks that last two to four weeks.
The first sleep regression starts at 4 months - many parents consider it the hardest phase. Your baby's sleep habits may shift again at 8 months, 12 months, 18 months, and 2 years. These changes line up with your child's key growth milestones like crawling or taking first steps.
This guide breaks down each sleep regression stage and shows you how to spot early signs. You'll get a better grip on these phases and know when these shifts might shake up your baby's sleep habits. We'll also look at how sleep regression plays out at different ages and give you a baby sleep regression chart to help you through these tough times.
Understanding Sleep Regression Basics
"Sleep 'regressions' happen at many different times in your baby's life, depending on where you look. Each regression connects to different milestones, both physical and mental, that your baby is working on. Babies reach these milestones at very different ages." — Kimberly Ison, Certified Sleep Consultant and Founder of All The Sleeps
Your baby's calm sleep patterns can shift without notice. This signals the start of what experts call a sleep regression. These short-term disruptions occur when your once-good sleeper begins to struggle with their sleep routine. But what is sleep regression, and when does it begin?
What causes sleep regression
We've seen that your baby's quick growth and changes in surroundings lead to sleep regression. Your child's brain stays active during these periods as it focuses on physical, mental, social, and emotional development.
The main reasons for sleep regression include:
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Growth spurts that increase the need to feed at night
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Hitting milestones like rolling, crawling, or walking
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Separation anxiety in 9-month-olds
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Shifts in daily schedules or environment
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Pain from teething
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Sickness or travel disruptions
Your little one's sleep needs change as they get bigger. This can cause them to wake up at night, refuse naps, and fight bedtime. Around 10-12 weeks, your baby's body starts to develop its real circadian rhythm. This internal clock has an impact on their sleep-wake cycles and can affect how they fall asleep.
How long does sleep regression last
Sleep regression goes on for two to six weeks. How long it lasts depends on your baby's age and what triggered the sleep problems.
Sleep regressions don't last long. They often go away in a few days or weeks. Stick to your usual sleep routines during these times. With good sleep habits, regressions last one to two weeks. If you give up on your set sleep patterns, your short-term regression might become a bigger sleep issue.
Not all babies experience every possible sleep regression. Babies who sleep well often get through these stages . Some might even skip certain regression periods. Keep in mind that these changes aren't permanent setbacks. Your baby isn't losing their sleep skills - they're just adapting to new growth stages.
Common Sleep Regression Ages: 0-6 Months
Babies need 14 to 18 hours of sleep each day. They sleep in short stretches during the day and night. Let's look at when sleep regressions occur in the early months and what parents can expect.
Newborn sleep patterns
Your baby's sleep follows a special pattern. Sleep cycles last 20 to 50 minutes. These cycles switch between active and quiet sleep. Your baby might move or make noise during active sleep, while quiet sleep brings calm stillness. Babies wake every two to three hours to breastfeed, or three to four hours for formula feeds.
Knowing about wake windows plays a key role at this point. Wake windows refer to the times your baby stays awake between naps. For newborns, these periods tend to be quite brief lasting from 30 to 90 minutes.
The 4-month sleep regression
Your baby's sleep habits change for good at 4 months. This first big sleep setback shows these signs:
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More time to fall asleep
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Waking up often at night
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Messed up daytime naps
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More crankiness
This regression occurs as your baby's sleep cycles develop to match adult patterns. Each cycle now lasts 60-120 minutes. Your baby checks their surroundings between cycles and often wakes up if something has changed since they fell asleep.
Changes at 6 months
Your 6-month-old needs 12 to 16 total hours of sleep . This age brings significant growth changes that have an impact on sleep patterns. Your baby's increasing awareness and new abilities like rolling over and sitting up can alter their sleep quality.
At this stage, babies begin to sleep for extended periods at night. Some infants might experience a 6-month sleep regression, while others sleep better. Signs of the 6-month sleep regression include more frequent night wakings, difficulty falling asleep, and longer daytime naps with reduced nighttime sleep.
These changes pass within days or weeks if you maintain consistent sleep routines. Most 6-month-olds sleep 10-14 hours in a day, with their longest stretch occurring at night.
Key Sleep Regression Stages: 8-12 Months
"The 8-10 month sleep regression has a connection to major sleep disruptions, like fighting bedtime waking up at night, and taking short naps. These disruptions happen because of big changes in your baby's brain and overall growth." — Eva Klein, Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant and Founder of My Sleeping Baby
Your baby's sleep patterns undergo big changes between 8 and 12 months because of physical milestones. These growth spurts can throw off your little one's sleep routines.
8-month regression and mobility
Between 8 and 10 months, your baby's new ability to move around creates sleep problems. Your child learns to crawl and pull up to stand. Many babies stay awake to practice these new skills even when they should sleep. This 8 month sleep regression can be tough for parents.
A big mental change happens at this age - object permanence. Your baby understands you exist even when they can't see you, which often leads to separation anxiety. This new understanding results in:
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More wake-ups at night
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More resistance at bedtime
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Longer time to fall asleep
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More fussiness at naptime
These sleep problems go on for 2-6 weeks. Most babies adjust to their new skills and begin to sleep better again.
12-month developmental changes
The one-year milestone brings new sleep shifts that line up with your baby's big developmental leaps. Your little one might take first steps or say 1-3 words. These milestones have an impact on sleep in several ways often causing a 12 month sleep regression.
Your baby's physical growth often leads them to wake up more at night. They might wake up to practice standing or moving along furniture. Their growing grasp of words and social ties can make bedtime tougher too.
Sleep needs shift during this period. Most 12-month-olds require 11-14 hours of total sleep . You may see your baby's nap routine change as some babies switch from three naps to two.
Regular bedtime routines are crucial at this stage. Don't begin new sleep habits such as allowing your baby to fall asleep in your arms even when they fight bedtime. Remember to lower the crib mattress to its lowest position if your baby stands up.
Toddler Sleep Regression Timeline
The toddler years bring clear changes to your child's sleep patterns. Sleep regression phases become more intricate during this time. These changes reflect your toddler's growing independence and mental abilities.
18-month sleep changes
Parents struggle with the 18-month sleep regression as their toddlers begin to show independence and grow and emotionally. This phase runs for 2 to 6 weeks. Your toddler's once-stable sleep patterns may shift.
Your toddler might:
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Resist bedtime
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Wake up at night
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Take shorter naps or skip naps
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Show increased separation anxiety
At this stage, your toddler needs 12-14 hours of sleep in total each day. Sticking to regular bedtime routines remains crucial even when sleep becomes challenging.
2-year sleep regression
As your child approaches their second birthday, you might notice changes in their sleep patterns. This regression lasts between one and three weeks and coincides with significant developmental milestones. Your 2-year-old requires 11 to 14 hours of sleep each day, though this might be challenging to achieve for a short time.
This regression often has its roots in physical and cognitive growth. Your toddler's new sense of independence can result in struggles at bedtime and waking up during the night. Their expanding imagination might also bring about fear of the dark or cause bad dreams.
3-year sleep regression signs
The 3-year sleep regression marks one of the final major sleep shifts. This period spans several weeks and affects nighttime rest and daytime conduct. Your kid might push back against bedtime routines more or get up often during the night.
Main triggers at this age include:
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Getting used to potty training
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Improved speaking abilities
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Increasing self-reliance
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Possible dark fears
Your 3-year-old requires 10 to 13 hours of sleep each day. Steady sleep plans and cool reactions to nighttime disturbances help steer your family through this stage.
Warning Signs at Each Age
Parents who notice signs of sleep regression can better distinguish between normal sleep changes and potential issues. By learning these signals in kids of all ages, you can address your child's sleep challenges.
Early warning signs
Changes in your baby's behavior often indicate sleep regression. Keep an eye out for these key signs:
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Waking up often at night with crying or fussiness
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Big shifts in appetite or eating patterns
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Naps that are shorter or complete refusal to nap
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Increased clinginess and fear of being apart
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Trouble calming down or falling asleep on their own
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Unusual crankiness after waking up
These signs may stick around longer than typical regression periods. Sleep pattern tracking gives you a clear view of ongoing issues. Your child should get back to normal within 1-2 weeks. Dropping good sleep habits during this time can lead to long-term issues.
Watch for your baby's sleep signals, like eye rubbing, yawning, or getting cranky. These signals can help you spot the right times for naps and bedtime easing the effects of sleep regression.
When to ask for expert help
The American Academy of Pediatrics found sleep issues affect 25-50% of children. You need to talk to healthcare providers if your child shows specific symptoms.
Call your pediatrician if you see:
Physical Symptoms:
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Slow growth or trouble gaining weight
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Shifts in eating, peeing, or pooping habits
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Odd breathing or loud snoring while asleep
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Lasting fever or signs of sickness
Behavior Signs:
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Sleep issues that go on for over 3-4 weeks
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Non-stop crying that won't ease up
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Major shifts in daytime actions or feelings
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Frequent bad dreams or sleep frights
Sleep experts can help when you notice:
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Waking up many times at night after 6 months
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Often getting up too early (4-5 AM)
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Always fighting bedtime even with new routines
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Uneven nap times that mess up night sleep
Your pediatrician can rule out health issues during regular check-ups. Remember that early action stops short-term sleep problems from becoming long-lasting issues.
Conclusion
Sleep setbacks can feel like too much to handle. Knowing their expected patterns helps you manage these tough phases better. Each setback brings short-term changes that show your child is growing and developing .
Sleep setbacks last two to six weeks. Sticking to a routine can make this time shorter. Not every baby goes through all setback stages - some move through these phases fast or skip them .
Your baby may give you signs of trouble like waking up often at night being cranky more, or eating . These problems are hard but go away on their own as time passes if you stay patient. Sleep issues that don't end after three to four weeks or cause big worries need your child's doctor to look at them to help your baby sleep better.
Keep in mind even though sleep setbacks are tough, they happen as your baby grows. Sticking to a regular sleep plan and thinking about ways to train sleep can help you get through these times better. Always talk to your baby's doctor before you start any program to train sleep.
Here's a simple chart about baby sleep setbacks for quick help:
| Age | Common Signs | Duration |
| 4 months | Waking up often shorter naps | 2-4 weeks |
| 6 months |
Waking at night, changes in naps |
1-2 weeks |
| 8-10 months | Fighting bedtime, anxiety when separated | 3-6 weeks |
| 12 months |
Waking at night, shifts in naps |
2-3 weeks |
| 18 months | Fights at bedtime waking up at night | 2-6 weeks |
| 2 years | Refusing to sleep bad dreams | 1-3 weeks |
| 3 years | Tricks to delay bedtime waking up | 2-6 weeks |
This chart gives you a basic idea of when sleep setbacks happen and what you might see. Keep in mind, each baby is different, and what you go through might not be the same.
FAQs
Q1. What are the common ages for sleep regressions in babies and toddlers? Sleep regressions happen at 4 months, 8 months, 12 months, 18 months, and 2 years. These times match up with big steps in a child's growth and can go on for 2 to 6 weeks.
Q2. How can I tell if my baby is going through a sleep regression? You might see signs of sleep regression if your baby wakes up more at night, takes shorter naps or fights naps, gets cranky more often, has trouble falling asleep, and changes how much they eat. These changes often come out of the blue in a baby who used to sleep well.
Q3. What should I avoid doing during a sleep regression? When your baby goes through a sleep regression, don't start new sleep habits like rocking or nursing to sleep if your little one didn't need them before. Keep your usual bedtime routine, stick to a regular schedule, and don't give in to the temptation to push bedtime later.
Q4. How long do sleep regressions last? Sleep regressions go on for 2 to 6 weeks. But if you keep up good sleep habits during these times, it can help make them shorter. Some babies might get through these phases or even skip some regression periods altogether.
Q5. When should I seek professional help for my child's sleep issues? You might want to talk to a pediatrician if your child's sleep problems last more than 3-4 weeks, if you notice signs of physical discomfort (such as unusual breathing while sleeping), or if you see big changes in your child's behavior or mood during the day. Getting expert advice can also help if your child keeps waking up too in the morning or if you're struggling at bedtime even after you've tried to adjust your routines.