If your baby was sleeping well and suddenly starts waking at night, skipping naps, or fussing more than usual, you’re not alone—and it might not be random. You could be facing a sleep regression—a completely normal (and temporary!) stage in your baby’s development.
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Let’s break it down so you can feel more confident and less overwhelmed.
What Is a Sleep Regression?
A sleep regression is a sudden, short-term change in a baby’s sleep patterns, often caused by a developmental leap, growth spurt, or even a shift in routine. These regressions are most common around 4, 8-10 and 18 months, though the 4-month one is often the toughest because it’s the first big shift in how your baby sleeps.
At 4 months, your baby’s sleep cycles mature and start to resemble adult sleep. That means lighter sleep, more frequent wake-ups, and a need to learn how to link sleep cycles independently.
Signs of a Sleep Regression
Here are a few common red flags that your baby might be going through a regression:
- Sudden Night Wakings: They may start waking multiple times even if they were sleeping through before.
- Shorter Naps: You lay them down and 25 minutes later… they’re up.
- Fighting Sleep: Bedtime becomes a battle, or naps are a struggle.
- Increased Fussiness or Clinginess: They may want more comfort or seem extra sensitive.
- Changes in Feeding: More night feeds or comfort nursing is common.
If this sounds familiar, you’re likely dealing with a regression.
How Long Does It Last?
Most regressions last 2 to 4 weeks, depending on how your baby adjusts and whether new sleep habits are introduced (intentionally or not).
The key? Supporting your baby without creating long-term sleep associations you’ll need to undo later.
How to Handle a Sleep Regression
Here are my top tips as a sleep consultant:
- Stick to Your Routine
Babies thrive on predictability. A consistent bedtime routine helps signal to your baby that sleep is coming—even if everything else feels out of sync.
- Stay Consistent with Sleep Habits
Avoid introducing new sleep props (like rocking or feeding to sleep) that weren’t there before. This helps your baby learn to settle independently, even during regressions.
- Watch Wake Windows
Overtired babies sleep worse. Keep an eye on your baby’s age-appropriate wake times and offer naps before they get fussy.
- Offer Comfort, But Don’t Overhaul
Reassure your baby if they’re upset, but try not to start brand-new habits out of exhaustion. Be there for them, but stay steady.
- Be Patient
It can feel exhausting, especially when you’re balancing work, family, and sleep deprivation. But regressions really are temporary. With support and consistency, things will smooth out again.
When to Ask for Help
If sleep hasn’t improved after a few weeks—or if you’re running on empty—you’re not failing. You’re just human. And you don’t have to go through it alone.
I work with families to create custom sleep plans that support your baby’s development and your need for rest. Whether you’re in the thick of a regression or trying to prepare for one, I’m here to help.
