I get so many questions about sleep regressions. You are usually in a good routine by three months, and your baby is sleeping. You think you made it through the newborn stage. Then regressions start! Sleep regressions are no fun. Sleep regressions can happen at 4 months, 6 & 9 months, 12 months, 18 months, and 2 years old.
4 month regression
What happens with this regression?
This regression is probably the worst. It happens after you have a routine set and your baby is sleeping through the night (or almost sleeping through the night). With this regression, your little one is most likely struggling with naps. They probably fall asleep normally but then wake up within 30- 45 minutes or resist naps. They wake up frequently and want to be held. You probably feel like you will never sleep again.
Why does this regression happen?
This regression happens because, by 4 months, your little one is not a newborn anymore; they are a baby. They were probably sleeping through any noise, stimulation, and environment. Now that they are 4 months, they are more aware of their surroundings. At this age, your baby is adopting sleep habits like adults. This could be taking longer to fall asleep, moving around throughout the night, waking up, and falling back asleep at night. Your little one now also understands at this age that when you put them down for bed and leave, you are still around even if you are not in the room. Your little one might be working on new skills as well. Rolling is a big skill at this age. Practice as much as possible during the day so they are not practicing while sleeping.
Can this regression change sleep habits?
Yes! Any regression can change sleep habits. This regression will feel like forever, and you will feel like you are never sleeping again. This regression usually passes between 2-6 weeks, and your little one will go back to sleeping as they did before the regression. If the regression lasts more than 6 weeks, it could indicate poor sleeping habits, such as being rocked or nursed to sleep. In your little one’s mind, they think they should wake up the way they were left so they will wake up and realize that is not the case, and they will be frustrated, and so will you.
What to do about this regression?
Be consistent in a routine and schedule for your little one. This includes bedtime and nap time. If you have not implemented a routine or schedule, then this is a great time to start. Your little one will begin to understand what is next, and they will find comfort in knowing what is next and that the routine leads to sleep.
6 & 9 Month Regression
What happens with this regression?
These are coupled together because they are very similar in development and teething. Your little one may begin waking up again in the middle of the night or early, before 6 am. They could be taking shorter naps or resisting naps and bedtime.
Why does this regression happen?
Around 6 months, your little one may feel their first tooth come in. They also go through a developmental leap, rolling back and forth and sitting independently. Around 9 months, your little one is beginning to become more mobile, crawling on their own, pulling themselves up to standing. These new skills excite them, making them not want to sleep. Your little one is also mentally learning new things. They are learning about relationships, examining objects, babbling, and starting to say words. Their little minds are like sponges, and they are soaking everything up.
Can this regression change sleep habits?
Naptime and nighttime sleep can be disrupted during this regression. This sleep regression should only last 2-6 weeks. If you notice your little one fighting bedtime or a particular naptime, it may be time to merge two naps into one. Around 4-12 months, your little one will go from 3 to 2 naps. If your little one has been struggling for more than 6 weeks, then it may be that they have formed poor sleep habits and you need more help.
What to do about this regression?
Don’t give up on your routines and schedules. Consistency is always key, and it will help with some normalcy. Give your little one cuddles and attention when they are awake. They may be more clingy, fussy, or cry often, and the extra attention will help.
12 Month Regression
What happens with this regression?
Like the other regressions, the 12-month regression has more night wakings and shorter nap intervals. Your little one may also be clingy, cranky, and crying more at this age.
Why does this regression happen?
Toddlerhood is fast approaching. They are going from crawling around to walking to running. Your little one wants to climb, or they are pulling themselves up on everything. They are learning to throw balls and talking more. Learning new skills disrupts sleep, and they are learning a lot at this age. They are becoming a little person and more independent, but they also could be having some separation anxiety which can disrupt sleep.
Can this regression change sleep habits?
This regression, like the others, can last from 2-6 weeks. This regression can also happen when babies try to merge two naps into one. They are staying up longer and sleeping for one long period of time. Try to see if your little one is going through a sleep regression before you change their naps. Moving into one nap usually occurs around 15-18 months.
What to do about this regression?
Give your little one opportunities to practice new skills throughout the day. Make sure you are letting them practice their mental and physical activities. Have them make choices so you can empower them to be independent. Give them little jobs such as shutting the cabinet, turning the light off, or throwing something away. Give them lots of daily snuggles and attention to help with separation anxiety.
18 Month Regression
What happens with this regression?
And again, your toddler is waking up in the middle of the night or more frequently. They may even wake up during naps or refuse them altogether.
Why does this regression happen?
This regression is hard. Your baby is not a baby anymore; they are a toddler. They are talking, walking, running, and turning into a person. Their personality is coming out, and they know what they like and don’t like. They are becoming more independent and getting their first or second set of molars, which causes pain and discomfort.
Can this regression change sleep habits?
They will probably regress overnight. This can last 2-6 weeks, just like the other regressions. Keep to your schedule and try not to give in; you will get through this regression.
What to do about this regression?
Give your toddler plenty of options so they can be independent. Let them choose things themselves (as long as it is safe), and have them choose what story to read at bedtime or what stuffed animal to sleep with.
Two years old
What happens with this regression?
Is your toddler waking up frequently at night? Are they resisting naps? This happens during the two-year-old regression. There is no reason why this regression happens, but it may seem like you have a newborn again.
Why does this regression happen?
Like the other regressions, your little one is going through life changes. They are starting to potty train; maybe a new baby is born, and you are moving them into a big bed. Your toddler may also be getting very painful molars. True nightmares and fears can start happening around this age.
Can this regression change sleep habits?
Sleep habits can change; this regression can last between 2 and 6 weeks. Stick to your schedule and routine, and it will pass.
What to do about this regression?
Give your toddler attention throughout the day. Talk about their fears with them and help them understand that they are safe. You are still their comfort even if they are becoming more and more independent.
If your little one is going through a regression, but you believe they have formed poor sleep habits and need some help, please feel free to reach out.
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Sweetest Dreams,
Meghan
