As a parent, you may have heard the term sleep regression—or you might be living through it right now. Just when your baby starts sleeping longer stretches, suddenly they’re waking up more frequently, crying at bedtime, or skipping naps entirely.
This phase can feel frustrating and exhausting—but you’re not alone. Sleep regressions are a normal part of infant and toddler development, and with the right sleep routine, schedule, and support, your little one will return to more restful nights.
In this blog, we’ll walk through:
What is a sleep regression?
When the most common regressions happen
Sample sleep schedules by age
How to help your baby through it
When to seek extra support from a Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant
What Is a Sleep Regression?
A sleep regression is a temporary disruption in your baby’s usual sleep habits. It often includes:
Frequent night wakings
Shortened or skipped naps
Difficulty falling or staying asleep
Increased clinginess or fussiness, especially at bedtime
These regressions are typically linked to major developmental milestones—such as rolling over, crawling, pulling up, talking, or walking. As your baby’s brain and body grow rapidly, sleep can temporarily take a back seat.
You may feel like all your progress with sleep has disappeared overnight, but the truth is: your baby is learning and growing—and this phase will pass.
When Do Sleep Regressions Happen?
While every child is different, sleep regressions commonly happen around certain developmental ages. Keep in mind that the timing isn’t exact—your baby may experience a regression a bit earlier or later than expected based on their individual growth and development.
4 Months
This is often the first major sleep disruption. Around this time, your baby’s sleep cycle matures, causing lighter, more fragmented sleep. They may begin waking between cycles and need help resettling.
8–10 Months
As your baby learns to crawl, pull up, and stand, sleep can take a hit. Separation anxiety also begins to emerge, making naps and bedtimes harder.
12 Months
Near their first birthday, many babies begin transitioning from two naps to one. This can lead to increased fussiness, nap refusal, and disrupted nighttime sleep.
18 Months
Toddlers are asserting their independence, and that often includes pushing back at bedtime. Teething, language development, and new fears can also contribute to sleep challenges.
2 Years
Your toddler may face new fears, molars, and major emotional development. Potty training, crib-to-bed transitions, and the desire for independence can all make sleep unpredictable.
Sample Sleep Schedules By Age
Every child’s sleep needs are different, but maintaining an age-appropriate sleep schedule during regressions can support better rest. While this blog doesn’t include full sample schedules, Family Tree Support Services offers personalized sleep plans and tools to help you get back on track.
Looking for structure or quick answers? Whether you need a full custom routine or just have a few pressing questions, our Ask Me Anything Call is a great way to get expert guidance tailored to your baby’s sleep needs and your family’s schedule.
How to Help Your Baby Through a Sleep Regression
Sleep regressions can be exhausting, but they’re manageable with consistency and care. Here’s how to help your baby during this transition:
Maintain a Consistent Routine
Stick to a calm and predictable sleep routine, even when things feel off. Activities like a bath, lullaby, storytime, or quiet cuddle time help signal that it’s time for sleep.
Protect Daytime Naps
Skipping naps can backfire. Overtired babies tend to wake more frequently at night. Keep offering rest opportunities, even if naps are shorter or harder to settle.
Offer Reassurance, With Boundaries
Comfort your child when they wake, but try not to introduce habits that are hard to break later (like rocking or feeding to sleep every time). Gentle patting, soothing words, and offering a favorite comfort item can help.
Create a Sleep-Friendly Environment
Use blackout curtains, white noise, and a consistent sleep space to reduce distractions and help your baby wind down. The right environment can support better quality sleep, even during regressions.
Give Yourself Grace
Sleep regressions can be tough on everyone. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, take breaks, and prioritize rest where you can. This phase is challenging—but it’s temporary.
When to Seek Extra Support
If your baby’s sleep doesn’t improve after a few weeks—or if the disruption is significantly impacting your family—it may be time to seek expert help.
At Family Tree Support Services, Jacael Wallace, a Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant, specializes in helping families build healthy, sustainable sleep habits for infants and toddlers.
We offer:
Personalized sleep support sessions
Virtual workshops like “All About Newborn Sleep (First 12 Weeks)”
Ask Me Anything Call – a focused consultation where you can get quick answers to your baby or toddler sleep questions
Proven sleep strategies tailored to your child’s temperament and developmental stage
Book your session today at www.familytreess.com
Let’s help you get back to restful nights—and a happier, more rested household.