The most common sleep regressions – and what they mean for your baby
Just when you thought your little one had settled into a predictable sleep routine, something changes. Night wakings, shorter naps or difficulty falling asleep can suddenly disrupt your evenings. If this sounds familiar, your baby might be going through a sleep regression – a normal, temporary disruption in sleep patterns that every parent eventually faces.
Understanding sleep regressions can help you feel more confident and less frustrated. In this post, we’ll explore the most common sleep regressions, why they happen, and what parents can expect—while highlighting the 4-month sleep regression, which is often the first and most significant challenge for new parents. As a holistic sleep coach and infant sleep consultant, I’ve helped many families navigate this stage gently and effectively.
What is a sleep regression?
A sleep regression is a temporary period when your baby’s sleep worsens or becomes less predictable. These regressions often appear at key developmental stages and can look like:
More frequent night wakings
Shorter or skipped naps
Difficulty falling asleep
Increased clinginess or fussiness
Sleep regressions are completely normal and are a sign of healthy development. While they can be exhausting, they usually pass within a few weeks (typically 2-6 weeks).
The most common sleep regressions
4-Month sleep regression
Often called the first major sleep regression, the 4-month sleep “regression” is tied to rapid brain development and the maturation of sleep cycles. Because of this, I prefer to call it a “progression”. Many babies who previously slept through the night start waking frequently, and naps may become unpredictable.
Parents often notice:
Shorter naps
Frequent night wakings
Difficulty falling asleep at usual times
Because this regression is so common and often the first major challenge, I created a masterclass: Understanding the 4-Month Sleep Regression: Gentle Ways to Support Your Baby and Yourself. As a gentle sleep coach, I guide parents through practical, nurturing strategies to support their baby while also caring for themselves. You can purchase it here.
6-month sleep regression
Around 6 months, sleep disruptions often coincide with mobility milestones and teething. Babies may start rolling over, sitting up, or experiencing discomfort from teething. Signs include:
Increased night wakings
Restlessness at bedtime
Early morning wake-ups
8- to 10-month sleep regression
Between 8 and 10 months, sleep regressions often relate to crawling, standing, and separation anxiety. Parents may notice:
Resistance to naps
Clinginess at bedtime
Frequent night waking
12-month sleep regression
The 12-month sleep regression often coincides with walking, language development, and other milestones. Common signs include:
Night wakings that weren’t happening before
Shortened or skipped naps
Resistance to bedtime routines
Other key regressions
Sleep regressions can also occur around 18 months and two years, often linked to teething, growth spurts or separation anxiety.
Why sleep regressions happen
Sleep regressions are tied to growth, development, and learning new skills. Key reasons include:
Brain development: New skills and milestones temporarily disrupt sleep cycles.
Physical growth: Teething or increased mobility can make sleep uncomfortable.
Emotional growth: Separation anxiety, curiosity and new social skills can trigger night wakings.
These regressions are not caused by poor parenting – they are a normal part of your baby’s development. When you work with me – a holistic sleep coach – I can help you navigate these changes gently, without stress or frustration.
How to approach sleep regressions
Here are a few high-level tips for navigating sleep regressions:
Maintain routines: Even if sleep is disrupted, regular bedtime and nap routines provide stability.
Offer reassurance: Gentle comfort helps your baby feel secure during night wakings.
Patience is key: Most sleep regressions last 2–6 weeks.
Take care of yourself: Sleep disruptions are tough, so practice self-care whenever possible.
For the 4-month sleep regression, many parents feel overwhelmed because it’s often the first major disruption. That’s why my masterclass as a gentle sleep coach focuses specifically on this regression, teaching gentle, practical ways to support both your baby and you. Access it now, here.
Encouragement for parents
Sleep regressions can be tiring and frustrating, but they are a sign your baby is growing and learning new skills. You are not alone – every parent experiences these challenges.
Remember: sleep regressions are temporary. Consistency, patience, and reassurance go a long way in helping your baby navigate these changes. And if you need extra guidance, I offer 1:1 support, tailored to your family. Simply email me at steph@moonchildholisticsleep.com or DM me on Instagram @moonchildholisticsleep.
Take the next step
If your baby is approaching or experiencing the 4-month sleep regression, consider joining my masterclass: “Understanding the 4-Month Sleep Regression: Gentle Ways to Support Your Baby and Yourself.”
Inside this pre-recorded session, you’ll learn:
Why the 4-month regression happens
How to support your baby through changes
Gentle strategies to improve sleep while respecting your baby’s development
As a gentle infant sleep consultant, I guide parents with nurturing, practical approaches that make this challenging phase more manageable.
Access the masterclass here and get the guidance you need to feel confident during this temporary, but often exhausting, phase.
Conclusion
Sleep regressions are a normal part of your baby’s development. From 4 months to toddlerhood, these periods reflect growth and milestones. While they can be exhausting, understanding the patterns, maintaining routines, and offering reassurance can make them more manageable.
The 4-month sleep regression is often the most noticeable and challenging, but with guidance from me, a holistic sleep coach, both you and your baby can navigate it gently and successfully. Remember: you’re doing a great job, and this phase will pass!