If you’ve noticed a change in your baby’s sleeping pattern, sleep regression could be to blame. Sleep regression is when your baby’s previously established sleeping patterns change. For example, they might go from sleeping well to sleeping less, waking up, or finding it harder to settle at night. Read on to learn more about common causes, signs to look out for, and the different ages and stages where sleep regression can occur. We’ll also cover tips and guidance on how to deal with sleep regression as a parent or carer.
What is sleep regression?
Sleep regression is typically when your baby has ‘regressed’ to a less-developed form of sleeping. For example, a little while after you’ve established a promising and fairly stable sleeping pattern, you may notice that your little one starts appearing fussier than usual, or simply refuses to sleep at naptime or bedtime. While sleep regressions can be concerning or frustrating, especially when you’re running on little sleep yourself, they’re not necessarily a bad sign. In fact, sleep regression tends to occur when your little one is going through a rapid period of growth and development. It’s also worth noting that sleep regression is completely normal in babies and toddlers. Sometimes older children can experience sleep regressions too.
Common causes of sleep regression
Typical causes of sleep regression can be different for infants and toddlers. We’ll explore these in more detail below.
Causes of infant sleep regression
Infants typically experience sleep regressions when they go through rapid stages of growth and development. This may include reaching certain developmental milestones, such as:
Smiling
Sitting
Crawling
Rolling over
Causes of toddler sleep regression
Toddlers may experience sleep regression for various reasons, such as:
Sickness – this may cause them to wake up more during the night or sleep more.
Changes to routines – travel, moving home, or switching schools could all affect toddler sleep.
Separation anxiety – toddlers of a certain age may get clingy or upset if you leave them. This might show up as ‘stalling’ at bedtime.
Overtiredness – this may cause your little one, counter-intuitively, to have trouble falling to sleep at bedtime – due to a physiological ‘fight or flight’ response.
Inconsistent naps – if they’re not napping regularly, they may become overtired. Again, this might make it harder for them to fall asleep at night.
Signs of sleep regression
The first and most obvious sign of sleep regression is if your little one is waking up more often throughout the night. Other sleep regression signs to look out for include:
Increased fussiness – due to disrupted sleep.
Taking longer to fall asleep than usual – this may be followed by more crying at bedtime.
Trouble napping – sleep regressions can also affect their ability to take their usual naps throughout the day.
If they’re experiencing a sleeping issue, however, it’s important not to automatically assume it involves a regression. They may be getting up and wanting your attention for a number of reasons, such as if they’re sick, or have a dirty nappy that needs changing. Understanding whether the situation is specific to that particular night, or more of a pattern over time, may help to indicate regression.
Typical sleep regression ages
Sleep regression can vary from child to child, but the most common ages that parents typically notice sleep regression are:
4-month sleep regression
At four months old, your baby starts to transition away from their newborn sleep patterns. This may result in noticeable changes from their previous routine.
6-month sleep regression
At six months, sleep regression typically occurs due to rapid growth and development. At this age, your baby starts to gain lots of new skills and activities, which could increase tiredness levels. They may also be teething – which could affect their sleeping patterns due to discomfort.
8-month sleep regression
At eight months, your baby is emotionally developing. If they start to experience things like separation anxiety, this could lead to changes in their sleep.
12-month sleep regression
At around a year old, babies often engage in increased activity and become more aware of their surroundings. This can lead to restlessness.
18-month sleep regression
Refusing to go to bed can be common during this age, due to an increased sense of independence and a desire to test boundaries! This can be frustrating, but again, it’s quite normal.
2-year sleep regression
As they get older, your little one may start to drop naptime altogether. If they’re potty training, they might also get up more often to go to the toilet.
Of course, baby sleep is unique from child to child, so not all infants will experience the same sleep regression stages at these exact times.
How to deal with sleep regression
It can be difficult dealing with sleep deprivation if your baby is keeping you up at night. Just remember that sleep regression is totally normal, and may only last a week or two before they eventually get back on track.
If it is causing you concern, the following tips may help your baby sleep through the night:
Make sure they have a calm and consistent bedtime routine – a relaxed, stable bedtime routine can help them understand when it’s time to sleep. For example, you may want to run them a bath and read them a story before bed. Certain bathtime products may also help. AVEENO® BABY CALMING COMFORT BEDTIME BATH & WASH is blended with soothing oat extract, a soft aroma of vanilla and a calming scent of lavender, and gently cleanses and helps calm your baby before bedtime.
Make sure they’re comfortable – ensuring the temperature of their room isn’t too hot or too cold, for example.
Teach them about day vs night – this can be as simple as switching bright lights off at bedtime, and ensuring there are no loud noises or distractions. Putting toys away before bedtime can also help them understand when playtime is over and it’s time to wind down.
Make sure they’re feeding enough – this can help prevent them from waking up hungry during the night.
Ditch screens before bedtime – phone and TV lights can disrupt little one’s sleeping patterns and make it more difficult for them to sleep. If they normally watch some TV before bedtime, consider reading them a story instead.
Sleep regression FAQs
Sleep regression is totally normal and should eventually pass. However, if your baby doesn’t seem to be improving, or you’re worried that something isn’t quite right, you can always reach out to your GP or health adviser for support.
Sleep regression can vary child to child, but many parents often notice regressions at around four and six months, eight and 12 months, and at 18 months. Sleep regressions can also happen when children are around two years old. Of course, not all infants experience sleep regression at these exact ages and stages.
Regression can typically last between one to two weeks before children get back on track with their sleep. Hopefully you can both get a more restful night soon! If sleep regression doesn’t seem to be going away, it may be worth speaking to your GP or health adviser.