Sleep regressions can occur at any point in a baby’s life. The big ones typically occur around 4 months, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months, 18 months and 2 years. During a regression your baby or toddler who was previously sleeping well will suddenly start:
- Fighting bedtime
- Waking in the middle of the night
- Waking super early in the morning
- Fighting or refusing naps
Although this is extremely annoying and frustrating, it is important to know why sleep regressions happen. Sleep regressions occur when your baby is going through big developmental milestones. This means that your baby is learning new skills which affect their sleep. When a baby sleeps their brain processes the new skills they are learning which results in disrupted sleep. If a baby is already not sleeping well to begin with, a sleep regression can further disrupt their sleep.
4 month sleep regression
The 4 month sleep regression is not a true regression. It is a permanent change in the way a baby sleeps. This can occur anywhere from 3-5 months of age. At this age a baby starts to sleep in cycles. If they are not able to put themselves back to sleep when they wake in between sleep cycles their sleep will be very disrupted. In this case teaching your baby how to fall asleep independently is key, however, this is easier said than done especially at such a young age.
6 month sleep regression
The 6 month sleep regression usually occurs anywhere from 5-7 months. At this age your baby will be mastering the skill of rolling from back to stomach and stomach to back. They will be learning how to sit, and you will be starting to introduce solids and different texture foods. All these new and exciting discoveries and changes can absolutely mess with your baby’s sleep. In this case following an age-appropriate schedule to prevent overtiredness is very important.
9 month sleep regression
The 9 month sleep regression normally occurs between 8-10 months. At this age your baby is learning how to crawl, however, the biggest contributor to this sleep regression is separation anxiety/object permanence. For the first time in your baby’s life they understand that something exists even when it is not in sight. So, when your baby wakes up and you are not around, they cry for you. In this case it is important to teach your baby that even though you are not in sight, you are still close by.
12 month sleep regression
The 12 month sleep regression can start as early as 11 months. This is often when parents make the mistake of removing the morning nap and transition to 1 nap per day. Like the previous sleep regressions, it is important to remember that your baby is going through a ton of developmental changes. He or she still needs that morning nap and removing the nap can lead to other sleep issues. At 12 months, your baby is learning how to stand, walk and even talk. These are huge accomplishments, and it is important to remain consistent during this time.
18 month sleep regression
At 18 months your baby is learning a ton! They are starting to run, climb and jump. They are learning cause and effect and that what they do has a direct effect on mom and dad’s reactions. Their language is starting to really develop, and they may start to say two consecutive words. These big changes and new capabilities can cause sleep disturbances that are a little harder to address since your baby is getting older. In this case dropping to 1 nap per day and ensuring your baby gets enough physical activity will be very important.
2 year sleep regression
The last and final sleep regression normally happens between 2-2.5 years old. At this age your toddler is very aware of what is going on and is likely speaking in short sentences. This is where the real bedtime battles can begin. It is not uncommon for your toddler to fight bedtime and naps. If this happens, refrain from dropping the nap completely. This will only result in an overtired child. At this age your toddler may start to experience nightmares and night terrors which need to be addressed. FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) can also lead to bedtime battles because your child is now all of a sudden very aware that even though he is going to sleep everyone else is not. Again, it is important to remain consistent in whatever method you choose.
If you are having trouble with your baby, toddler or preschoolers sleep and want to work 1-on-1 with me, check out my sleep programs or book a free call. It would be my pleasure to help!
