Tackling Common Sleep Regression Ages

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering “What on earth happened to my great sleeper?” — you’re not alone. Sleep regressions can feel like they come out of nowhere, and just when you think you’ve nailed a bedtime routine, your little one starts waking more often, fighting naps, or struggling to settle. But here’s the good news: sleep regressions are actually a sign that your child is growing and developing beautifully.

Let’s explore what’s really going on, why sleep can be impacted, and what you can do to support your child (and yourself) through these phases.

What Is a Sleep Regression?

A sleep regression is a temporary disruption in sleep patterns that often coincides with a major developmental leap. During these times, your baby or child may:

• Wake more frequently at night

• Fight naps or shorten them significantly

• Take longer to fall asleep

• Seem clingier or more unsettled at bedtime

These regressions aren’t a step backward — they’re a leap forward. Your child’s brain is rapidly developing, and their body and emotions are trying to keep up.

Common Ages for Sleep Regressions (and What’s Happening)

💡 4 months
This is one of the biggest shifts. Around this age, your baby’s sleep cycles mature and begin to resemble adult-like patterns, with lighter and deeper phases. It’s not a regression as much as a permanent developmental change — and it’s a key time to introduce healthy sleep habits.

💡 8–10 months
Mobility milestones like crawling, standing, or cruising often disrupt sleep. Separation anxiety may also kick in, making your baby more sensitive to being apart from you, especially at night.

💡 12 months
Some babies start to resist the second nap, which can lead to overtiredness and night waking. However, most still need two naps at this stage — it’s a balancing act!

💡 18 months
Hello, toddlerhood! Your little one is finding their independence, and this age often comes with a sleep regression due to boundary testing, language explosions, and another wave of separation anxiety.

💡 2 years
Between potty training, nightmares, increased independence, and the possibility of moving to a toddler bed — this age can bring a lot of sleep disruption.

Why Regressions Are Actually a Positive Sign

It might feel like everything’s going wrong, but in reality, regressions are tied to progress. Your child is learning new skills, developing emotionally, and exploring their environment in new ways.

Some of the incredible signs of development during regressions include:

✨ New words or babbling
✨ Physical milestones like sitting, crawling, or walking
✨ Stronger emotional bonds and preferences
✨ Curiosity and increased awareness

These leaps are something to celebrate — even if they come with a little less sleep.

How Sleep Is Affected

When your child is processing new skills or changes, their brain remains more active — even during sleep. Cortisol (the stress hormone) may increase if your child is overtired or overstimulated, making it harder to settle and stay asleep. Add in disrupted routines or changes in environment (like travel, illness, or teething), and sleep can take a real hit.

What Can You Do About It?

First — know that this phase is temporary. With support, gentle boundaries, and consistency, you can help your child navigate regressions without turning them into long-term sleep issues.

Here’s a simple action plan:

📝 Track your child’s sleep for a week
Write down when they wake, nap, and go to bed. Look for patterns. Are they getting overtired? Are naps too long or short? Are wake windows appropriate for their age?

💬 Talk it through
Sometimes, an outside perspective can help you spot what’s working and what’s not.

Let’s Talk About It Together

Sleep regressions are tough, but you don’t have to face them alone. Book a complimentary one-to-one sleep assessment call with me and we’ll go through your child’s sleep together — gently, supportively, and without judgment.

📅 Ready to reclaim your evenings and help your child sleep better?

👉 Click here to book your free sleep assessment call

You’ve got this — and I’ve got you.