Parenting Through Sleep Regressions: Tips for Helping Your Child Sleep Better

18 June 2025

Parenting a little one isn’t for the faint of heart—especially when sleep regressions sneak up on you like a ninja in the night. One minute, your baby is a solid sleeper, clocking in those magical 8-hour stretches, and the next? You're pacing the hallway at 2 AM with a wide-eyed bundle who refuses to close those peepers.

Sound familiar? If you're nodding your sleep-deprived head, you're definitely not alone.

In this guide, we're diving into the rollercoaster ride of sleep regressions, breaking down what they are, why they happen, and most importantly—how to help your child (and yourself) get some much-needed rest. So grab a cozy blanket and let’s talk all things baby sleep.

What Exactly Is a Sleep Regression?

Imagine this: your baby has been sleeping like, well, a baby. Then, almost overnight... chaos. Frequent wake-ups, shorter naps, crankiness, and an overall disruption in sleep routines.

That, parents, is a sleep regression. It's when a child who was previously sleeping fairly well suddenly starts waking up more frequently, fussing at bedtime, or cutting naps short.

Sleep regressions are usually tied to developmental milestones. Your child is growing, both physically and mentally, and that growth can temporarily mess with their sleep patterns. Think of it like their brain is working overtime—and sleep takes a backseat while they master new skills.

Common Ages for Sleep Regressions

Sleep regressions tend to hit during predictable windows. While every child is different, most parents experience sleep setbacks around:

- 4 months (the big one—it’s a permanent change in sleep cycles)
- 6 months
- 8 to 10 months
- 12 months
- 18 months
- 2 years

Each of these periods generally coincide with developmental leaps like rolling over, crawling, walking, or even language explosions. Basically, your baby is becoming a tiny genius—and it's keeping them up at night!

Signs Your Child Is Going Through a Sleep Regression

Not totally sure if it’s a sleep regression or something else (like teething or sickness)? Here are a few tell-tale signs:

- Trouble falling asleep at bedtime or nap time
- Frequent night wakings
- Shorter or skipped naps
- Increased fussiness or clinginess
- Seeming extra tired during the day

If this behavior lasts more than a couple of weeks, it might be something else. But if it’s just a phase (and most are), there’s light at the end of that sleepy tunnel.

How Long Do Sleep Regressions Last?

Here’s the good news: sleep regressions are temporary, usually lasting anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks.

The not-so-great news? It can feel like forever when you're in the thick of it. The key is consistency. Habits developed during regressions can stick around if we're not mindful, so it's important to stay on track as much as possible.

So, How Can You Help Your Child Sleep Better During a Regression?

Alright, here’s the juicy part. Let’s talk about what you can actually do to ride out this regression storm and come out the other side with your sanity mostly intact.

1. Stick to Your Sleep Routine Like Glue

Predictability is comforting for babies and toddlers. During a regression, it’s tempting to toss your bedtime routine out the window (especially when nothing seems to be working). But don’t.

A consistent routine cues your child’s brain that it’s time to wind down. Think baths, stories, lullabies—the usual suspects.

📝 Pro Tip: Keep the routine simple and calming to make it easier for both of you.

2. Don’t Start New (and Unwanted) Sleep Habits

It’s easy to fall into the trap of rocking your toddler to sleep or letting your baby snooze in your arms every night “just this once.” We’ve all been there!

But if you start doing something consistently during the regression (like co-sleeping when you hadn't before), your child might expect that long after the regression ends.

If you do need to offer extra comfort, try to do so in a way that aligns with your existing sleep setup.

3. Be There for Them—But Set Boundaries

Your child might suddenly seem extra clingy or need more middle-of-the-night reassurance. That’s OK! Offer comfort, but don’t completely abandon your usual expectations.

Instead of picking them up every time they cry, maybe just rub their back or speak softly from nearby. The key is to support without fully stepping into rescue mode—unless absolutely necessary.

4. Watch Wake Windows and Sleep Cues

Sleep regressions sometimes coincide with changing sleep needs. Maybe your little one is ready to stay awake a bit longer between naps—or needs one less nap altogether.

By adjusting wake windows and keeping an eye on sleepy cues (rubbing eyes, yawning, crankiness), you can ease the transition and avoid overtiredness, which can make regressions worse.

5. Make the Sleep Environment Work for You

When sleep is hard to come by, every detail matters. Optimize your child’s sleep space:

- Keep the room cool and dark
- Use white noise to block out disruptions
- Limit distractions like toys or flashing lights
- Ensure the crib or bed feels safe and comfy

A soothing sleep environment can be your secret weapon.

6. Offer Extra Snuggles During the Day

Sometimes your child is seeking connection—and nighttime becomes the only time they get your undivided attention. Increase daytime bonding with cuddles, playtime, and eye contact to fill their emotional tank.

The more connected and secure they feel, the easier it may be for them to settle at night.

7. Take Care of Yourself, Too

You can’t pour from an empty cup. Sleep regressions test not only your patience but your physical and emotional stamina.

Try to:

- Nap when your baby naps (even if just once a day)
- Ask for help—partner, grandparent, friend, neighbor—anyone!
- Eat nourishing meals and hydrate
- Talk about it. Venting to another parent going through the same thing can feel surprisingly therapeutic.

Remember: You’re doing your best, and that’s more than enough.

When to See a Pediatrician

Sometimes, what we think is a sleep regression may be something else. Reach out to your pediatrician if:

- The sleep issues last longer than 6 weeks
- Your child seems in pain or refuses to lie down
- There’s a sudden dramatic change in mood or behavior

Trust your gut. If something feels off, it’s always okay to ask.

FAQs About Sleep Regressions

Can You Prevent Sleep Regressions?

Not really. Sleep regressions are a natural part of development. But sticking to routines, providing comfort, and staying consistent can take the edge off when they strike.

Do All Babies Go Through Sleep Regressions?

Most do, but to different degrees. Some may breeze through while others hit every regression like clockwork. There's no one-size-fits-all road map—and that’s okay!

Should I Try Sleep Training During a Regression?

Sleep training during a regression can be tricky. It’s best to wait until things stabilize, unless the method you're using is gentle and flexible. If you're already sleep training and a regression hits, consider pausing rather than stopping completely.

Final Thoughts: It’s Just a Phase (Really!)

When you’re in the fog of yet another sleepless night, it's easy to feel like it will never end. But it will. Sleep regressions are part of your child’s incredible journey of growth and learning.

Hang in there. The days are long, the nights are longer—but this is just one chapter in your parenting story. And you'll get through it with a little patience, a lot of love, and maybe an extra-large coffee or two.

You've got this.