Are Baby Sleep Regressions Real?

If you’ve ever had a baby who was finally sleeping well, only to suddenly start waking up all night again, you’ve probably found yourself wondering: Is this a real thing, or is my baby just playing games with me?

Sleep regressions might feel like a cruel trick, but I promise, they’re not imaginary. They’re a very real and very normal part of your baby’s development. The good news is that while they can be frustrating and exhausting, they’re also temporary. These disruptions usually mean your baby is growing in amazing ways.

Let’s talk about what’s really going on when your great little sleeper suddenly isn’t sleeping at all.

What Is a Sleep Regression?

A sleep regression is a period of time when a baby or toddler who was previously sleeping well suddenly starts waking up more often at night, fighting naps, taking short naps, or struggling to fall asleep at bedtime. It can feel like sleep has completely unraveled for no clear reason.

But behind the scenes, your baby’s brain and body are going through big changes. During a regression, your child is typically mastering a new developmental skill or experiencing a growth spurt, and that progress can temporarily throw off sleep. It’s not because they forgot how to sleep or because you did something wrong. It’s just that sleep is often one of the first things to be impacted by change.

When Do Sleep Regressions Happen?

Sleep regressions tend to happen around predictable ages, although not every baby will go through every one. Still, most parents will encounter at least a few of these bumps in the road.

• 4 months: This is the big one. It’s not just a regression, it’s a permanent shift in how your baby sleeps. Their sleep cycles mature to become more like an adult’s, which can lead to more frequent wake-ups.

• 6–8 months: Rolling, sitting, crawling, babbling, all that movement and new awareness can disrupt sleep.

• 9–10 months: Separation anxiety starts to creep in. Your baby knows you're nearby... and wants you all the time.

• 12 months: Walking and talking milestones, plus a possible nap transition, can throw things off.

• 18 months: A big surge in independence (and opinions!) often leads to bedtime battles.

• 2 years: More independence, big feelings, and sometimes the switch from crib to bed can create chaos.

While the timing may vary from child to child, the pattern is usually the same. Your baby’s world changes, and sleep takes a hit while they adjust.

Why Do Regressions Feel So Extreme?

Because sleep affects everything. When your baby isn’t sleeping, you’re probably not either. And when you’re running on empty, everything feels harder both emotionally and physically.

Sleep regressions can also feel intense because they come out of nowhere. One week your baby is napping like a champ and sleeping through the night, and the next you’re pacing the hallway with a wide-awake baby at 3 a.m. It’s disorienting and discouraging, especially if you thought you had finally cracked the sleep code.

But what’s really happening is that your baby’s brain is busy processing new skills, and sometimes sleep just isn’t the priority. They might wake up in the middle of the night and want to babble, crawl, or pull up to stand in the crib. Or they might be more clingy and need extra comfort because of separation anxiety or a newfound awareness of the world around them.

How Long Does a Sleep Regression Last?

Most sleep regressions last between a few days to a few weeks. That may feel like an eternity in the middle of the night, but they do end. The key is recognizing what’s going on and responding in a way that supports your baby without creating long-term sleep struggles.

If your baby’s sleep hasn’t improved after a month, it might be time to take a closer look at your routines or habits. Sometimes a sleep regression exposes underlying issues that have been bubbling under the surface, like inconsistent bedtime routines, sleep associations that are no longer helpful, or wake windows that need adjusting.

How to Get Through a Sleep Regression

Getting through a sleep regression takes patience, consistency, and a whole lot of grace for your baby and for yourself.

Try to stick to your usual routines as much as possible. Babies thrive on predictability, and familiar rhythms can be comforting during periods of change. A consistent bedtime routine is especially helpful. It signals to your baby that it’s time to wind down, even when the rest of the day has felt off.

Offer comfort when your baby needs it, but try not to introduce new habits that will be hard to break later. For example, if your baby has been falling asleep independently but suddenly starts needing to be rocked to sleep every night, try offering a bit more reassurance without completely changing your routine. Sometimes that means sitting by the crib for a few minutes or doing an extra cuddle after the bedtime story. It’s okay to give extra love, and it’s also okay to have boundaries.

During the day, let your baby practice their new skills. If they’re learning to crawl or stand, give them time to work on those movements while they’re awake. That way they’re less likely to try and practice during naptime or bedtime.

It’s also helpful to make sure your baby is getting the right amount of sleep pressure. Too much daytime sleep or too little active time can lead to difficulty falling asleep at night. On the flip side, if your baby is overtired, they may wake more frequently overnight. Finding that sweet spot can take some trial and error.

And of course, take care of yourself too. Sleep regressions are hard on parents. Tag in your partner if you have one, nap when you can, and let go of non-essential tasks for a bit. You’re not a bad parent if the laundry piles up or if dinner is whatever you can microwave. This is survival mode, and it’s temporary.

When Should You Be Concerned?

While most sleep regressions are completely normal, there are times when sleep disruptions might point to something else.

If your baby’s sleep has been significantly off for more than four to six weeks, or if they’re showing signs of discomfort that don’t improve, such as chronic congestion, reflux, or unusual night terrors, it’s worth checking in with your pediatrician or a sleep specialist. Sometimes medical issues or sleep disorders can look like regressions, and getting to the root of the problem can make a big difference.

Final Thoughts: Yes, Sleep Regressions Are Real

They’re real. They’re frustrating. And they’re a sign that your baby is doing exactly what they’re supposed to be doing. They are growing, developing, and learning.

It doesn’t make them easier, but it does mean you’re not doing anything wrong. You’re just in a hard phase that will pass.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you don’t have to figure it out alone. I offer personalized sleep support for families who want to get back to better nights without stress or confusion. Whether you’re in the thick of a regression or just want to get ahead of the next one, I’d love to help.

Need support now? Reach out here or check out my services to see how I can walk alongside you and your family through every sleep stage.