Understanding Sleep Regressions: A Certified Sleep Consultant’s Guide for Parents

As a certified paediatric sleep consultant, one of the most common questions I hear from parents is: “Why has my baby suddenly stopped sleeping well… AGAIN?”

If your once-great sleeper is suddenly fighting naps, waking frequently overnight, or taking forever to settle, chances are you’re in the middle of a sleep regression. But before you panic, let’s talk about what’s really going on, why it happens, and how to navigate it.

What Is a Sleep Regression?

A sleep regression is a temporary period where your baby’s sleep seems to “go backwards.” These phases are closely tied to major developmental leaps in your baby’s brain and body.

During these times, your little one is learning new skills like rolling, crawling, standing, walking, or processing complex emotions and relationships. While this growth is exciting, it can make it harder for your baby to relax and sleep as they normally would.

In short: their brain is busy, and sleep takes a back seat for a while.

When Do Sleep Regressions Happen?

While every baby develops on their own timeline, common regressions tend to appear around:

• 4 months – The first major change in sleep structure, as your baby’s sleep cycles mature into lighter and deeper stages.

• 6 months – Physical milestones like rolling or sitting can disrupt established sleep patterns.

• 8–10 months – Cognitive leaps, separation anxiety, and mobility can all cause bedtime battles.

• 12 months – Transitioning to one nap or walking may shake up sleep.

• 18 months – A big one! Toddler independence, teething, and language development all collide.

• 2 years – Growing independence and nap resistance often reappear here.

Keep in mind that these ages are approximate. What matters most is recognising the signs and knowing that it’s developmental, not behavioural.

Why Sleep Regressions Feel So Hard

Sleep regressions can be incredibly frustrating. You might feel like all the progress you made has disappeared overnight. But remember, your baby hasn’t “forgotten” how to sleep. Their sleep skills are still there, they just need a little extra support while their body and mind catch up.

These phases can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on your child’s temperament, environment, and consistency in their routine.

How to Support Your Baby Through a Regression

As a sleep consultant, I focus on helping families balance nurturing comfort with maintaining structure. Here’s what I recommend:

Stick to your routine.

Predictability helps babies feel safe, especially when everything else feels different. Keep your bedtime and nap routines consistent.

Offer extra comfort, within limits.

Separation anxiety or developmental leaps can cause extra clinginess. Respond with warmth and reassurance, but try not to introduce brand-new sleep associations you don’t want to maintain long term (like feeding or rocking back to sleep every time).

Watch for overtiredness.

Regressions often lead to shorter naps or later bedtimes, which can cause a cycle of overtiredness. Adjust wake windows slightly and aim for an earlier bedtime if needed.

Practice new skills during the day.

If your baby is mastering rolling or standing, let them explore these milestones while awake, it helps reduce nighttime practice sessions!

Stay consistent with your approach.

Your baby will rely on your calm, predictable responses. The more consistent you are, the faster sleep will normalise again.

When to Seek Support

If your baby’s sleep regression stretches on for more than a few weeks, or if sleep struggles were present before the regression began, that’s a sign that professional support may help.

As a certified paediatric sleep consultant, I work with families to gently guide their babies back towards restful, independent sleep, without leaving anyone to “cry it out.”

Together, we can rebuild healthy sleep habits and create a plan that supports your baby’s development and your family’s wellbeing.

Final Thoughts

Sleep regressions can test your patience, but they are also a sign of growth. Your baby is learning, changing, and becoming more aware of their world and that’s something to celebrate.

Stay consistent, stay calm, and remember - this too shall pass. With the right guidance and gentle strategies, you can get back to peaceful nights and well-rested mornings before you know it.