How to Handle Sleep Regressions at Different Ages

Sleep regression is the period when a baby or toddler who has been sleeping well suddenly starts waking up frequently during the night and having difficulty settling down for naps. It's a temporary disruption in sleep patterns that can occur around certain ages or developmental milestones, such as at 4 months, 8-10 months, 12 months, and 18 months.  

Dealing with these sleep regressions can be one of the toughest challenges for parents. If you're reading this, chances are you're exhausted and looking for answers. You're not alone. Many parents go through this, and it’s perfectly normal. Understanding sleep regressions and how to handle them at different ages can make a big difference in both your child's sleep and your own sanity. 

Let's dive into what sleep regressions are, how they show up at various stages, and some tips to help you and your little one get through them. 

Common Reasons for Sleep Regression 

Sleep regressions can seem to come out of nowhere. One night, your child is sleeping fine, and the next, it's a struggle. Here are some common reasons why sleep regressions happen.

1. Developmental Milestones: When your child learns new skills, like crawling or talking, their brain works overtime. This can make it hard for them to settle down and sleep.
2. Growth Spurts: During growth spurts, your child might need more food, which means they might wake up hungry at night.
3. Teething: Teething can be painful and uncomfortable. This can make it hard for your baby to sleep through the night.
4. Changes in Routine: A new sibling, starting daycare, or moving to a new house can disrupt your child's sleep. Changes in routine can make them feel insecure, leading to sleep problems.
5. Separation Anxiety: Around 8 to 10 months, babies start to understand that you can leave them. This can make them anxious and cause them to wake up more often, wanting to be close to you.
6. Illness: Colds, ear infections, and other illnesses can make it hard for your child to sleep well.

Understanding these reasons can help you figure out why your child is struggling with sleep. It doesn't make it easier, but knowing the cause can help you find the right solution. Remember, this is a phase, and it will pass.

Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Regression 

Sleep regression can manifest in various ways, and the signs and symptoms can differ depending on the child's age and individual circumstances. Here are some common signs and symptoms of sleep regression you can notice as a parent.

1. Frequent Night Wakings: The child wakes up multiple times during the night, often crying or calling for a parent. This can happen several times per night, disrupting the usual sleep pattern.
2. Difficulty Falling Asleep: The child takes a longer time to fall asleep at bedtime. They might resist going to bed, cry, or call for a parent repeatedly.
3. Shorter Naps: Naps become shorter and less restful. The child might wake up from naps more frequently or refuse to nap altogether.
4. Changes in Appetite: The child may eat more or less than usual. Some children might wake up more at night to feed, especially if they are going through a growth spurt.
5. Clinginess and Separation Anxiety: The child may become clingier and show increased anxiety when separated from parents. They might cry or protest more when left alone, even for short periods.
6. Changes in Mood: Fluctuations in mood, including more frequent crying and difficulty in self-soothing. The child might appear more frustrated or easily upset. 

Age-Specific Sleep Regressions 

Age-specific sleep regressions refer to periods when a child's sleep patterns are disrupted at certain ages, often corresponding with developmental milestones.  

- 4-Month Sleep Regression:

At 4 months, babies often experience a big change in their sleep patterns. They move from a newborn sleep cycle to a more adult-like sleep cycle. This can be tough as they adjust. Growth spurts and learning to roll over can also disrupt sleep.

• Causes: Development of circadian rhythms, increased awareness of surroundings, and physical growth.
• Symptoms: Frequent night waking, shorter naps, difficulty falling asleep.

- 8-10 Month Sleep Regression:

Around 8 months, big developmental changes happen. Babies learn to crawl, try to stand, and develop new language skills. They also begin to understand object permanence, which means they realize you can leave them. This can lead to separation anxiety and more wakeful nights.

• Causes: Learning to crawl, stand, and pull up, as well as cognitive leaps that lead to separation anxiety.
• Symptoms: Increased night wakings, resistance to naps, more frequent crying at bedtime. 

- 12-Month Sleep Regression:

At 12 months, your child's language and physical development can cause sleep disruptions. They might be walking or trying to talk more, which can make it hard for them to settle down.

• Causes: Walking, talking, and other major developmental advances.
• Symptoms: Difficulty settling for naps, waking up more frequently at night.

- 18-Month Sleep Regression:

Around 18 months, language development and separation anxiety can again cause sleep issues. Your toddler might wake up calling for you or resist going to bed.

• Causes: Teething (molars), separation anxiety, and significant leaps in language development.
• Symptoms: Night wakings, early waking, difficulty falling asleep.

-2-Year Sleep Regression:

Often tied to significant changes in the child's life and development.

• Causes: Potty training, transitioning to a big kid bed, increased independence, and fears (like fear of the dark).
• Symptoms: Night wakings, nap refusal, bedtime resistance.

Tips to Manage Sleep Regression 

- For 4 Months 

• Establish a Consistent Bedtime Routine: Create a soothing and predictable bedtime routine to signal to your baby that it's time to sleep. This can include activities like a warm bath, gentle rocking, or reading a short book.
• Offer Comfort During Night-Time Wakeups: Comfort your baby during night-time awakenings without engaging in stimulating activities. Gentle patting or shushing can help soothe them back to sleep.
• Ensure a Comfortable Sleep Environment: Maintain a comfortable sleep environment with appropriate room temperature, minimal light, and reduced noise to help your baby sleep better.

-  For 6 Months 

• Stick to a Regular Sleep Schedule: Consistency is key. Establishing a regular sleep schedule helps regulate your baby's internal clock and promotes better sleep patterns.
• Gradually Reduce Night-Time Feedings: If your baby is still waking frequently to feed at night, gradually reducing the frequency of feedings can encourage longer stretches of night-time sleep.

- For 8 Months

• Provide Ample Daytime Stimulation: Ensure your baby gets plenty of physical activity and mental stimulation during the day. This can help them expend energy and sleep more soundly at night.
• Practice Safe Sleep Practices: Continue to place your baby on their back to sleep and keep the sleep area free of pillows, blankets, and toys to reduce the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome).

- For 12 Months 

• Reassure Your Baby During Night-Time Awakenings: Address any separation anxiety by reassuring your baby with your presence during night-time awakenings, but avoid prolonged interaction to prevent reinforcing waking.
• Introduce a Lovey or Comfort Object: Introducing a small, safe comfort object can provide additional reassurance and help your baby self-soothe.

-  For 18 Months 

• Set Clear Boundaries Around Sleep Expectations: Establish clear expectations for sleep, such as staying in bed until morning. Use a consistent and calm approach to enforce these boundaries.
• Address Fears and Anxieties: Be attentive to any fears or anxieties that may be contributing to sleep disruptions. A night light or a favorite stuffed animal can offer comfort.

-  For 2 Years 

• Create a Sleep-Conducive Environment: Ensure the sleep environment is conducive to rest, with minimal distractions, a comfortable mattress, and a calming bedtime atmosphere.
• Limit Screen Time Before Bed: Reduce exposure to screens and stimulating activities at least an hour before bedtime to help your child wind down and prepare for sleep.

General Tips 

• Maintain a Consistent Daily Routine: A consistent routine during the day can help reinforce good sleep habits at night.
• Monitor Diet and Nutrition: Ensure your child is well-fed during the day. Avoid sugary snacks close to bedtime, as they can interfere with sleep.
• Practice Patience and Flexibility: Sleep regression is a normal phase of development. Be patient and flexible as you navigate these changes, and remember that this phase will pass.

When to Seek Help 

• Prolonged Regression Patterns: If the sleep regression persists for an extended period despite trying the recommended strategies, it may be time to seek professional advice. Typically, sleep regressions should resolve within a few weeks.
• Impact on Parents' Day-to-Day Activities: When sleep disruptions begin to significantly affect the daily functioning and well-being of parents, it's important to seek support. Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to physical and mental health issues for caregivers.
• Excessive Moodiness or Behavioral Issues in the Child: If the loss of sleep results in a consistently moody or irritable child, or if there are noticeable behavioral changes, professional guidance can help address underlying issues and develop a tailored plan for better sleep. 

Get Expert Advice with Rinie 

If you find that sleep regressions are spanning over many months and are difficult to manage, it’s beneficial to have expert advice. Rinie, as a certified sleep consultant & newborn care specialist offers personalized programs designed to help you and your child overcome sleep challenges. With her expertise, you can establish healthy sleep habits and ensure better rest for the whole family.

 Final Words 

Sleep regressions can be tough, but understanding them is the first step to handling them. Knowing the signs and what to expect at different ages helps you be prepared. Each phase is a part of your child’s growth, and while it may be challenging now, it won’t last forever.

Addressing sleep regressions is important not just for your child’s well-being but for yours too. Good sleep is crucial for both of you to feel rested and happy. By recognizing the causes and being patient, you can help your little one get through these phases. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. Many parents face the same challenges, and you’re doing a fantastic job. Hang in there, and sweet dreams for you and your baby!

If you’re ready to finally enjoy restful nights and give your baby the gift of healthy sleep, I’m here to guide you every step of the way. As a certified pediatric sleep consultant, I’ve helped over 400 families in 14 countries transform their baby’s sleep habits, and I want to do the same for you. In my Baby Sleep Made Easy - Sleep Training Masterclass, I’ll provide you with the exact steps to gently and effectively sleep train your baby—without cry-it-out methods. This masterclass will give you the tools to reclaim your nights, strengthen your baby’s sleep, and bring peace to your home. Join me in the next live session and take the first step towards a well-rested, happier family!