Understanding Sleep Regressions: What’s Happening and How to Get Through Them
- Jennie Clarke
- Oct 6
- 3 min read
As parents, just when you think you’ve finally figured out your little one’s sleep, a new curveball seems to arrive — often in the form of a sleep regression. These phases can make even the most seasoned parents wonder what went wrong.
Here’s the good news: sleep regressions are a normal and healthy part of your child’s development. They often coincide with big leaps in growth, learning, and independence. With the right strategies in place, you can navigate them confidently without derailing your child’s sleep habits.
Let’s take a closer look at the most common sleep regressions, what’s happening during each, and practical tips to get through them.
4-Month Sleep Regression
What’s happening:
Your baby’s sleep cycles mature to a more adult-like pattern and their internal biological clock has developed.
Naps may shorten, night waking increases, and the rocking or feeding that used to work suddenly doesn’t anymore.
Smart Night Sleep Pointers:
This is a permanent shift in sleep architecture, not a passing phase.
Begin laying the foundation for independent sleep skills now.
This is the time to move to a sleep schedule based on the clock and a consistent bedtime routine.
8–10 Month Sleep Regression
What’s happening:
Major developmental leaps like crawling, pulling up, and babbling.
Separation anxiety begins to appear.
Night waking or early mornings may increase again.
Smart Night Sleep Pointers:
Offer extra connection and comfort during the day to “fill their attention bucket.”
Stick with your routines — avoid introducing new sleep crutches.
Give plenty of opportunities to practice new skills during awake time, not at 2 a.m.
12-Month Sleep Regression
What’s happening:
A burst of independence and mobility.
Some babies temporarily try to drop their a nap before they’re truly ready.
Nap resistance or bedtime struggles may appear out of the blue.
Smart Night Sleep Pointers:
Don’t rush the transition to one nap — most babies need two naps until 15–18 months.
Don't be afraid of an early bedtime to help make up for lost sleep.
Stick to a consistent and predictable bedtime routine.
18-Month Sleep Regression
What’s happening:
Stronger separation anxiety and growing independence.
Teething (molars) can cause discomfort.
Nap strikes or bedtime stalling often show up.
They begin to push boundaries or play with cause & effect.
Smart Night Sleep Pointers:
A calm, predictable bedtime routine is your anchor.
Respond consistently to night wakings without introducing new habits.
Keep sleep expectations clear and age-appropriate.
You can start to implement a visual bedtime routine to help communication.
2-Year Sleep Regression
What’s happening:
Language and cognitive leaps are in full swing.
Nap refusal or bedtime battles can pop up.
Imagination, fears, and boundary testing become part of the mix.
Smart Night Sleep Pointers:
Maintain naps — 2-year-olds still need them.
Offer simple choices to give your toddler some control (e.g., “blue pajamas or red?”).
Stick to clear bedtime boundaries to avoid creating new sleep struggles.
If you haven't yet, introduce a visual bedtime routine and toddler sleep tools.
2.5–3 Year Sleep Regression
What’s happening:
Many toddlers drop naps too early, leading to overtiredness.
Growing imagination and independence can fuel stalling and new bedtime fears.
Potty training or moving to a big kid bed can layer in more disruption.
Smart Night Sleep Pointers:
Naps are still beneficial until somewhere between 3 - 5 years of age.
Consistency and clear expectations are key.
If moving out of the crib, make sure your child is ready and that boundaries are well-established.
Sleep regressions can feel challenging in the moment, but they’re also a sign that your child is learning and growing. The key is to stay consistent, make up for lost sleep, and avoid introducing new sleep habits during these temporary phases.
With a solid plan in place, these regressions don’t have to derail your family’s sleep — and you don’t have to navigate them alone. If you’d like personalized guidance, Smart Night Sleep can help create a clear, age-appropriate plan to get you through each stage with confidence.
Wishing you rest,
Jennie Clarke
Certified Child Sleep Consultant and Founder
Smart Night Sleep
**Based out of Orlando but works remotely with families everywhere.
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