Sleep Regression in Babies: What Is It and How Can You Help?
Your little one used to be a great sleeper, and suddenly you're faced with sleepless nights and naps that just won't happen. Before you wonder what went “wrong,” let us introduce you to the fascinating world of sleep regressions. During these periods, a baby or toddler suddenly sleeps much worse and is harder to soothe before bedtime. Although temporary, it's wise to read up on it so you know what to expect.
What is sleep regression?
Sleep regression is a temporary phase where a baby or toddler who previously slept well suddenly has trouble sleeping. It can occur at various ages, commonly around 4 months, 8 months, and 18 months—times when babies make major mental and physical leaps, like learning to roll over, sit, or stand. These new skills can disrupt their sleep rhythm.
Signs of sleep regression
How do you know if your baby is going through a sleep regression? Here are some common signs of a sleep regression:
Waking up more frequently during the night
Short naps during the day
Difficulty falling (back) asleep
Increased clinginess or irritability
Changes in appetite
When do sleep regressions occur?
Most babies and toddlers go through five to six different sleep regressions, each with its own reason. Although you can't prevent a sleep regression, the best way to deal with a challenging period like this is by understanding the possible causes. Under the motto "a good preparation is half the battle," we’ll discuss them one by one. That way, even though every little one is unique, you’ll have an idea of when to expect a sleep regression and what the reason behind it might be.
Around 8 weeks, your little one’s sleepiness starts to wear off, making them more alert and seemingly less able to fall asleep easily. At this point, the mother’s melatonin has worn off, so your baby is now on their own when it comes to producing this magical sleep hormone.
This means that around this time, there’s a chance of the first sleep regression.
Melatonin is a sleep hormone that is produced and released in the dark.
If you notice your baby having trouble falling asleep during the day around this time, try to make the room as dark as possible, or swaddle your little one to help create a calming feeling.
Where your little one used to flail their arms and legs uncontrollably, their movements are now becoming more coordinated. And suddenly, the moment arrives: your baby rolls over!
This beautiful milestone can come with a major disruption to your baby’s sleep rhythm. Around this time, your baby’s biological clock is also developing, and babies begin transitioning from light to deep sleep.
Hello sleep regression!
No matter how carefully you’ve created your baby’s sleep routine, so many changes can throw it completely off track.
Fortunately, like all other sleep regressions, this is a temporary phase that will pass on its own.
The Mini can support you during this period, as a trusted tool for creating a sense of security, while you gradually phase out swaddling.
Your little one suddenly isn’t so little anymore: they’re learning to crawl, pull themselves up, and are becoming more talkative. They’re busy discovering the world!
These newly acquired skills are a big deal, and your baby wants to practice them as much as possible — even at bedtime.
You guessed it: there’s a good chance a new sleep regression is on the way.
Around this time, little ones are amazed by what they can do, which brings a lot of distraction. So much so, that these distractions can interfere with sleeping through the night. That’s why another sleep regression might begin around this time.
No worries — this sleep regression is also temporary!
During this phase, the Bag 4 Seasons can support you and your busy little one. Use the extra belly band to keep your baby snug and secure, and to provide that familiar, comforting feeling before and during sleep.
Although it doesn’t happen very often, your child may experience a sleep regression between 12 and 15 months related to nap transitions.
When your child is around one year old, they may start refusing to take two naps. Some parents see this as a sign to switch to one nap a day, but that’s not always the right move.
A rushed transition to fewer naps can disrupt your little one’s sleep rhythm.
Do you notice your child becoming overtired, overstimulated, or tearful?
That’s your sign to stick with two naps a day for a little longer — even if your little one seems to prefer staying awake.
Just when you thought all sleep problems were solved, another sleep regression appears, and suddenly your child is sleeping worse again.
Around the age of 2, your child becomes a toddler — and that comes with a strong will of their own.
At this stage, your toddler can likely explore their surroundings on foot and is eager to do so. That means you’ll find yourself saying “no” more often, and those limits can lead to frustration.
Processing all these busy days full of frustration, new experiences, and stimuli — combined with major mental and physical development — can lead to overtiredness.
And getting an overtired toddler to sleep? That’s no easy task!
Although this sleep regression will also pass on its own, it’s important during this phase to stick to your sleep schedule.
Keep offering naps consistently and maintain a fixed bedtime routine to help your toddler fall asleep.
A consistent sleep ritual can be supported by the Bag Kidz, which eases the transition to a big bed and keeps your toddler’s sleep environment familiar.
First aid for a sleep regression
The first two years of your little one’s life feel like a whirlwind of regressions. Just when you’ve got your sleep routine back on track, another regression pops up, causing your baby to sleep worse and wake up more often!
Remember, it’s a natural developmental process that’s part of your baby’s life (and therefore yours). It’s not fun, but there are a few tips that can make your little one’s sleep regressions a bit more bearable:
1. Understanding and patience
Sleep regression is temporary. It’s a phase that will pass. Having patience and showing understanding for your little one is essential. Give your baby the chance to fall asleep on their own, instead of constantly changing your routine or diving into the first sleep training method you find. And know that poor sleep, difficulty falling asleep, and short naps during the day due to sleep regression are simply part of the process.
2. Create a routine
A consistent sleep routine can help your baby recognize when it’s time to sleep. Rituals like a bath, reading a story, and swaddling can help with this.
3. Ensure a comfortable sleep environment
A dark room, white noise, and a comfortable room temperature can contribute to better sleep for your baby. Also make sure your baby is dressed appropriately for the season — in other words, with the right TOG value.
Puckababy’s sleep solutions
Your little one grows, and we grow with them. Puckababy offers sleep solutions for every phase, so you can continue to provide that safe, secure feeling of a sleep sack. Start with swaddling using the Piep, to help your baby transition from the cozy womb to the big world
Before your baby starts rolling over, you can easily phase out swaddling with the Mini. Thanks to zippers in the sleeves, your baby’s arms can be free, allowing them to roll independently while still feeling secure.
De Bag 4 Seasons is vervolgens je vertrouwde optie om je kleintje jarenlang, elk seizoen knus naar dromenland te sturen. Behoud het vertrouwde gevoel van een slaapzak, perfect versteld op de lengte van je kleintje en het seizoen. Dit maakt de Bag 4 Seasons een fijn hulpmiddel om je kleintje en jou tijdens de slaapregressie rond de 8 tot 10 maanden en de slaapregressie rond de 12 tot 15 maanden bij te staan. Hiermee kun je namelijk vasthouden aan je routines en je kleintje een vertrouwd, geborgen gevoel bieden.
Conclusion
Sleep regression can be a challenging time for both parents and babies. By understanding what sleep regression is and why it happens, you’re better prepared to support your little one. Don’t forget: this phase is temporary. With a healthy dose of patience and consistency, your baby will soon sleep soundly again, and your sleep routine will be back on track.
Is your baby experiencing sleep regression?
Try Puckababy’s swaddle sleep sacks to maintain that safe, secure feeling from the womb. Swaddling helps calm your baby—something that’s often difficult during sleep regressions and can sabotage restful nights.
Explore the full Puckababy sleep solutions collection.
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