Understanding Sleep Regressions in the First Year: What to Expect and How to Cope

Sleep regressions can be one of the most challenging aspects of parenthood, especially in the first year. Just when you think you’ve got your baby’s sleep routine figured out, they suddenly start waking up more often, fighting naps, or struggling to fall asleep. Understanding what sleep regressions are, when they typically occur, and how to manage them can help you navigate these tough phases with confidence and ease.

What are sleep regressions?

Sleep regressions are periods when a baby who has been sleeping well suddenly starts having trouble sleeping. These regressions are usually temporary and often coincide with significant developmental milestones. During these times, your baby might wake up more frequently at night, have shorter naps, or resist going to sleep altogether.

What are common sleep regressions in the first year?

4-Month Sleep Regression

• What to Expect: Around 3-4 months, many babies experience their first major sleep regression. This is often the result of their sleep patterns maturing, transitioning from newborn sleep cycles to more adult-like sleep cycles

• Signs: Increased night wakings, shorter naps, and more difficulty falling asleep

• Duration: Typically lasts 2-6 weeks

6-Month Sleep Regression

• What to Expect: At around 6 months, your baby is becoming more aware of their surroundings and might experience separation anxiety. Additionally, they may be hitting physical milestones like sitting up or starting to crawl

• Signs: Night wakings, resistance to naps, and increased fussiness at bedtime

• Duration: Usually lasts 2-4 weeks

8-10 Month Sleep Regression

• What to Expect: Between 8 and 10 months, babies often undergo another sleep regression due to cognitive and motor development, including crawling, standing, and even walking. This is also a time when they may experience separation anxiety more intensely

• Signs: Frequent night wakings, shorter naps, and difficulty falling asleep

• Duration: Typically lasts 3-6 weeks

12-Month Sleep Regression

• What to Expect: Around their first birthday, many babies go through another sleep regression. This can be linked to learning to walk, talk, and the excitement of new experiences

• Signs: Night wakings, resisting naps, and early morning wake-ups

• Duration: Usually lasts 2-4 weeks

6 Tips for Coping with Sleep Regressions 

1. Stick to a Consistent Routine

 Keeping a consistent bedtime and naptime routine can provide a sense of security and help signal to your baby that it’s time to sleep. A study in the *Journal of Sleep Research* found that consistent bedtime routines are associated with better sleep outcomes for infants.

2. Create a Sleep-Friendly Environment

Ensure your baby’s sleep environment is conducive to rest. This means a dark, cool room, a comfortable crib, and white noise to mask any disruptive sounds. Research shows that a well-designed sleep environment can significantly improve sleep quality.

3. Respond to Your Baby’s Needs

During a sleep regression, your baby might need extra comfort and reassurance. Responding promptly to their cries and providing comfort can help them feel secure, which may ease the sleep challenges. Responsive parenting has been linked to better sleep patterns in infants.

4. Encourage Self-Soothing

While it’s important to be responsive, also give your baby opportunities to self-soothe. This might mean letting them fuss for a few minutes before intervening. Over time, this can help them develop the ability to fall back asleep on their own.

5. Adjust Nap Schedules

If your baby is resisting naps or having shorter naps, consider adjusting their nap schedule. Sometimes a slight change in nap timing or duration can help improve overall sleep. Observational studies suggest that flexible yet consistent nap schedules can mitigate some of the effects of sleep regressions.

6. Take Care of Yourself

Don’t forget to look after your own well-being. Sleep regressions can be exhausting for parents too. Ensure you’re getting as much rest as possible and don’t hesitate to ask for help from your partner, family, or friends.

Every night your baby sleeps a little better is a victory. Celebrate these small wins to stay positive and motivated. Recognizing progress, no matter how small, can help you maintain a positive outlook during challenging times.

Remember, sleep regressions are temporary phases in your baby’s development. By understanding the common sleep regressions in the first year and implementing strategies to cope, you can help your baby—and yourself—get through these tough phases with more ease.

If sleep regressions are severely impacting your baby’s or your own well-being, don't hesitate to seek support. Consulting Sleeping Beautiezzz can provide you with tailored strategies and professional guidance to help you through these challenging periods. You're not alone, and support is available when you need it.

Andrea is a Registered Nurse and the proud owner of Sleeping Beautiezzz in Alberta, Canada. With a specialization in pediatric sleep, she works with families of newborns to children up to 5 years old. Her dedicated team of Registered Nurses helps families worldwide achieve the restful nights they deserve. They create customized, responsive sleep plans tailored to your family's unique needs and offer 1:1 virtual and in-home support to ensure your child gets the sleep they need (and you do, too!). Contact us today for a free 15-minute Discovery Call. We’d love to hear about your current sleep challenges, share how we can help, and craft a plan for lasting change together!

References:

1. Middlemiss, W., Yaure, R. G., & Huey, E. L. (2014). Impact of sleep disruption on executive function and emotional regulation in young children. *Journal of Sleep Research, 23*(5), 504-510.

2. Mindell, J. A., & Williamson, A. A. (2018). Benefits of a bedtime routine in young children: sleep, development, and beyond. *Sleep Medicine Reviews, 40*, 93-108.

3. Paruthi, S., Brooks, L. J., D'Ambrosio, C., Hall, W. A., Kotagal, S., Lloyd, R. M., ... & Wise, M. S. (2016). Consensus Statement of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine on the recommended amount of sleep for healthy children: methodology and discussion. *Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, 12*(11), 1549-1561.

4. Hall, W. A., & Hutton, E. K. (2010). Symptom management in children with chronic pain: Exploring sleep promotion as an intervention. *Pain Management Nursing, 11*(4), 244-252.

5. Meltzer, L. J., & Mindell, J. A. (2006). Impact of a child’s chronic illness on maternal sleep and daytime functioning. *Archives of Internal Medicine, 166*(16), 1749-1755.

6. Mindell, J. A., & Owens, J. (2015). A Clinical Guide to Pediatric Sleep: Diagnosis and Management of Sleep Problems. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

7. St James-Roberts, I. (2007). Helping Your Baby to Sleep: Why Gentle Techniques Work Best. Piatkus.

8. American Academy of Pediatrics. (2016). SIDS and Other Sleep-Related Infant Deaths: Updated 2016 Recommendations for a Safe Infant Sleeping Environment. *Pediatrics, 138*(5), e20162938.

9. Ferber, R. (2006). Solve Your Child's Sleep Problems: New, Revised, and Expanded Edition. Touchstone.

10. Shorey, S., Chan, S. W. C., Chong, Y. S., He, H. G., & Tam, W. W. S. (2015). A randomized controlled trial of the effectiveness of a postnatal psychoeducation program on self-efficacy, social support and postnatal depression among primiparas. *Journal of Advanced Nursing, 71*(6), 1264-1278.

11. Peirano, P., Algarin, C., & Uauy, R. (2003). Sleep-wake states and their regulatory mechanisms throughout early human development. *The Journal of Pediatrics, 143*(4), S70-S79.

12. Mindell, J. A., Telofski, L. S., Wiegand, B., & Kurtz, E. S. (2009). A nightly bedtime routine: impact on sleep in young children and maternal mood. *Journal of Sleep Research, 18*(5), 583-589.

13. Neff, K. D., & Germer, C. K. (2013). A pilot study and randomized controlled trial of the mindful self-compassion program. *Journal of Clinical Psychology, 69*(1), 28-44.

14. Dennis, C. L., & Creedy, D. K. (2004). The effects of peer support on postpartum depression: a pilot randomized controlled trial. *Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 49*(6), 337-342.