A sleep regression is a disturbance to your baby’s sleep that is likely caused by cognitive and physical developmental milestones as well as changes in their sleep needs due to their age. Sleep regressions can impact both day and night sleep and may last for a period of 1 to 2 weeks.

Every baby experiences sleep regressions differently; however, sleep regressions have common signs. They are:

The 4-month sleep regression is a permanent change to your baby’s sleep cycles. Because of this, you may notice that when they are going through this sleep regression, they are suddenly taking short naps (a 2-hour nap has turned into a 45-minute nap), waking much more frequently throughout the night, and becoming harder to transfer when they are sleeping.

The common ages when sleep regressions usually happen are 4 months, 8 months, 12 months, 18 months, and 2 years. Every child develops at a different pace, so your child may show signs of a sleep regression outside of these ages as well.

Sleep regressions are caused by physical and cognitive developments. While they are called a regression, they are actually a sign that your baby is learning new skills. As they are busy learning or practicing their new skills, their sleep may be impacted.

While the fourth-month regression is caused by your baby’s maturing sleep cycles, it can also be caused by your baby learning to roll and the need to drop a nap. The 8-month and 12-month sleep regressions are often caused by the development of physical skills such as rolling, sitting, crawling, pulling to standing, and walking, as well as cognitive skills such as object permanence and talking. The 18-month and 24-month regressions are most often caused by cognitive developments such as separation anxiety, reasoning, gaining independence, understanding cause and effect, and learning how to exert their opinion and feelings.

When dealing with a sleep regression, it is important to stick to your normal sleep routines and habits. Introducing new habits as a way of a quick fix for the sleep issues can cause the sleep regression to turn into a long-term struggle.

If you previously sleep trained your child, you would utilize that method when dealing with night wakings, early morning wakings, or skipped/short naps. If you have not previously sleep trained, you will want to pick a consistent way to respond to the sleep disruptions.

If your child is learning new skills, such as sitting or pulling to standing, you will want to give them plenty of time to practice during the day. You can even have them practice in their crib.

Remember, not every child will be impacted by every sleep regression. If sleep is feeling off, knowing the timing of sleep regressions can help you understand why there may be disturbances to their sleep and how you can best navigate dealing with the new sleep challenges.