Just when we think we’ve figured out our babies sleep schedule they switch it up on us. As a mother and a paediatric sleep consultant I’ve learned that each baby is unique and none of them come with a step by step how to guide.

However, one thing I do know is that all our babies sleep patterns change as they grow and develop. I also know that a big part of their growth occurs in their early years. Now the timing may not all be the same for each baby but as they grow they hit milestones in development. These developmental milestones are progressions in our child’s physical, cognitive, emotional and social skills that occur around certain ages. From rolling to crawling, cooing to talking our children amaze us as they transition right before our eyes.

I have absolutely loved watching my daughter develop but sometimes with those developments we get setbacks in sleep. These setbacks or “regressions” are a period of time when a baby who has been sleeping well, starts to wake more than usual or is harder to settle.

The reason sleep regression coincide with progressions in development is due to the pure excitement babies get as they start to learn a new skill. When learning to roll over, crawl, or to talk they get a real thrill out of their newfound ability and want to practice it over and over again. Sometimes those practice sessions can occur once our babies are put down for bed or in the middle of the night.

Most parents who have a good sleeper are often alarmed, panicked or worried when this occurs. I’ve been there and totally get that the mere thought of going back down the tunnel of no sleep is terrifying. If this is you, see if your little one is going through a surge in development.

Common Ages for Developmental Progressions and Sleep Regressions

Here are some common ages where there are developmental surges which may lead to some regressions in sleep. Please know that not every baby’s sleep is affected by these growths. Some babies may only experience a setback in their sleep for one or two areas listed below and some may not experience any setbacks at all.

4 Months - The most talked about sleep regression and the one most babies experience. It can occur as early as 8 weeks or a late as 5 months. During this time babies are transitioning from newborn sleep to adult sleep which consists of adding two more sleep stages to their sleep cycle.

8 Months - This sleep regression can occur anytime between 8-10 months. This age has huge growth both physically and cognitively. They are learning to crawl, sit up, pull up and are absorbing language like crazy!

12 Months - Less common but can cause a bit of sleep regression. Infants may start protesting their second nap.

18 Months - Typically occurs between 17-18 months of age. Factors often attributed to this sleep regression is your toddlers new found independence, separation anxiety and/or teething (the dreaded molars).

2 Years- This age is a bit more complicated and sleep regressions could be for a variety of reasons. Their awake periods are growing longer, potty training or other big changes may be occurring in the home like a new sibling. This is also a time where nightmares or night terrors may show up.

Tips to Help you Through the Sleep Regression

Sleep regression can last anywhere from 1-6 weeks. Here are a few tips to help you cope WITHOUT undoing all the sleep coaching progress you’ve made up to this point:

Stay Consistent- Our first response when we see a problem is to try and fix it. Even though sleep regressions are bound to mess up your usual schedule, you should try to keep your bedtime and nap time routine before sleep the same. During a time where your baby is experiencing and learning new things, it helps to keep some things familiar. If it looks and feels the same it provides predictability and comfort which will help settle them before putting them down for the night.
Provide comfort- You may need to provide a bit more comfort, or help assist them out of the uncomfortable positions they get themselves into but try not to change up their whole routine or introduce old sleep props to help get them back to sleep. This can create an external dependency and will make things substantially harder for you in the long run.
Lean on your Support System- There will likely be some frustrating days and nights with less sleep than normal. During those tough days reach out to those supporters around you. Remember it takes a village to raise a child and it’s OK to ask and accept help.
Adjust bedtime- Nap times may be a bit more challenging during this period. If naps are a bit short and your little one is tired feel free to move bedtime a bit earlier. This will help them catch up on sleep and to avoid them from becoming overtired.
Extra feedings- During big developmental and growth changes comes an increased appetite. Don’t be afraid to offer some extra feeds if your little one is asking for it.
Practice their New Skills- Practice, practice, practice those new skills during their awake period. The more we can help them master their new skills the quicker we can all go back to sleep!

At the end of the day we just need to hang in there and stay consistent. As long as we do our part our little ones should go back to being great sleepers once they’ve mastered their new skills!

If you ever have any additional questions or are looking for some further support, know that Mountains of Sleep is here for you! Book your free 15 minute consultation call today

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