Have you ever searched the term “sleep regression” at 2 a.m. while your baby cries out for the fourth time that night after a long stretch of being a “great sleeper”? If so, you’re not alone.
For many parents and nannies, sleep regressions seem to come out of nowhere—often just when you’ve settled into a good rhythm. One week your baby is napping like a dream, the next they’re fighting bedtime, waking multiple times a night, and clinging to you for comfort.
These sudden changes are common, but that doesn’t make them easy. And while “sleep regression” isn’t a medical term, it describes a very real phase often linked to developmental leaps.
So what exactly is a sleep regression—and how can parents and nannies work together to support babies through it?
What Is a Sleep Regression?
“Sleep regression” is a popular phrase used to describe a frustrating but normal part of a baby’s development. It refers to a period when an infant who previously slept well suddenly begins waking more often, fighting naps, or having trouble settling at bedtime.
In reality, these sleep disruptions often line up with big developmental changes. Your baby may be learning to roll, sit, crawl, or talk, and those leaps in development can temporarily throw off their sleep. Their brains are busy, their routines are shifting, and their sleep patterns are maturing. It’s a lot.
While it might feel like your baby is regressing (or moving backwards), this phase is more about progress. Bumpy, exhausting progress.
Sleep regressions aren’t something to “cure.” They’re a phase to move through, with support, patience, and consistency. Most last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.
One key to managing these periods effectively is clear communication to ensure consistency between caregivers. When babies receive consistent care and comfort from their caregivers—parents and nanny—they feel more secure. And that security can ease the bumps and shorten the stretch of disrupted sleep.
What Causes Baby Sleep Regressions
Sleep regressions can feel unpredictable, but they’re often tied to major changes in your baby’s development, health, or routine. Understanding the “why” behind a regression can help parents and nannies respond with more patience and support.
Developmental milestones
As babies master new physical and cognitive skills, their brains remain highly active—even during sleep. It’s not unusual for a baby to wake in the night to “practice” a new skill, like rolling or babbling. These bursts of development can temporarily disrupt their ability to sleep deeply.
Growth spurts
During growth spurts, babies often become hungrier and may feed more frequently, including overnight. These changes can interrupt established sleep routines and result in fussier behavior.
Discomfort like teething or illness
Minor health issues such as teething pain, congestion, or an earache can make it harder for babies to fall and stay asleep. Even if they don’t seem off during the day, mild discomfort at night can be enough to trigger a regression.
Changes in routine or environment
Travel, daycare transitions, visitors, or schedule shifts (like daylight saving time) can throw off your baby’s internal clock. Even small changes in nap timing or bedtime—especially a later one—can cause nighttime disruptions.
Shifting sleep associations
Babies who rely on rocking, feeding, or close contact to fall asleep may struggle when those associations change. Regression after sleep training is especially common as babies get used to new ways to self-soothe. Temporary setbacks are normal, but with consistent support, most babies adjust.
When Do Babies Have Sleep Regressions?
Not every baby will experience all sleep regressions, but there are common age ranges where disruptions tend to occur. These often align with developmental leaps or increased awareness of surroundings.
4 month sleep regression
This is one of the most talked-about regressions—and for good reason. Around 4 months, a baby’s sleep cycles shift to more closely resemble adult sleep, with lighter and more distinct stages. This change can lead to more frequent night waking and shorter naps as they adjust to their maturing sleep cycles.
6 month sleep regression
At this age, many babies learn to roll, sit up, or even scoot. They’re also more curious and can become easily distracted (especially during feedings) which can disrupt nighttime rest.
8-10 month sleep regression
Increased mobility like crawling or pulling to stand and a stronger sense of separation from caregivers often emerge here. Both can lead to bedtime resistance and heightened nighttime waking.
12 month sleep regression
As walking and language abilities begin to emerge, sleep can once again be affected. Some babies also start transitioning from two naps to one, which may result in overtiredness and bedtime struggles until a new routine is established.
18 month & 2 year sleep regressions
These toddler stages often bring emotional development and a growing sense of independence. Resistance at nap or bedtime, tantrums, and night waking can all increase. Big changes, such as starting daycare or teething molars, can contribute to the challenge.
Signs of a Baby Sleep Regression
Every baby is different, but common signs of a sleep regression include:
- More frequent night wakings
- Short or skipped naps
- Trouble falling asleep
- Increased fussiness or clinginess
- Resistance to familiar routines
- Early morning wake-ups
- Heightened separation anxiety
- Sleep setbacks after recent progress
If these behaviors appear suddenly and your baby is otherwise healthy, a sleep regression is likely the cause.
Related: The Ultimate Guide to Helping Your Newborn Sleep
Curing a Baby Sleep Regression: Is it Possible?
Sleep regressions aren’t something you can prevent or cure. They’re a normal part of your baby’s development. But the way you handle them, especially as a team, can make all the difference.
When parents and nannies stay consistent with routines and responses, it creates a sense of stability for the baby, even during a challenging stretch. Stick to your usual nap and bedtime rituals, like quiet reading, a warm bath, or a calming song. These repeated cues help signal that sleep is coming, even when your baby’s internal rhythms feel off.
It’s also important to agree on how you’ll respond to night wakings or nap resistance. Will you offer comfort right away? Wait a few minutes? Use a specific soothing technique? Aligning on these details ensures your baby gets a clear, consistent message, which helps them feel safe and supported.
Sleep regressions are temporary, but the habits you build during them can last. By communicating openly, checking in regularly, and presenting a united front, parents and nannies can help babies get through the bumps—and come out the other side with healthier sleep habits.
Helping Babies Sleep Better, Together
Sleep regressions are a normal part of development, but they can still be tough on everyone. Your baby is navigating big changes, and those shifts often show up in their sleep.
Consistency is key during these phases, and that starts with teamwork. When parents and nannies align on routines, responses, and comfort strategies, babies feel more secure and know what to expect. That shared approach not only eases the stress of sleep regressions—which will pass—but also builds the foundation for healthy sleep habits that can last well into toddlerhood and beyond.
Navigating regressions together strengthens your caregiving partnership and supports your baby’s emotional growth.
Sleep may be unpredictable, but when the adults are in sync, the path through it becomes a whole lot smoother.
