Surviving Sleep Regressions: What’s Normal and How to Cope

Nicole Jayawickreme
Mar 14
3 min read

If you’re reading this through bleary eyes, fuelled by coffee and sheer willpower, you’re not alone. Sleep regressions are one of the most challenging phases for parents, leaving many of us wondering, "What’s happened to my great sleeper?"

First, take a deep breath—you’re not doing anything wrong. Sleep regressions are completely normal. These phases, often triggered by developmental leaps, can disrupt your baby’s previously predictable sleep patterns. Though the timing can vary, they commonly occur around the following ages:

4 months
8-10 months
12 months
18 months
2 years

During these times, your baby’s brain is growing at an incredible pace. They might be learning to roll, sit up, crawl, or even walk. While these milestones are exciting, they can also wreak havoc on sleep. Your baby may struggle to fall asleep, wake up more often, or suddenly resist naps altogether.

But here’s the good news: sleep regressions don’t last forever. Typically, they resolve within 1–4 weeks. In the meantime, there are steps you can take to survive (and even thrive!) during this tricky phase.

How to Cope with Sleep Regressions

Stay Consistent
Stick to your baby’s bedtime routine as much as possible. Familiar rituals like a bath, story, and cuddles signal to your baby that it’s time to wind down, even if they’re struggling to settle.
Offer Comfort, But Don’t Create New Habits
It’s tempting to rock or feed your baby to sleep when they’re fussing, but try not to introduce new sleep associations you don’t want to keep long-term. Instead, comfort them with soothing words or gentle pats.
Be Patient with Naps
Daytime sleep may be harder during a regression. If your baby skips a nap, try an earlier bedtime to avoid overtiredness.
Prioritise Your Rest Too
Parenting through sleep regressions is exhausting. Lean on your partner, family, or friends for support, and don’t hesitate to nap when your baby does.
Remember It’s Temporary
It may not feel like it now, but this phase will pass. Trust that your baby will find their rhythm again soon.

Sleep regressions are tough, but you’re tougher. Hang in there, and remember that you’re giving your baby the love and security they need to navigate this developmental stage—and that’s what matters most.

If you feel the regression has passed, sleep is still challenging and you have tried everything then it is probably a good time to reach out.

In my 1:1 Nurture Support Sleep Program, you’ll receive a personalised plan with support from me while you implement it. We can tweak our approach until our sleep goals are met.

Click here to learn more about my Nurture Support Sleep Program.

Nicole Jayawickreme

Certified Baby Sleep Consultant and Registered Nurse (Neonatal Intensive Care)

I’m a certified sleep specialist, neonatal intensive care nurse, wife and a mother of 3 beautiful little children. I know first hand how important sleep is and I am here to help you and your family with my sleep programs so that you all can thrive.

I will guide and empower determined parents like you, to get the sleep you desperately need so that you have the energy to be the best parent that you can be!

Lear more about me here