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Sleep Regression by Age: 4 - 18 Months – What's Normal and What's Not?
Sleep regression is a temporary phase that can disrupt a child’s settled sleep routine. Babies who were sleeping well may suddenly wake often, skip naps, or become unusually fussy. These changes are usually linked to normal development, separation anxiety, or teething. While exhausting, they are short-lived and manageable with the right understanding. Phases like this often make parents more aware of how deeply their child depends on them.
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Along with adjusting bedtime routines, many parents naturally begin thinking about long-term stability too, including simple financial safeguards like life insurance, to ensure their child remains protected even when life feels unpredictable.
4-Month Sleep Regression: A Shift in Sleep Cycles
At around four months, things start to change. Your baby's sleep cycles are maturing, which means they're going from the deep, uninterrupted sleep they had as a newborn to the lighter, more frequent sleep stages that adults experience. This often means more waking up at night.
| What’s Normal: | What’s Not Normal: |
| More night waking and shorter naps | Sleep issues that last more than 6 weeks |
| A lot more crying and fussing when it’s time to sleep | Symptoms like fever, ear pulling, or vomiting |
| Your baby might wake up and need help falling back to sleep, even if they used to do it on their own | Excessive crying that can't be calmed |
How to Handle It?
Stick to a consistent bedtime routine as much as possible. Try to avoid introducing new habits, like rocking them to sleep, since it can create a reliance on that to get back to sleep. Parenting works best when the basics are steady, even during messy phases. That same thinking often carries over into practical decisions, like choosing term insurance, where a simple, reliable plan brings peace of mind by protecting your family's future, even when day-to-day life feels unpredictable.
6–10-Month Sleep Regression: Crawling, Standing, and Separation Anxiety
Between 6 and 10 months, your baby is becoming more mobile. They might start crawling, standing, or even cruising along furniture. All that movement takes practice—and what better place to practice than in the crib at 3 a.m.? On top of that, separation anxiety often peaks around this age, meaning your baby might suddenly hate being apart from you, especially at bedtime.
| What's Normal: | What's Not Normal: |
| Crying when you leave the room or put them to bed | Sleep problems that continue beyond 6 weeks |
| Practicing new skills, like crawling or standing, during the night | Persistent snoring or gasping during sleep (could be a sign of sleep apnea) |
| Refusing naps or suddenly shortening them | Signs of illness, like fever or diarrhoea |
How to Handle It:
Let your baby practice new skills during the day, so they aren't trying to crawl or stand up in their crib at night. Offer comfort if they're anxious, but keep your responses brief and calm. Consistency is key, but don't expect perfection.
12-Month Sleep Regression: Walking, Talking, and Teething
At around 12 months, your baby is hitting major milestones. They might start walking, talking, and dealing with the discomfort of teething (hello, first-year molars). All of these things can disrupt sleep, especially if they’re also going through a change in nap schedules.
| What's Normal: | What's Not Normal: |
| Fighting naps or skipping them altogether | Crying that doesn’t stop, even with comfort |
| Waking up earlier in the morning or waking more at night | Difficulty calming down after you try to settle them |
| Becoming extra fussy, especially if teeth are coming in | Illness symptoms like ear pulling, vomiting, or diarrhoea |
How to Handle It
If they're teething, offer relief like teething toys or pain relievers. Make sure they're not overtired, as it'll make the sleep regression worse. Gradually transition to a single nap if needed, but do it slowly to avoid disrupting their whole schedule.
18-Month Sleep Regression: Independence and FOMO
By 18 months, your toddler is really starting to show their independence. They’re learning to assert themselves, saying "no" to everything, and of course, testing boundaries. This is the age when "fear of missing out" (FOMO) can really kick in, making bedtime a battle because they don’t want to miss out on the fun.
| What's Normal: | What's Not Normal: |
| Night waking with crying or calling out | Excessive crying that doesn’t calm down |
| Fighting naps, or refusing to go to sleep altogether | Constant refusal to sleep with no obvious cause |
| Being clingy or needing extra comfort at bedtime | New signs of illness or unusual behaviour |
How to Handle It:
Set clear, firm boundaries at bedtime while still being warm and loving. Your toddler may not like it, but consistency is what will help them feel secure. If they wake in the middle of the night, try not to turn it into a play session—respond briefly and calmly, then return to your regular routine.
How Long Does Sleep Regression Last?
Generally, sleep regressions last between 2–6 weeks. They're temporary and tied to developmental changes, so they usually pass as your baby adjusts to new skills or milestones. If the issues continue beyond that, it's worth checking in with your paediatrician to rule out any underlying concerns. Phases like these also remind parents how quickly responsibilities grow. While waiting for routines to settle, some parents use quiet moments to plan ahead, even something as simple as checking a term insurance calculator, to understand how much protection their family might need in the long run.
When sleep stays unsettled for days or weeks, it often shows up in daytime behaviour too. Toddlers who aren’t getting enough rest tend to have more meltdowns, resist routines, and seem unusually clingy or irritable. That’s why steady sleep habits and predictable routines matter—not just for nights, but for behaviour and emotional balance during the day as well.
To better understand how sleep disruptions and behavioural tantrums are connected, you can refer to our detailed guide on toddler sleep and behaviour.
When Should You Consult a Doctor?
While sleep regressions are common, some signs indicate you should reach out to your doctor. If your baby:
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Continues to have sleep problems for more than 6 weeks
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Displays signs of illness like fever, vomiting, or diarrhea
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Experiences frequent, heavy snoring or gasping during sleep
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Is impossible to soothe and is crying excessively without relief
FAQs
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Q: 1. Can I prevent sleep regression?
Ans: Unfortunately, sleep regression is a normal part of your baby’s development, so it’s not something you can fully prevent. However, maintaining a consistent bedtime routine and giving your baby opportunities to practice new skills during the day can help ease the transition. -
Q: 2. How do I tell if my baby’s sleep issues are due to regression or something else?
Ans: Sleep regression is usually temporary and linked to developmental changes. If the issues continue beyond a few weeks or are accompanied by illness symptoms, consult your pediatrician. -
Q: 3. Should I try sleep training during a regression?
Ans: It’s usually best to maintain your current sleep strategies but adapt to your child’s needs. It’s not the best time to introduce new sleep training methods, as the regression is temporary and will pass. -
Q: 4. Will my baby’s sleep go back to normal after a regression?
Ans: Yes, most of the time. Sleep regressions are short-term disruptions. Once your baby adjusts to their new skills or milestones, sleep will typically return to normal.
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