Sleep regressions happen at different ages including 6 months, 8 months, 12 months and 18 months. While there is minimal research published on baby sleep regressions, it is thought they are associated with milestone developments like learning to sit up, starting to crawl and taking the first steps.
Other factors related to sleep regression include a life change, separation anxiety and when an infant becomes more independent. If your baby is waking frequently, read on to find out about the different stages of sleep regression and recommended sleep schedules to ease what is happening.
What Are Sleep regressions?
Sleep regression happens between a period of 3 – 6 weeks. During this time, a baby who previously slept well, suddenly begins waking frequently at night. Your baby may also fight naps or stop napping altogether.
It’s important to remember that baby sleep regression ages and timeframes vary. Just because your friend’s baby experienced regression at every marker, yours may be fine at 6 months and go through regression at 8 or 9 months old.
6 Month Sleep Regression
While some 6-month olds have sleep disturbances at this age, experts believe this does not last long enough to qualify as sleep regression. The cause of waking at night at this age is usually hunger, teething or separation anxiety.
6 Month Old Sample Sleep Schedule
- Rise: 6:30am
- First nap: 8:30am – 9:45am
- Second nap: 12pm – 1:30pm
- Third nap: 4pm – 4:30pm
- Ready for bed: 6:30pm
- Sleep: 7:15pm
8 Month Sleep Regression
Around the 8, 9 and 10 month stages, babies are hitting many developmental milestones such as learning to crawl and pulling themselves to a standing position. Your baby is developing their brain and absorbing language, plus a few teeth may start coming through. All this contributes to sleep regression, skipped naps and crankiness.
8 Month Old Sample Sleep Schedule
- Rise: 7:00am
- First nap: 9:45am – 11:15am
- Second nap: 2:30pm – 4:00pm
- Ready for bed: 6:30pm
- Sleep: 7:30pm
10 Month Sleep Regression
Just like the 8-month sleep regression phase, 10 months is the culmination or continuation of this, depending on when they started. Each sleep regression lasts on average 3 to 6 weeks and will vary for each infant.
10 Month Old Sample Sleep Schedule
- Rise: 6:00am
- First nap: 9:00am – 10:15am
- Second nap: 1:45pm – 3:00pm
- Ready for bed: 6:00pm
- Sleep: 6:45pm
12 Month Sleep Regression
The 12-month sleep regression can start at 11 months, or for some, not happen at all. At this age, your baby might start refusing his second nap and start to be more aware of the world around him. Some call this a regression and some say it’s just a normal nap transition. Aim to keep your baby on a regular bedtime schedule till this phase passes.
12 Month Old Sample Sleep Schedule
- Rise: 6:30am
- First nap: 9:45am – 10:45am
- Second nap: 2:15pm – 3:15pm
- Ready for bed: 6:30pm
- Sleep: 7:15pm
How to Change a Baby’s Sleep Pattern from Day to Night?
What you do with your baby during the day can help them sleep better at night. To change your baby’s sleep pattern from day to night, follow these steps:
Go Outside During the Day
Take your baby out for a long walk in the sunlight. If their sleep pattern is mixed up, this helps to reset the circadian rhythm.
Use Sleep Sounds and Motion
Soothing sounds and motion calm your baby and improve sleep quality. Try walks and swings in a sling, plus baby sleep sounds, or white noise from the BetterSleep app.
