Why Sleep Regressions Aren’t Always About Sleep
If you’ve ever Googled “Why is my baby suddenly waking up again?”, you’ve probably come across the term sleep regression. It gets thrown around a lot—especially at the 4-month, 8-month, and 18-month marks. And while those sleep disruptions are very real, here’s the truth that most parents don’t hear:
Not every “regression” is actually about sleep.
In fact, many of the common sleep regressions are actually developmental progressions that just happen to affect sleep.
Let me explain.
What’s Actually Happening During a Regression?
When we see a baby or toddler suddenly struggle with falling asleep, waking more often, or resisting naps, we’re quick to assume something’s wrong with their sleep.
But more often than not, the culprit is a big developmental leap. Think of all the changes happening in your child’s brain and body during the first two years:
Learning to roll, crawl, sit, stand, or walk
Understanding cause and effect
Experiencing separation anxiety
Beginning to talk and understand language
Forming a sense of independence
These milestones are exciting—but they’re also overwhelming. And your baby’s brain doesn’t compartmentalize. What they learn during the day shows up at night.
Why Development Affects Sleep
Imagine studying for a big exam right before bed. Even though you’re tired, your brain is buzzing. You replay things. You overthink. You toss and turn.
That’s what’s happening for your baby.
When they learn a new skill, their brain wants to practice—even in the middle of the night. Crawling in the crib, pulling to stand at bedtime, babbling instead of sleeping—this is their version of studying.
Add in the emotional component (separation anxiety is a big one around 9 months and again at 18 months), and sleep can really take a hit.
It’s Not Just Physical Development
Sometimes, the regression is more emotional than physical. Your baby might:
Be adjusting to a new caregiver
Sense a change in the home environment (like a move or a parent returning to work)
Be working through a burst in emotional regulation
Be dealing with boundary testing (hello, toddlerhood)
These things don’t just happen during the day—they bleed into bedtime too. And when we mislabel them as a “sleep problem,” we risk treating the symptom instead of the cause.
So What Can You Do?
Here’s what I want you to know:
Sleep regressions aren’t your fault, and they don’t last forever. But the way we respond can make a big difference in how quickly things get back on track.
1. Stay consistent.
Your child needs consistency more than ever during a regression. The more the boundaries change, the more confused they become. If bedtime is at 7:00 one night and 9:00 the next, or sometimes they’re rocked and sometimes not, it gets harder to feel secure.
2. Offer comfort—but keep the skill.
You can absolutely respond with love and presence—but try not to reintroduce habits you worked hard to move past (like feeding to sleep or co-sleeping if those are no longer your norm). Instead, meet them where they are while still protecting their sleep skills.
3. Look at the bigger picture.
Instead of asking “What’s wrong with their sleep?”, try “What else is going on in their world right now?” Are they learning something new? Going through a transition? Feeling more sensitive or clingy during the day?
4. Don’t be afraid to pause and reset.
Sometimes a regression reveals a crack in the foundation. If sleep has fallen apart completely, it may be time to revisit your routine, nap schedule, or sleep environment. And if you’re not sure where to start—that’s where I come in.
The Bottom Line
Sleep regressions are real—but they’re not always sleep regressions. They’re a sign your baby is growing, changing, and processing their world in a new way.
Yes, it can be frustrating. Yes, it can feel like everything’s going backwards. But with consistency, support, and a little strategy, you’ll come out on the other side stronger—and so will your baby.
And if you’re in the thick of it right now and not sure how to move forward, I’d love to help.
Let’s make sleep make sense again.