Key takeaways: “Sleep regression” isn’t a medical term, and research on specific ages is limited. Many babies do have disrupted sleep around 8 to 10 months and around their first birthday, often linked to new skills like crawling and standing, separation anxiety, teething, and nap changes. Keep routines consistent, offer extra practice of new skills by day, and rule out illness.
Your baby was sleeping well, and suddenly they’re waking up again. Many parents call this a sleep regression.
Is It Real?
Sleep regression isn’t a formal diagnosis, and there’s limited research on specific regression ages. But sleep disruptions often happen during periods of rapid development, and many parents notice them.
8 to 10 Months
Common contributors:
- New motor skills: crawling, pulling to stand, cruising.
- Separation anxiety.
- Teething.
- Nap transitions from 3 naps to 2.
Around 12 Months
Common contributors:
- Walking.
- Language growth.
- Some babies start testing a move from 2 naps to 1 (most aren’t ready until later).
What Helps
- Keep your bedtime routine consistent.
- Practice new skills during the day.
- Offer comfort while staying calm and consistent.
- Watch wake windows; an overtired baby often sleeps worse.
- Avoid new habits you don’t want to keep, if possible.
- Be patient. Many disruptions pass in a few weeks.
Rule Out Other Causes
Ear infections, illness, hunger, or a change in routine can also disrupt sleep.
Call your baby’s doctor if your baby: has a fever, pulls at the ears with fussiness, seems in pain, or has sleep problems that last more than a few weeks.
The Bottom Line
Sleep disruptions often come with developmental leaps. Keep routines steady, practice new skills by day, and know this phase usually passes.
Want more support for your baby’s first year? My book, From First Breath to First Birthday, is available on Amazon.
Sources
- Mindell JA, Owens JA. A Clinical Guide to Pediatric Sleep. 3rd ed. Wolters Kluwer; 2015.
- American Academy of Pediatrics. Healthy sleep habits. HealthyChildren.org. https://www.healthychildren.org
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Important milestones: your baby by 9 months; by 1 year. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Always talk with your baby’s health care provider or your own provider about your specific situation. If you think your baby or you may have a medical emergency, call 911.
