One day, your baby is sleeping longer stretches. The next, they’re waking every 90 minutes and nothing you try seems to work. If this sounds familiar, you're not alone — and you're not doing anything wrong. What you’re likely dealing with is a sleep regression (most commonly the 4-month regression). And while it feels like a step backward, it’s actually a sign that your baby’s sleep is maturing. Let’s break it down.
Sleep regressions are periods when your baby — who may have been sleeping relatively well — suddenly starts waking more often, struggling to fall asleep, or taking short naps. These changes often feel “out of nowhere,” but they’re typically linked to big leaps in brain development. The most well-known is the 4-month sleep regression, but similar disruptions can happen around 6, 8–10, 12, 18, and 24 months. These regressions mark key milestones in how your baby processes the world — and how they sleep.
Around 4 months, your baby’s brain begins to develop more adult-like sleep cycles. This is a permanent shift in how their body manages sleep — not just a phase they “grow out of.” Here’s what changes:
They begin cycling between light and deep sleep, rather than staying in one deep sleep state. They start waking more frequently between cycles, even if they don’t need anything. They may now rely on whatever helped them fall asleep at bedtime — feeding, rocking, bouncing — to fall back asleep every time they wake. It’s not that your baby has forgotten how to sleep. It’s that their sleep system has matured — and now needs new support.
You might also notice your baby’s naps become shorter — 20 to 30 minutes max — or they start skipping naps altogether. That’s because babies now have to link their own sleep cycles to stay asleep longer. Until they learn that skill, they may wake after one cycle, even if they still need rest. Short naps = overtired baby = bedtime struggles = overnight wakeups. It becomes a cycle — but it’s one you can break.
You don’t need to let your baby cry it out. Here are a few gentle ways to support your baby through this change:
Stick to a consistent bedtime routine
Repetition builds cues for sleep. A bath, pajamas, feeding, and a story can help your baby wind down and know what’s coming.
Use wake windows to your advantage
Don’t rely only on the clock. Watch your baby’s sleep cues — like red eyebrows, zoning out, or slower movement — and aim to put them down before they get overtired.
Let them try to resettle briefly
If they wake and fuss a little, pause for 1–2 minutes. Sometimes they’re just shifting between cycles and might fall back asleep without help.
Keep stimulation low during night wakes
Feed with dim lights, minimal talking, and a calm voice. Avoid full wakeups unless necessary.
Offer reassurance without over-rescuing
If your baby needs help, that’s okay — but try calming them in their sleep space with your voice or touch, rather than starting from scratch each time.
Sleep regressions typically last 2 to 4 weeks — but every baby is different. The more consistent and calm you stay, the easier it becomes for your baby to adapt and learn new sleep skills. This phase isn’t forever — even if it feels like it in the moment.
Sleep regressions are hard — but they’re also a sign your baby is growing. With the right tools and gentle support, you can guide them through this leap and build healthier sleep habits for the long run. You’re not starting over. You’re moving forward.
Need more help? Get in touch with us to speak with a specialist — we’re here to support you and your baby through every phase of sleep.
