Dealing With 6 Month Sleep Regression

Sleep regression in infants is common. Parents often think they’ve finally made it through the sleepless nights of the newborn stage. But then suddenly, around the 6-month mark, their baby starts having trouble again. It can be frustrating to say the least.

For families whose babies experience sleep regression, the timing and duration of these episodes can vary quite a bit. If your baby is suddenly experiencing sleep problems again at 6 months, you’re not alone.  Sleep regression can be a sign of important physiological and cognitive development. It can also be associated with teething or changes in napping habits.

We’re here to break down what to expect from 6 month sleep regression, how long it lasts, and what you can do to get through it.

What is Sleep Regression?

Sleep regression is a phenomenon in which a baby’s sleep temporarily worsens. It’s usually characterized by frequent nighttime wakeups, difficulty with naps, and fussiness during bedtime.

What Causes 6 Month Sleep Regression?

Sleep regression can have a number of causes, including:

  • Developmental milestones: At 6 months, babies are going through major changes in their physical and mental development; as they become increasingly aware of their surroundings, they may experience sleep disruptions.

  • Changes in schedule: Because your baby is officially out of the newborn stage, your routine has likely shifted, which can lead to difficulty sleeping.

  • Physical discomfort: From digestive issues and illnesses to teething, there are a number of things that can cause your baby to be uncomfortable and struggle to sleep.

  • Separation anxiety: It’s common for babies to go through phases where they become more dependent on their caregivers for comfort; if your baby sleeps in a separate room and is struggling to be away from you, they may have trouble settling down and staying asleep.

    • How Long Does Sleep Regression Last?

    Generally speaking, sleep regressions can last anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks. If you’ve experienced a few restless nights, that doesn't necessarily mean you’re dealing with a regression. 

    Most sleep regressions will eventually pass on their own. A stretch of poor sleep is usually a normal part of infancy. If you are  worried about your baby’s sleeping habits, please consult your pediatrician. 

    Signs and Symptoms of 6 Month Sleep Regression

    Sleep regression doesn’t always look exactly the same in every baby. A lot of factors can influence your baby’s sleep patterns, including their developmental stage, temperament, sleeping environment, nap and feeding schedule, and health conditions. However, some sleep regression symptoms are more prevalent than others.

    Here are some of the most common signs that your baby may be experiencing sleep regression:

  • Difficulty falling asleep: Babies experiencing sleep regression are often much harder to put down, even if they seem tired.
  • Frequent nighttime wakeups: Sometimes babies who previously slept for long stretches at a time will suddenly begin waking up more frequently throughout the night.
  • Trouble napping: Around 6 months, some babies start skipping naps or waking up after a very short period of time.
  • Fusiness: During periods of sleep regression, babies are often more needy, irritable, and prone to crying.
  • Appetite changes: If a baby’s 6 month sleep regression is caused by a growth spurt, they may need to be fed more frequently during the night;  your baby may also require longer and more frequent feeding during the day. 

    • How To Deal With Sleep Regression

    Prioritizing sleep is important at every stage of life. Good-quality sleep supports physical and psychological health in people of all ages. But for infants and their parents, some interruptions in sleep patterns are unavoidable. In fact, they’re perfectly normal.

    A certain amount of sleep problems may be inevitable. But there are some effective strategies you can use to give your baby the best chance of sleeping through the night.

    1. Create an Ideal Sleeping Environment

    Make sure your little one has a safe and calming sleeping environment. If they have their own nursery, it’s much easier to tailor their environment to their individual needs. 

    Here are a few ways to create the ideal sleep environment for your 6 month old:

    • Keep the room dark; consider getting blackout curtains or shades.
    • Keep the room at a cool and comfortable temperature (68° to 72°F).
    • Try a white noise machine to provide a calming sound and drown out other noisy disruptions.
    • Have your baby sleep in their own crib.

    2. Stick To a Consistent Nighttime Routine

    A calming bedtime routine can help your baby learn when it’s time to sleep. It’s a good idea to create some relaxing rituals that you do every night. These may include reading a book, singing a song, or gently rocking them before you put your bub down for the night.

    3. Teach Your Baby to Self-Soothe

    One of the most important things you can do as a parent is provide comfort during difficult times. But with sleep regression, it’s helpful to teach your baby how to get back to sleep when they wake up during the night.

    When your baby wakes up, try not to pick them up right away. Instead, use a pacifier and offer gentle, comforting touches and soothing sounds to help lull them back to sleep. Over time, this can teach your little one to self-soothe and get back to sleep on their own.

    4. Prioritize Daytime Naps

    Unfortunately, many babies going through sleep regression have trouble napping. But daytime naps can actually help your baby sleep better at night. Try to prioritize naps, and stick to a schedule. If your baby struggles to nap as long as they used to, try putting them down more frequently.

    5. Be Patient With Your Baby and Yourself

    Dealing with 6 month sleep regression can be exhausting and frustrating, especially if you’ve already gone back to work after parental leave. 

    There are things you can do to make it easier. But it’s also important to remember that this phase won’t last forever. Like all things, this season will pass and your child’s sleep will get back on track. Give yourself grace and trust that it will all be okay.