Finally getting your newborn to sleep through the night is quite an accomplishment for a new parent. But before you know it, they’re waking up or refusing to nap, which can be extremely frustrating.

But there’s no need to worry: it’s normal. Your baby is experiencing sleep regression.

Joia Henson, APRN-CNP, explains why sleep regression happens and gives tips for getting your little one back to sleep.

What is sleep regression?

Sleep regression is often a sign that your baby is going through a major phase in their growth or development. As their brain is busy learning new skills, you may notice them

• Waking up throughout the night.
• Rejecting naps.
• Having different sleep habits.

Though it can happen anytime in the first year of your baby’s life, sleep regression typically occurs when your baby is five to seven months old. It can last anywhere from two to six weeks; however, every baby is different.

Henson also says sleep regression may occur once you stop swaddling your baby when they’re able to roll over.

“Once a baby has the ability to roll over or is getting close to the time in which they can roll over,” Henson says, “you no longer want to swaddle the baby because that becomes unsafe.” 

“I think that might play a little bit into that sleep regression because it’s the time they’re creating their own good sleep cycle. But they’re also losing some of the benefits of a tight swaddle.”

Helping your baby sleep

Although sleep regression can’t be prevented, Henson says some good sleep habits may help.

• Develop a bedtime routine. If you don’t have one already, go through a nightly routine before you put your baby to bed. Create a routine that works for you, including habits like bath time, cleaning their teeth (if they have them), massaging them with lavender-scented lotion, or singing a lullaby.
• Create a calming environment. Use low lighting and a sound machine to create a calming environment for sleep. This can help your baby learn it’s time for bed.
• Remember the ABCs of safe sleep. Put your baby to sleep alone on their back in the crib. Avoid the use of blankets or stuffed animals in their crib. Consider a sleep sack as a safe alternative. This will keep them not only comfortable but safe.
• Put them to bed drowsy. This can help your baby learn to self-soothe and fall asleep on their own rather than putting them to bed fully asleep.

If your baby wakes up throughout the night, Henson says to give them a few minutes before going in to soothe them. “Sometimes they’re able to calm themselves down and fall back asleep on their own.”

And remember to stay calm when checking on them.

“Keep it restful. Don’t turn on a big light or make a big production of it. You want to keep the baby’s environment super calm and soothing so that they understand the feeling of nighttime versus the feeling of daytime.”

Lean on your support system

Sleep regression can be exhausting. If you need support, don’t hesitate to reach out to your friends, family, or healthcare provider.

Henson also says to keep in mind that “Sick babies don’t sleep well.”

If your baby has a fever, cold symptoms, or fewer wet diapers than usual, speak with a healthcare provider. These are all signs of an illness that could be affecting their sleep.

Just remember this phase is not permanent, and you’re not alone.