Baby Sleep Regression Chart: All Ages, Symptoms & Duration

Complete Baby Sleep Regression Chart

Sleep regressions are temporary disruptions in your baby's sleep patterns that occur during periods of rapid development. Understanding when regressions typically happen, what causes them, and how long they last can help you prepare and manage these challenging phases. This comprehensive chart covers all 7 major sleep regressions from birth through toddlerhood.

Use this chart as a reference guide, but remember that every baby is different. Some may experience regressions earlier or later, and some may skip certain regressions entirely.

The 7 Sleep Regressions: Complete Timeline

1. 4-Month Sleep Regression

• Age range: 3-5 months
• Duration: 2-6 weeks (but sleep patterns permanently change)
• Key cause: Permanent sleep cycle maturation (transition to adult-like sleep cycles)
• Common symptoms: Frequent night wakings (every 1-2 hours), shorter naps, difficulty falling asleep, increased fussiness
• Why it's different: This is the only regression that represents permanent changes to sleep architecture

This is often considered the most significant regression because it marks a permanent shift in how your baby's brain processes sleep. For detailed guidance, see our 4-Month Sleep Regression Guide.

2. 6-Month Sleep Regression

• Age range: 5-7 months
• Duration: 2-4 weeks
• Key causes: Physical milestones (sitting, rolling), separation anxiety, teething
• Common symptoms: Frequent night wakings, difficulty falling asleep, shorter naps, increased fussiness

This regression often coincides with major physical achievements and emerging separation anxiety. See our 6-Month Sleep Regression Guide for management strategies.

3. 8-Month Sleep Regression

• Age range: 7-10 months (sometimes called 8-10 month regression)
• Duration: 2-4 weeks
• Key causes: Major motor milestones (crawling, pulling up), peak separation anxiety, teething
• Common symptoms: Frequent night wakings, standing/sitting in crib, increased separation anxiety, shorter naps

This regression can be particularly intense due to peak separation anxiety and major mobility milestones. Learn more in our 8-Month Sleep Regression Guide.

4. 12-Month Sleep Regression

• Age range: 11-13 months
• Duration: 2-4 weeks
• Key causes: Walking, talking, nap transitions, increased independence
• Common symptoms: Frequent night wakings, resistance to bedtime/naps, standing/walking in crib, nap refusal

This regression often coincides with major milestones like first steps and first words. See our 12-Month Sleep Regression Guide for help.

5. 18-Month Sleep Regression

• Age range: 17-19 months
• Duration: 2-6 weeks
• Key causes: Language explosion, boundary testing, nap transitions, separation anxiety
• Common symptoms: Bedtime battles, frequent night wakings, nap refusal, increased tantrums, climbing out of crib

Often considered one of the most challenging regressions due to increased awareness and determination. Learn more in our 18-Month Sleep Regression Guide.

6. 2-Year Sleep Regression

• Age range: 23-25 months
• Duration: 2-4 weeks (can be prolonged by transitions)
• Key causes: Imagination development (fears, nightmares), major transitions (potty training, big bed), boundary testing
• Common symptoms: Bedtime resistance, frequent night wakings, getting out of bed, nightmares/fears, nap refusal

This regression often involves increased imagination leading to bedtime fears. See our 2-Year Sleep Regression Guide for strategies.

7. 2.5-Year Sleep Regression

• Age range: 28-30 months
• Duration: 2-4 weeks
• Key causes: Language development, independence, nap transitions, major life changes
• Common symptoms: Bedtime resistance, night wakings, nap refusal, stalling tactics

Some toddlers experience another regression around 2.5 years, often related to dropping naps or major developmental leaps.

Sleep Regression Comparison Chart

Age	Duration	Main Cause	Key Symptoms
4 months	2-6 weeks	Sleep cycle maturation	Frequent wakings, shorter naps
6 months	2-4 weeks	Physical milestones, teething	Separation anxiety, frequent wakings
8 months	2-4 weeks	Crawling, peak separation anxiety	Standing in crib, frequent wakings
12 months	2-4 weeks	Walking, talking, nap transitions	Bedtime resistance, nap refusal
18 months	2-6 weeks	Language explosion, boundary testing	Bedtime battles, nap refusal
2 years	2-4 weeks	Imagination, major transitions	Fears, getting out of bed
2.5 years	2-4 weeks	Independence, nap transitions	Stalling, nap refusal

How to Use This Chart

Use this chart to:

• Prepare for upcoming regressions: Know what to expect and when
• Understand current sleep disruptions: Identify if your baby is experiencing a regression
• Set realistic expectations: Understand that regressions are normal and temporary
• Plan sleep training: Avoid starting sleep training during active regressions

For personalized regression timelines based on your baby's age, use our free Sleep Regression Calculator.

Managing Sleep Regressions

General Strategies

While each regression has unique characteristics, these strategies help with all regressions:

• Maintain consistent routines: Predictability helps babies feel secure during disruptions
• Optimize sleep environment: Use blackout curtains, white noise, and ensure comfortable temperature
• Follow wake windows: Prevent overtiredness by following age-appropriate wake windows. Use our Wake Window Calculator.
• Support development: Help babies practice new skills during awake time
• Be patient: Regressions are temporary signs of healthy development

When to Consider Sleep Training

Sleep training is generally not recommended during active regressions. Wait until the regression has passed (2-4 weeks after it began) before starting or resuming sleep training. For comprehensive guidance, consider evidence-based programs like 21 Days to Peace & Quiet.

Products That Can Help During Regressions

While regressions are primarily developmental, these products can support better sleep:

• White noise machines: Help mask disruptions and create consistent sleep environment. Shop white noise machines.
• Blackout curtains: Create darkness that supports sleep. Shop blackout curtains.
• Sleep sacks: Provide comfort and safety. Shop sleep sacks.
• Baby monitors: Help you track sleep patterns. Shop baby monitors.

What If My Baby Doesn't Follow This Chart?

It's completely normal if your baby:

• Experiences regressions earlier or later than typical
• Skips certain regressions entirely
• Has regressions that last longer or shorter than average
• Experiences overlapping regressions

Every baby develops at their own pace. Use this chart as a guide, but always follow your baby's individual cues and development.

Conclusion

Understanding sleep regressions helps you prepare for and navigate these challenging phases. While regressions are temporary, they're signs of healthy development. By maintaining consistent routines, optimizing the sleep environment, and supporting your baby's development, you can help manage regressions successfully.

For personalized regression timelines and detailed guidance for each regression, use our free Sleep Regression Calculator and explore our individual regression guides.