Sleep Regressions & Physical Milestones

A balancing act for parents and baby

Your baby’s first two years are full of incredible changes. From a tiny newborn to an energetic toddler, this period is marked by rapid development. While these milestones are exciting, they often bring sleep regressions. But don’t worry— we’re here to guide you through these challenges with gentle, practical solutions.

What is a Sleep Regression?

A sleep regression is a temporary disruption in your baby’s sleep pattern, often linked to developmental leaps. It can lead to:

Frequent night wakings
Resistance to naps
Fussiness during the day
Shorter and less restful sleep

While sleep regressions can be exhausting, they are a sign of progress. Understanding why they happen and how to manage them can make this phase much easier for both you and your child.

Physical Milestones and Their Impact on Sleep

Your child’s motor skills are developing rapidly during the first two years. Major milestones often coincide with sleep regressions, including:

Rolling over
Scooting and crawling
Standing and cruising
Walking
Eating solid foods
Talking

These changes require a lot of brainpower and energy, often leading to disrupted sleep. Common regression periods occur around 2 months, 7 months, 9 months, 1 year, 15 months, and 2 years. But the good news? They are temporary!

How to Manage Sleep Regressions

Prevent Overtiredness

One of the biggest sleep disruptors is overtiredness. During a regression, your baby may resist naps or wake up frequently. To help:

- Stick to a consistent sleep routine.
- Watch for sleep cues (rubbing eyes, fussiness) and adjust bedtime accordingly.
- Allow for extra rest if needed—an earlier nap or bedtime can prevent overtiredness from worsening the situation.

Set Realistic Expectations

Sleep regressions can feel like a setback, but they don’t last forever. If the disrupted sleep continues beyond a few weeks, other factors like teething, illness, or changing sleep needs might be at play.

During this phase, remind yourself:

Your baby is learning new skills, and disrupted sleep is part of that process.
Sleep regressions are temporary and typically resolve once your baby masters the new skill.
Patience and consistency will help you and your baby get through it.

Encourage Daytime Practice

Did you know your baby practices new skills in their sleep? When learning to sit, crawl, or stand, they may wake up stuck in an unfamiliar position, leading to nighttime frustration.

To help:

Let your baby practice these skills during the day.
Show them how to sit down from standing or roll over from their tummy.
Avoid stepping in too quickly at night—give them a moment to figure it out themselves.

By reinforcing these movements during awake hours, your baby will gain confidence and sleep disruptions will decrease.

Supporting Your Baby Gently Through Sleep Regressions

At Sleepystar, we believe in gentle, supportive sleep methods. Sleep regressions don’t mean your baby is developing bad sleep habits – they’re simply a natural part of the growth process.

With patience, a consistent routine, and a little extra support, you can help your baby navigate these developmental leaps and get the rest they need.

Looking for personalized guidance? Our experienced sleep consultants are here for you. Sleepless nights won’t last forever – and we’ll be with you every step of the way!