Just when you thought you were getting the hang of your baby’s sleep patterns, everything changes. The 6-month sleep regression can be challenging, but with understanding and responsive support, both you and your baby can navigate it successfully.
Has your previously sleeper suddenly started fighting bedtime, waking frequently at night, or taking micro-naps? You might be experiencing the 6-month sleep regression—a common developmental phase that affects many babies around this age. While challenging, this period is actually a sign of your baby’s healthy growth and development.
The 6-month sleep regression is a period when a baby who was previously sleeping relatively well suddenly experiences disruptions in their sleep patterns. These disruptions typically manifest as increased night wakings, shorter naps, bedtime resistance, and general sleep difficulties.
Despite being called a “regression,” this phase is actually related to progression in your baby’s development. As the Isla-Grace Sleep materials explain: “A sleep progression, often referred to as a ‘sleep regression,’ is actually one of the most inaccurately named occurrences in baby sleep. Technically, your baby’s sleep skills do regress (less sleeping, more fussing), although it’s because of developmental changes that are propelling your baby forward.”
While called the “6-month regression,” this sleep challenge can occur anywhere between 5-7 months of age, depending on your baby’s individual development timeline. Some babies experience it slightly earlier (around 5 months), while others might not show signs until closer to 7 months.
The 6-month mark represents a convergence of several significant developmental changes, all of which can impact sleep:
Around 6 months, many babies are mastering important physical skills:
These exciting physical developments often lead to sleep disruptions as babies want to practice their new skills day and night. As noted in the materials: “Babies learn at night; their brains do not turn off after six o’clock. In fact, they only grow at night. Any time they are getting ready to meet a new developmental milestone, they can spend hours in the middle of the night practising.”
You might find your baby rolling or trying to sit up in their crib instead of sleeping!
Six-month-olds are experiencing significant cognitive development:
These cognitive advances can make babies more distractible during the day and more aware of separations at night.
While separation anxiety typically peaks around 8-10 months, many babies begin experiencing it earlier. Six-month-olds are developing stronger attachments to their caregivers and may become distressed when separated, including at sleep times.
Separation anxiety happens when a baby fears that they will never see you again. We know that a baby’s frontal cortex and hippocampus are not fully formed and that babies do not have full person permanence until toddlerhood. What this means is that when you leave, your baby does not know that you are coming back.
Many babies begin solid foods around 6 months, which can impact sleep in several ways:
While teething can happen at various ages, many babies experience significant teething discomfort around 6 months, which can certainly disrupt sleep.
Every baby is different, but common signs include:
The good news is that the 6-month sleep regression is typically shorter than some other regressions. Most babies adjust within 1-3 weeks, though it can sometimes stretch to 4 weeks depending on how many developmental changes are happening simultaneously.
Factors that might influence duration include:
The 6-month sleep regression often coincides with changes in feeding patterns:
Many babies experience a growth spurt around 6 months, which can increase hunger and lead to more frequent night feedings.
If you’ve begun introducing solid foods, your baby’s digestive system is adjusting, which can affect sleep patterns. Some babies might experience discomfort as they adapt to new foods.
Around 6 months, many breastfed babies become more distracted during daytime feeds, which can lead to increased night feeding to make up for missed calories. As the materials explain, babies can become “more distracted during the day and wake up for the milk they have missed at night.”
Feed at night (please, please keep feeding if they need food).This is especially important during developmental leaps when babies need extra nutrition to support their rapid growth.
Here are gentle, responsive approaches to help both you and your baby navigate this challenging sleep phase:
At 6 months, most babies need wake windows of approximately 2-2.5 hours between sleep periods. During the regression, you might need to:
Help your baby master new skills with plenty of floor time and guided practice during waking hours:
Don’t get in the way of them practicing their skills during the day, give them space to learn.
A predictable sequence of calming activities before sleep can help signal to your baby that it’s time to wind down:
For babies beginning to experience separation awareness:
As babies become more mobile:
If you’ve introduced solids:
During regressions, babies need more support, not less:
This common milestone-related sleep challenge can be frustrating. Try:
This typical regression behavior can test your patience. Consider:
Short or refused naps are hallmarks of this regression. Try:
When motor development affects sleep:
The 6-month sleep regression can be especially challenging for parents who thought they’d moved past the newborn sleep deprivation phase. You might be feeling:
These feelings are completely normal. Remember:
Supporting your baby through a regression requires being somewhat functional yourself:
While the 6-month sleep regression is normal, certain situations warrant professional support:
Despite the challenges, the 6-month regression also brings some positives:
The most important thing to remember during the 6-month sleep regression is that it will pass. Your baby is not “broken,” and neither is your parenting. These challenging phases are signs of healthy development and will resolve as your baby integrates their new skills.
SUPPORT them through this leap and show them you are there. It is just a phase, they will need more support.
Looking for more personalized support with your baby’s sleep? Our Baby-Led Sleep approach honors your unique child and family values while gently improving sleep for everyone. Learn more about our consultation options that never involve leaving your baby to cry it out.
