What is Sleep Regression?

If your baby suddenly starts waking up multiple times after a long stretch of sleeping through the night, you are not alone. These stretches, called sleep regressions, can be very frustrating and discouraging in the moment, but they are actually a normal part of growth. As babies develop, experience changes in their routines, attempt new milestones, or get sick, their sleeping habits can change. The good news is, these phases are usually temporary, lasting between 2 to 4 weeks. With time and a little work around, your baby's sleep schedule should return to normal!

Here are the Signs

Sleep regression often shows up as trouble falling asleep, extra fussiness, increased night walking, and shorter or skipped naps. These phases can appear at different points in your baby's development.

The 8-10 Month Sleep Regression Survival Guide:

So much is happening for your baby during this time; crawling and pulling to stand. Unfortunately, all of these exciting new milestones can often lead to disrupted sleep. During this time, object permanence (the understanding that an unseen object or person still exists) is settling in and separation anxiety might enter a new high until your child understands that you exist outside their field of vision.

The best thing you could do is engage and connect. Play peekaboo, wave hello and goodbye, repeat names and words, and make silly faces. 1-on-1 activities like these allow for your baby to feel your presence and reassurance all while strengthening object permanence and communication.

Don't forget to encourage movement too! Encourage crawling by placing toys just out of reach, or place objects at eye level so your baby could practice pulling up to stand. These play-based practices give your baby a safe outlet for all that energy.

Finally, make sure to give lots of crib time. If your baby wakes up from a nap, leave them in the crib till the nap window ends. This quite time helps in preventing overstimulation and overtiredness, giving their bodies the chance to reset for the next cycle of high energy and sleep. Sticking to your routine is important; once your baby has mastered their new skills, their sleep will return to normal.

7 Play-Based Exercises that Help Build Object Permanence and Leg Strength

Between 8 and 10 months, babies are busy learning skills like object permanence and pulling to stand. These skills can temporarily disrupt sleep, but you can support your child by introducing simple, play-based exercises into their daily routine. The following activities encourage both cognitive and physical growth all while helping ease the sleeping challenges that might arise at this time.

These exercises are free with the Fledgling's Flight app. CLICK HERE to create your FREE account. Once you have entered your child's details, click on the names of the exercises below to view the exercise.

1. Hide Away - Builds early object permanence

   
   

   Place a toy under something while your baby is on their tummy. From this, they’ll learn to reach and search for it, instead of thinking it disappeared. This activity helps your baby begin to understand that things still exist even when hidden. Once, they understand this, they might even start dropping things and have you retrieve them.

   
   

2. Where Did You Go? - Gets your baby looking for someone when they're out of sight

   
   

   Play peekaboo by briefly hiding behind a door or furniture. If your baby looks for you, it’s a sign they’re starting to grasp that you still exist when out of sight. This simple game also helps reduce anxiety when you leave the room.

   
   

3. Separation Anxiety Mitigation - Helps your child manage separation anxiety

   
   

   As babies understand object permanence, they realize you’re gone when you leave, which can upset them. Short, predictable goodbyes help them feel secure and learn you will come back. Practicing during the day makes nighttime separations easier.

   
   

4. Out from Under - Encourage understanding of object permanence

   
   

   Hide a toy under a clear cup so your baby can see it but has to figure out how to get it. This teaches them persistence and introduces the idea that objects exist even when covered. It also motivates reaching, crawling, or scooting toward the toy.

   
   

5. Pull Ups - Strengthens legs and core for standing

   
   

   Encourage your baby to use a low, sturdy surface to pull into a stand. This exercise builds essential muscle strength and coordination.

   
   

6. Warm the Bench - Teaches balance while pushing to stand

   
   

   Have your baby practice pushing up from kneeling or sitting on a low surface. This shorter motion is easier than pulling up and helps them learn trunk and head control. It’s a safe way to practice before standing fully.

   
   

7. Take a Stand -  Encourages independent standing

   
   

   Once your baby has built enough strength, they’ll start trying to pull up without your hands. Place toys at eye level to motivate them to stand on their own. This milestone, often reached around 9–12 months, builds confidence and balance.

Ways to Support Your Baby's Sleep

Set a Regular Bedtime Routine:

A calming routine before bed, including things like a bath, story time, and cuddles, signals to your baby that it’s time to wind down. Consistency helps their body and mind prepare for sleep.

More Crib Time:

Even if your baby seems playful or restless, keep offering crib time. Ending naps too soon can prevent them from getting the rest they need. Once the regression passes, a consistent schedule makes it easier for sleep to return to normal. 

Offer Extra Connection

During phases of separation anxiety, your baby may need more reassurance. Spend a little extra time with them playing peekaboo, or anything to share some laughs. These moments strengthen their sense of security and help ease bedtime struggles.

Limit New Habits

Try not to introduce sleep habits such as nursing them until they fall asleep or anything you can’t maintain long-term. Offering extra comfort is perfectly fine, but gradually scale back once your baby adjusts. This prevents short-term regressions from turning into continuing sleeping challenges.

Create a Sleep-Friendly Space

Make sure your baby’s room is cool, quiet, and dark. A truly dark environment promotes melatonin production and reduces distractions which helps them go to sleep much easier.

If sleep regression lasts longer than six weeks or you’re worried about your baby’s sleep patterns, reach out to a sleep expert. Remember that sleep regressions are temporary, and with time, your baby’s sleep will return to normal.

Alison Macklin | Mom & Founder CEO - Sleep of Mind: Certified Child Sleep Expert, a Certified Hand in Hand Parenting Instructor, and mother from Toronto, Canada

She came up with the idea for Sleep of Mind's reflective infant sleepwear. The one-of-a-kind patent pending design on their swaddles and sleep sacks lets you see your little one's chest rising and falling, giving you peace of mind with a glance at your night vision baby monitor. No wires, batteries, or electronics are needed, as the swaddle design uses the light being reflected from your baby monitor. They believe in good sleep being accessible to all without the need to buy expensive gadgets that also aren’t recommended by the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics).

See how it works for yourself!