Around 9 months, your baby may be babbling, pointing, laughing, playing peek-a-boo, crawling, pulling up, or showing off a whole new personality.
But all that development can sometimes disrupt sleep. If your 9-month-old suddenly starts fighting bedtime, waking more often, refusing naps, or seeming restless at night, you may be dealing with the 9-month sleep regression.
Here’s why the 9-month sleep regression happens, how long it usually lasts, and what you can do to help your baby sleep through this temporary phase.
The 9-month sleep regression is a temporary change in sleep that often happens between 8 and 10 months as babies reach major developmental milestones. It can cause more night wakings, shorter naps, bedtime resistance, and fussiness, but it usually lasts only one to two weeks.1,2
Key Takeaways
- The 9-month sleep regression often happens between 8 and 10 months.
- It may be linked to developmental milestones like crawling, standing, cruising, or separation anxiety.
- Common signs include bedtime battles, night wakings, shorter naps, fussiness, and new skills.
- Most sleep regressions last around one to two weeks.
- A calming bedtime routine, consistent schedule, and patience can help.
What Is the 9-Month Sleep Regression?
The 9-month sleep regression is a temporary disruption in sleep that can happen when babies are going through major developmental changes. Around this age, many babies are learning skills such as crawling, pulling up, standing, cruising, babbling, and becoming more aware of separation.
These new skills take a lot of physical and mental energy. Your baby may want to practice them at bedtime or during the night, which can lead to more wake-ups, shorter naps, bedtime resistance, or trouble settling back to sleep.
Related: How Many Hours of Sleep Does Your Baby Need?
Signs of the 9-Month Sleep Regression
Common signs of the 9-month sleep regression include sudden night wakings, bedtime resistance, shorter naps, increased fussiness, and new developmental skills.
1. Your Baby’s Sleep Suddenly Gets Worse
If your little one was on a good (enough) sleep routine and suddenly they’re fighting bedtime, refusing to nap, or waking at all hours of the night, a regression is the most likely culprit.
Related: What to Do If Your Baby Wakes Every Hour at Night
2. Your Baby Seems Fussier, Hungrier, or Restless
Mastering big physical skills like rolling, standing, or walking burns a lot of energy. You may find that your baby’s appetite grows during this time. Interrupted sleep can also leave babies fussier and more tired during the day.
3. Your Baby Is Practicing New Skills
At 9 months old, many babies learn to sit up, stand, crawl, or cruise around furniture. If you see your little one actively working on new skills, seeming more restless, and fighting sleep, the sleep regression may be the reason.
Related: 9-Month-Old Baby: Feeding, Sleep, and Milestones by Month
How Long Does the 9-Month Sleep Regression Last?
The 9-month sleep regression usually lasts about one to two weeks, though timing can vary. It is often called the 8- to 10-month sleep regression because babies develop on different timelines, and sleep disruption can happen anytime during that window.
While those one to two weeks can feel long when you’re running on little sleep, remember that this phase is temporary. Focusing on the new (adorable) skills your baby is mastering can help relieve some of the frustration. See the tips below for practical ways to help your baby sleep through this phase.
Related: Baby Growth Spurts: Signs, Timeline, and Tips
Tips for Surviving the 9-Month Sleep Regression
Surviving a sleep regression can feel like an impossible task at times. It’s tough to hear your baby cry and see them struggle to sleep both day and night. Here are some things you can do to help your baby relax and sleep better during this restless time.
Tip #1: Start a Relaxing Bedtime Routine
If you haven’t already, start a relaxing bedtime routine for your little one. Bedtime routines improve sleep habits, foster the emotional bond between parents and children, and enhance overall well-being.1 A familiar bedtime routine cues your little one to relax and fall asleep every night. This is especially helpful during sleep regressions, when babies often feel more restless and have a harder time settling.
Related: Bedtime Routines for Babies and Toddlers by Age
Tip #2: Give Your Baby a Consistent Daily Schedule
A consistent daily rhythm doesn’t have to mean a rigid schedule. Keeping wake-up times, naps, and bedtime fairly consistent can make it easier for your baby to settle and sleep. Keep it simple and aim for a predictable routine most days. Over time, that consistency can help your baby know what to expect and make sleep come a little more easily.
Tip #3: Remind Yourself That This Is Temporary
When you’re up at 3 a.m. with a fussy baby who won’t settle, it can feel like this phase will never end. I’ve been there, and I know how exhausting it can be. Try reminding yourself that this is temporary. Your baby is learning so much right now, and their brain and body may need a little extra help settling.
When my babies went through sleep regressions, I’d repeat a simple mantra: “This is temporary. My baby is learning. We will get through this.” Sometimes having a few reassuring words to come back to helped me stay calm in the middle of the night.
And yes, planning tomorrow’s coffee can help too.
Related: 10 Reasons Your Baby Might Be Fussy (and How To Help)
Tip #4: Revisit Sleep Habits Once the Regression Passes
Once the regression has passed, take a look at whether any new sleep habits have developed. If your baby is still struggling after a couple of weeks, it may be a good time to revisit your bedtime routine, daily schedule, and how your baby falls asleep. Some families choose to begin sleep training at this stage, while others prefer a more gradual approach.
Sleep training is one approach to teaching your baby to fall asleep independently so they can sleep for longer stretches at night and eventually sleep through the night. Research suggests it can strengthen sleep patterns for both babies and parents and may improve maternal mental health.2 I know I’m a happier mom when I’m well-rested!
The 9-month sleep regression can feel exhausting, especially if your baby was sleeping well and suddenly starts waking more often. The good news is that this phase is usually temporary and often connected to all the new skills your baby is learning.
A calming bedtime routine, a consistent daily schedule, and a little patience can help your baby move through this stage. Once the regression has passed, you can reassess your baby’s sleep habits and decide what kind of sleep support feels right for your family. If independent sleep is one of your goals, this can also be a good time to work toward it. Good luck!
