Sleep training isn’t always a straight path, especially when you encounter one of the most common roadblocks in a baby’s sleep journey — sleep regressions. These temporary disruptions can be frustrating, but they’re also completely normal. Whether you’re just starting sleep training or your previously great sleeper is suddenly waking all night, understanding sleep regressions can help you navigate this bumpy phase with confidence.
Sleep Training and Sleep Regression
Sleep regressions are naturally occurring and often aligned with growth spurts, cognitive development, or significant life changes. Though they can interrupt your baby’s usual sleep patterns, gentle sleep training techniques can help reinforce or re-establish healthy habits.
General Sleep Training During Regression
Can You Sleep Train a Baby Going Through a Sleep Regression?
Yes, but it requires a gentle touch, realistic expectations, and flexibility. During regressions, your baby may wake frequently or resist sleep due to teething, separation anxiety, or developmental leaps. Here are a few tips for managing sleep training during this challenging time:
- Stick to Gentle Sleep Training Methods: Approaches like the Sleep Lady Shuffle let you remain supportive while giving your baby the space to practice self-soothing.
- Be Realistic: It’s typical for progress to slow. Focus on maintaining consistent routines instead of expecting overnight success.
Regression After Sleep Training
What if Your Sleep-Trained Baby Starts Regressing?
Even babies who have successfully learned independent sleep skills can regress. This doesn’t mean your sleep training didn’t work — it’s completely normal and usually temporary.
- Revisit Your Method: Reinforce the self-soothing techniques you used before. Your baby already has those skills — they just need a reminder.
- Offer Comfort Temporarily: A little extra love during illnesses or transitions won’t undo your previous progress, as long as you maintain good sleep habits.
Timing Sleep Training During a Regression
Should You Start Sleep Training During a Regression?
Starting sleep training during a regression can be more challenging, but it is possible with the right strategy.
- When to Wait: If the regression is intense, consider postponing training for a bit. Waiting may reduce stress for both you and your baby.
- If You Start During a Regression: Remain consistent and avoid new sleep crutches like rocking or feeding to sleep, as these can quickly become habits.
Crying or Waking Post Sleep Training
Why Is My Sleep-Trained Baby Crying Again?
It’s completely normal for a sleep-trained baby to experience occasional night-time tears or disruptions. Common causes include:
- Developmental Milestones: Learning to roll, crawl, or walk can all wreak havoc on sleep.
- Illness or Teething: Pain and discomfort during sleep make it hard for babies to settle.
- Separation Anxiety: Spikes around 8–10 months and again at 18 months are common and affect nighttime confidence.
How to Handle It:
- Reapply the techniques that helped during the initial sleep training.
- Provide brief reassurance, but avoid introducing lengthy cuddles or feedings if that’s not part of your established routine.
Why Is My Sleep-Trained Baby Waking Suddenly?
- Changes in the household, developmental changes, or physical discomfort can temporarily interrupt sleep.
- A greater awareness of their environment or need for comfort can also trigger these wakings.
What to Do:
- Stick to your bedtime routines and usual sleep setup.
- If discomfort (like teething) is the cause, address it with care — but keep a consistent response to nighttime wakings.
Sleep regressions, night wakings, and clinginess are a normal part of babyhood. As The Sleep Lady, I’ve seen that consistency and compassion are the foundations of effective sleep training. Whether you’re just starting or reinforcing old habits, remember: Progress isn’t always linear, but with patience and loving boundaries, your baby will find their rhythm again.