Last reviewed: November 6, 2026 · Updated to match current American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidance.
Quick answer: A “6-month sleep regression” is a stretch of a few days to a few weeks when a baby who was sleeping well starts waking more at night, fighting naps or taking longer to settle. It’s usually linked to normal development, such as rolling, sitting, teething or a growing awareness of separation. It’s temporary. A consistent routine, regular naps, an earlier bedtime if your baby is overtired, and putting them down drowsy but awake usually help. Keep any night feeds your baby still needs, don’t give water to babies under 6 months, and always lay your baby on their back to sleep.
“Sleep regression” isn’t a medical diagnosis, and not every baby has one at 6 months. But many parents notice their baby’s sleep gets bumpy around this age. Here are the signs, the likely causes, and what you can do.
Signs of a 6-Month Sleep Regression
More Night Wakings
Your baby may start waking several times a night again after sleeping longer stretches.
Fighting Naps or Shorter Naps
Some babies resist naps or wake after a short nap, which can leave them overtired by bedtime.
Harder to Settle
Your baby may take longer to fall asleep at bedtime or after waking at night, and may want more help from you to settle.
More Fussiness
Tiredness can make babies cranky and clingy during the day.
What Causes It?
- New skills: rolling, sitting and getting ready to crawl. Babies sometimes practice new skills in the crib.
- Teething
- Separation awareness: babies start to notice when you leave, which often becomes stronger closer to 8 to 10 months.
- Changing nap needs and a more alert, curious brain
- Starting solid foods, illness, travel or a change in routine
Sleep often dips again a couple of months later. Here’s what to expect from the 8 month sleep regression, which can show up anywhere from 8 to 10 months.
How Long Does It Last?
Most regressions settle within about 2 to 6 weeks, especially if you keep your routine steady. Here’s what helps.
How to Help Your 6-Month-Old Sleep Better
Keep Regular Naps
Most 6-month-olds take 2 to 3 naps a day and can stay awake about 2 to 3 hours between sleeps. An overtired baby has a harder time sleeping at night, so protect naps and watch for sleepy cues such as rubbing eyes, yawning or looking away.
Adjust Bedtime
If your baby is overtired, try moving bedtime 15 to 30 minutes earlier. Most babies this age do well with a bedtime between about 6:30 and 8 p.m.
Keep a Consistent Bedtime Routine
A short, calming routine in the same order every night, such as a bath, pajamas, a feed, a book and a song, helps your baby know sleep is coming. Keep the room dark and quiet, and use soft white noise if it helps, placed away from the crib.
Put Your Baby Down Drowsy but Awake
Giving your baby a chance to fall asleep in the crib helps them settle themselves when they wake between sleep cycles at night.
Feed Before Bed, and Keep Night Feeds Your Baby Needs
A full feed as part of the bedtime routine can help your baby sleep longer. Many 6-month-olds still need one or two night feeds, especially breastfed babies, so ask your pediatrician before dropping them. If your baby is just starting solids, keep breast milk or formula as their main food. Don’t give water to babies under 6 months, and don’t offer water instead of milk at night.
Give Extra Practice Time During the Day
If your baby is rolling or sitting in the crib, give them lots of floor time to practice while awake. Once your baby can roll both ways on their own, you can let them stay in whatever position they roll into, but always place them on their back to start. Stop swaddling as soon as your baby shows signs of rolling.
Keep the Crib Safe
Don’t add pillows, blankets, bumpers or soft toys to help your baby sleep. A wearable blanket or sleep sack keeps them warm safely. Never use positioners or wedges.
Comfort Teething Pain Safely
Offer a chilled (not frozen) teething ring or rub their gums with a clean finger. Ask your pediatrician about pain relief. Avoid teething gels with benzocaine and amber teething necklaces.
Consider Gentle Sleep Training
If your baby is healthy and at least 6 months old, some families try a method such as the Ferber method once the regression has eased. Talk to your pediatrician first.
When to Call the Doctor
Talk to your pediatrician if your baby:
- Has a fever, ear-pulling, or seems sick or in pain
- Snores loudly, gasps or has pauses in their breathing
- Has signs of reflux, such as frequent vomiting or arching during feeds
- Isn’t feeding well, gaining weight, or having enough wet diapers
- Has sleep problems that last more than 6 weeks or you’re struggling to cope
Support from other parents can help too, but remember every baby is different, and your pediatrician is the best source of advice.
The Bottom Line
A 6-month sleep regression is common, temporary and usually tied to normal development. Keep naps regular, keep bedtime early and consistent, put your baby down drowsy but awake, and keep any night feeds they still need. Always lay your baby on their back, in a crib with nothing else in it.
This article is for general information and isn’t a substitute for medical advice. Always contact your pediatrician with questions about your baby’s sleep.
2 Sources
Newborn Stages uses trusted sources, including government health agencies, children’s hospitals and pediatric organizations, to support the facts in our articles. Read our editorial policy to learn how we research, fact-check and keep our content accurate.
- HealthyChildren.org, American Academy of Pediatrics. How to keep your sleeping baby safe: AAP policy explained.
- HealthyChildren.org, American Academy of Pediatrics. Healthy Sleep Habits: How Many Hours Does Your Child Need?
