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Is There a 9-Month Sleep Regression?

Writer's picture: Charlotte EvansCharlotte Evans

Updated: 4 days ago

If you're a parent of a baby or young child trying to navigate sleep, you've likely heard of the term "sleep regression." But how many regressions are there really, and is a 9-month sleep regression one of them? I’m here to help you understand what’s fact and what’s myth when it comes to sleep and milestones at this age.


What Is a Sleep Regression?

The term "regression" can be a bit misleading. It implies that your baby has lost a skill or forgotten how to sleep, which isn’t actually the case. Instead, what we often call a regression is more about temporary disruptions in sleep, often caused by developmental leaps or milestones.


In reality, there is only one true regression - the 4-month sleep regression. At this age, your baby undergoes a fundamental change in their sleep architecture, transitioning to more adult-like sleep cycles. This shift can result in more frequent waking as your baby learns to navigate these new cycles.


Any sleep disturbances beyond this point are typically linked to external factors, such as milestones, changes in routine, or temporary discomfort, not necessarily a "regression."


Is There Really a 9-Month Sleep Regression?

The short answer is no. While some parents might notice disruptions around this time, they aren’t part of a formal or predictable "regression." Instead, these disruptions are often linked to milestones or developmental changes that can temporarily affect sleep, such as:


  • Crawling or standing: Physical milestones may lead to middle-of-the-night practice sessions.

  • Developing memory skills: Babies start to understand object permanence (things still exist even when they can’t see them), which can contribute to separation anxiety.

  • Learning language: Babbling, mimicking, and processing language can make your baby’s brain extra active, even at bedtime.


While these milestones can affect sleep, not all babies will experience disruptions, and those that do have the opportunity to bounce back quickly with the right support.


9 month sleep regression

The Truth About "Leaps"

You may have heard about developmental "leaps" from a popular app or book that claims babies experience set periods of disruption due to growth. However, it’s worth noting that this theory has been scientifically discredited due to a lack of evidence. Milestones and sleep changes don’t happen on a strict timeline. Every baby is unique, so there’s no guarantee your little one will experience sleep disruptions at 9 months, or any specific age.


How to Support Your Baby’s Sleep During Milestones

If your baby’s sleep is disrupted during this time, there are simple steps you can take to help them navigate these changes:


  1. Ensure Adequate Daytime Sleep Getting decent sleep is crucial for your baby’s development - as well as allowing their bodies to rest, it allows their brain to process their new skills. Striking the right balance of daytime sleep ensures they are getting the rest they need, but also still tired enough at bedtime for longer stretches of sleep at night.

  2. Encourage Practice During the Day Give your baby plenty of time to practice new skills like crawling or pulling up during awake periods. This helps them satisfy their curiosity and reduces the urge to practice in the middle of the night.

  3. Spend Quality Time Together Separation anxiety often peaks around this age. Spending intentional, focused time with your baby during the day can reassure them and reduce night time wakings caused by wanting to reconnect.

  4. Practice Self-Settling If your baby relies on rocking, feeding, or other external help to fall asleep, they’re more likely to wake between their sleep cycles and look for that same support. Gently encourage self-settling so they can return to sleep independently when they wake.


Final thoughts

So, is there a 9-month sleep regression? Not really. Sleep disruptions at this age are more likely tied to developmental milestones or temporary changes, and they don’t necessarily happen to every baby. With the right strategies - ensuring enough daytime sleep, practicing self-settling, practicing their new skills, and spending quality time, you can help prevent or minimise sleep disruptions.


Remember, every baby is different. Milestones don’t always lead to sleep issues, and there’s no need to brace yourself for a lifetime of regressions. Trust your instincts, focus on your baby’s unique needs, and know that most disruptions are only temporary.


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