There comes a time in every parent's life when their baby, who had started sleeping through the night, suddenly begins waking up every two hours. Or even every hour. For no apparent reason.
This is called a sleep regression.
And we don't tell you clearly enough: it's normal, it's temporary, and it's often a sign that your baby is developing well.
What is a sleep regression?
A sleep regression is a period during which a baby who had good sleep habits starts to sleep in a fragmented way again, as if they were younger.
These periods usually occur at specific developmental milestones: around 4 months, 8-10 months, 12 months, 18 months.
The most well-known — and often the most intense — is the 4-month regression. At this age, a baby's brain matures and their sleep architecture changes: they transition from two-phase sleep (light sleep / deep sleep) to an adult four-phase cycle. This change is permanent, and the baby must learn to navigate these new cycles.
The result: they wake up between each cycle and don't yet know how to fall back asleep on their own.
How long does it last?
The honest answer: it varies. Generally, 2 to 6 weeks. Sometimes less, sometimes more.
The intensity also varies depending on the baby and what you implement during this period.
What helps (and what doesn't)
What helps:
Maintaining a consistent bedtime routine (same time, same rituals)
Ensuring the baby is not overstimulated at the end of the day
Temporarily accepting more contact (carrying, presence) without guilt — this is an appropriate response to the baby's needs, not a definitive “bad habit”
Alternating with another parent to avoid exhaustion
What doesn't help:
Suddenly changing all sleep habits in the middle of a regression
Comparing your baby to others (every baby is different)
Thinking you're doing something wrong — regression happens regardless of your parenting practices
A word about guilt
Sleep regression is one of the periods where parental guilt is strongest.
We tell ourselves we should have "accustomed" them differently, that we "missed" something. That's not true. It's neurological development, not a consequence of your choices.
What matters is getting through this period by taking care of yourself as much as your baby. And remembering that it passes — truly.
At Gabriel & Compagnie, we believe informed parents make better choices.
That's why we talk as much about what we experience as what we sell.
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