Updated on
11.4.25
You finally got the hang of your baby’s sleep routine. Nights were somewhat predictable, naps were happening without a full-blown battle, and dare we say—you were even getting a little rest yourself. But suddenly, out of nowhere, your once-sleepy little one has decided that bedtime is for amateurs. The moment you lay them down? Instant protest. Night wakings? Every. Two. Hours. You thought the newborn sleep phase was rough, but this? This is next-level exhaustion.
So, what’s going on? Did they suddenly forget how to sleep? Are they teething? Are they secretly conspiring against your sanity? Breathe, mama. You’re not alone. Welcome to the 9-month sleep regression—a completely normal, albeit very frustrating, developmental phase where sleep takes a temporary backseat. And yes, we said temporary.
At around 9 months, many babies go through a major developmental leap that disrupts their sleep routine. They’re learning new motor skills, developing separation anxiety, and—just for fun—deciding that nighttime is the perfect time to practice crawling in their crib. But don’t worry—we’re here to walk you through what’s happening, why it’s happening, and how to get through it. In this post, we’ll cover:
Just when you thought your baby’s sleep was settling into a routine, things take a turn. Suddenly, they’re waking up more at night, resisting naps, and turning bedtime into a never-ending struggle. Why is this happening?
The 9-month sleep regression is a temporary disruption in your baby’s sleep, often caused by big developmental leaps. Around this age, babies are busy learning new skills—pulling up, crawling, babbling more—which can make it harder for them to settle down at night. Their sleep cycles also mature, meaning they wake up more easily between sleep phases.
This regression typically happens between 8 and 10 months and can last a few days to a few weeks. While frustrating, it’s a sign that your baby is growing and developing new abilities. Sleep regressions are common at various stages—like at 4 months, 6 months, 8 months, 12 months, 18 months, and 24 months [1]—and though they feel like a setback, they’re a normal part of your baby’s progress.
If your little one is waking more often, taking shorter naps, or struggling to fall asleep, you’re not alone, and this phase won’t last forever.
You finally got into a rhythm—naps were predictable, nights were mostly restful, and just when you thought you had cracked the sleep code, everything changed. Your baby is suddenly wide awake at 2 a.m., refusing naps, and clinging to you like they’ve just discovered separation anxiety (because they probably have).
At around 9 months, babies experience a temporary but disruptive shift in sleep patterns. It may seem like they’ve forgotten how to sleep overnight, but in reality, their growing brains and bodies are working overtime. If bedtime has become a struggle, here are the key signs that the 9-month sleep regression has arrived:
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone—and more importantly, this won’t last forever. Your baby is simply adjusting to new changes, and with time, their sleep will improve again.
Sleep regressions and its impact on your baby’s night time sleep and nap time
If you're struggling to decode your baby’s sleep patterns, Happy Baby can help. With personalized sleep schedules and AI-driven insights, you’ll know exactly when your little one is ready for rest—before overtiredness kicks in. Say goodbye to second-guessing and hello to smoother sleep routines.
At 9 months, sleep isn’t as simple as it used to be. Your baby’s world is expanding—they’re learning, growing, and becoming more aware—and all of that development doesn’t just affect their daytime activities. It spills over into the night, making sleep more challenging.
Suddenly, their crib isn’t just a place to rest—it’s a space to practice pulling up or testing out new sounds. Bedtime doesn’t feel as safe when separation anxiety kicks in, and teething pain or a hungry belly can lead to unexpected wake-ups. Even changes in nap schedules or something as small as a noisy room can throw things off.
Here’s a closer look at the key reasons behind the 9-month sleep regression:
Your baby is learning big new skills—crawling, pulling up to stand, clapping, waving, and even babbling more. These exciting developments mean their brain is constantly processing new information, sometimes even in the middle of the night. And let’s be honest—if they’ve just figured out how to stand, they will try practicing at 3 a.m.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), separation anxiety tends to intensify around 9 to 10 months [2]. At this stage, babies develop object permanence, meaning they understand that when you leave the room, you still exist—but they don’t know when (or if!) you’re coming back. This can make bedtime extra challenging, as they suddenly fear being left alone, leading to more night wakings and clinginess.
By 9 months, many babies are cutting multiple teeth at once, which can cause sore gums, irritability, and night wake-ups. Teething pain tends to feel worse at night when there are fewer distractions, making it harder for babies to fall—and stay—asleep.
Around this age, babies are exploring more solid foods, but milk is still their main source of nutrition. If they aren’t getting enough breastmilk or formula during the day, they may wake up hungry at night. Changes in diet can also cause digestive discomfort—especially if they’re adjusting to new foods.
Many babies begin dropping their third nap around this age and shifting to a two-nap schedule. However, if wake windows aren’t adjusted properly, overtiredness sets in, making it harder for them to fall and stay asleep.
The good news? It’s temporary. While the 9-month sleep regression can feel overwhelming, it’s a sign that your baby is growing and learning. With small adjustments, their sleep will improve again soon.
Understanding why your baby is waking up is half the battle. Happy Baby learns from your baby’s sleep behavior, tracking patterns and milestones so you can stay ahead of sleep disruptions before they even happen. No more wondering why—just smart, tailored solutions for your baby’s needs.
When you're up for the third time in one night, this phase will never end. But the 9-month sleep regression is temporary—even if it doesn’t seem like it at the moment.
Most babies experience sleep disruptions for 2 to 6 weeks [3], though the exact length varies. Some babies adjust within a few days, while others struggle longer—especially if there are additional disruptions like teething, illness, or changes in routine.
If your baby's sleep hasn’t improved after 6 weeks, it’s worth checking in with a pediatrician to rule out underlying causes like reflux, allergies, or other health concerns.
For now, hang in there—all babies eventually settle into longer, more restful sleep. With the right adjustments, this phase will pass.
Sleep chart by age: How much sleep does my baby need?
At 9 months, sleep needs are still high, but every baby is different. Most thrive on 14 hours a day [4], while others need closer to 12 or even 13 hours to feel well-rested.
Here’s what a typical 9-month-old sleep schedule looks like:
Some babies naturally sleep longer at night, while others rely on longer naps to make up for shorter stretches of sleep. If your baby is well-rested, happy, and alert during wake windows, they’re likely getting enough sleep, even if their exact schedule looks a little different from the "average."
That said, consistent sleep deprivation can make sleep regressions worse—so if your baby seems extra fussy or overtired, it may be time to tweak their schedule.
Every baby is different, but finding the right sleep balance is easier with Happy Baby. Our AI-powered sleep tracker helps you fine-tune wake windows, nap schedules, and nighttime routines, ensuring your baby gets the right amount of sleep, at the right times—without the guesswork.
Sleep regressions don’t last forever, but it feels like they do when you’re in the middle of one. The good news? With the right strategies, you can make this phase easier—helping your baby settle back into a healthy sleep routine while keeping yourself sane in the process. Here’s a comprehensive guide to handling the 9-month sleep regression smoothly:
Your baby’s surroundings can make or break their sleep quality. Set them up for success with:
A predictable, calming bedtime routine helps babies recognize that it’s time for sleep. This might include:
The key? Do the same steps every night, in the same order, at the same time.
Sleep regressions can throw off schedules, so a small tweak in bedtime might help:
Hunger is a common culprit for middle-of-the-night wake-ups. Make sure your baby is:
By 9 months, many babies drop their third nap, but wake windows need to be just right to avoid overtiredness:
At this age, babies develop object permanence, meaning they now understand that when you leave, you still exist—but they don’t know when you’ll return. This can make night wakings more intense.
If sore gums are making sleep difficult:
When sleep regressions hit, it’s tempting to introduce quick fixes—but some habits are harder to break later.
When your baby wakes at night, keep things calm and predictable:
Sleep regressions take a toll on everyone.
Most 9-month sleep regressions last 2 to 6 weeks. Stick to consistent routines, adjust as needed, and give yourself grace—soon enough, your baby will settle back into longer, more restful sleep.
Sleep regressions don’t have to feel like a battle. Happy Baby provides expert-backed guidance, sleep tracking, and real-time adjustments to help you navigate this phase with confidence. Get personalized sleep recommendations that adapt as your baby grows—so you can focus less on stress and more on snuggles.
Most sleep regressions resolve on their own within 2 to 6 weeks, but sometimes, something more might be at play. If your baby’s sleep struggles persist beyond six weeks or come with other concerning symptoms, it’s worth checking in with your pediatrician.
If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts. Your pediatrician can help rule out issues like reflux, allergies, ear infections, or nutritional concerns that may be affecting sleep.
Sleep regressions are tough, but you’re not alone—and if something seems off, don’t hesitate to reach out for support.
The 9-month sleep regression can feel like a never-ending cycle of wake-ups, fussiness, and sheer exhaustion—but remember, it’s temporary. Your baby is growing, learning, and adjusting to big developmental changes, and with the right support, their sleep will stabilize again.
Stick to consistent routines, adjust as needed, and trust the process—soon enough, those long stretches of sleep will return. And in the meantime, you’re doing an amazing job.
Are you tired of guessing when your baby should sleep? Let Happy Baby do the work for you. With personalized sleep schedules and expert-backed guidance, you’ll know exactly when to put your baby down—before overtiredness strikes. Take the stress out of sleep regressions and start building better sleep habits today.
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