Sleep Regression in Babies and Toddlers: What Parents in Singapore Should Know
- Oaklife Family Clinic
- 19 hours ago
- 5 min read
What Is Sleep Regression in Babies and Toddlers?
If your baby or toddler suddenly starts waking up at night, skipping naps, or fighting sleep when they were previously sleeping well, you might be facing a sleep regression. Sleep regression is a normal, temporary phase that often coincides with developmental milestones such as rolling over, crawling, standing, or speaking.
During these transitions, your child’s brain is busy processing new skills, which can disrupt their usual sleep patterns. While it can be an exhausting experience for parents, sleep regression is a sign that your little one is growing — and with the right strategies, it will pass.
When Does Sleep Regression Happen?
Sleep regressions commonly occur around specific ages. In Singapore, many parents first encounter it around 4 months, when babies transition to more adult-like sleep cycles and begin waking between phases.
Another typical regression happens around 8 to 10 months, when babies may experience separation anxiety or begin crawling and pulling to stand — exciting milestones that make it harder to wind down.
At around 12 months, increased mobility can lead to night wakings, while the 18-month regression is often linked to language bursts, teething, and even nightmares.
Some toddlers experience another regression at around 2 years, triggered by newfound independence, fears, or changes like potty training. These regressions can last anywhere from two to six weeks and vary in intensity from child to child.
Age | Duration | Common Causes | What It Looks Like |
4 months | 2–4 weeks | Sleep cycle changes, increased awareness | Frequent night wakings, shorter naps, difficulty falling asleep |
8–10 months | 3–6 weeks | Crawling, standing, separation anxiety | Clinginess, night crying, early waking |
12 months | 2–4 weeks | First steps, increased mobility | Waking after milestones, resisting naps |
18 months | 4–6 weeks | Language development, nightmares, teething | Night waking, fussiness, sleep refusal |
24 months | 3–6 weeks | Independence, fears, potty training, bedtime resistance | Tantrums at bedtime, stalling, waking in the night |
Signs of Sleep Regression
Not sure if it’s a regression or something else?
Common signs includ:
increased night waking,
shorter or disrupted naps,
difficulty falling asleep at bedtime, and
fussiness around sleep routines.
Your child might suddenly resist naps, cry when put down, or wake up frequently throughout the night. Some toddlers may also become more clingy or anxious at bedtime. The key distinction is that these changes often come after a period of good sleep — and they tend to resolve with time, especially with a consistent approach.
What Causes It?
Sleep regression is usually triggered by a combination of physical, emotional, and developmental changes.
Major developmental leaps — such as learning to roll, crawl, or speak — can affect how your child sleeps, as their brain is busy processing new skills. Emotional changes like separation anxiety, which often peaks between 8 to 10 months, can also lead to night wakings and clinginess. Changes in routine — such as returning from a holiday, illness, teething, or starting preschool — may further disrupt sleep.
In Singapore, environmental factors such as haze, heat, or even daylight savings changes (for those travelling) can also contribute to disrupted rest.
What Can Parents Do?
While it’s tempting to introduce new habits just to get some rest, it’s important to strike a balance between comforting your child and maintaining long-term healthy sleep habits.
Start with a consistent bedtime routine — one that includes calming activities like a warm bath, a feed, quiet story time, and dim lights. This helps cue your child’s brain that it’s time to sleep.
Try to avoid creating new sleep associations that may be hard to break later, such as feeding to sleep or excessive rocking, especially if these weren’t part of your previous routine.
Encourage your child to self-soothe by putting them down drowsy but awake. Give them a few minutes to settle on their own before intervening.
If they cry, offer gentle reassurance with your voice or presence, but try not to pick them up every time unless they’re clearly in distress.
Toddlers, in particular, benefit from knowing what to expect — so be patient but consistent. Keep in mind that this phase is temporary. Most regressions resolve within a few weeks with a stable routine and lots of reassurance. However, don’t be afraid to ask for help if you’re overwhelmed or unsure.
A local parenting survey by Medela Singapore found that 80% of mothers reported sleep struggles during their baby’s first year, with frequent night wakings being one of the top concerns. Many shared that they were unsure whether their baby’s sleep pattern was “normal,” or if they needed to change their routine. This highlights how common — and confusing — sleep regressions can be for new parents. Understanding the signs and patterns helps you respond with calm and confidence.
When to Seek Medical Advice
In most cases, sleep regression is a normal part of childhood development. But sometimes, frequent night wakings or trouble sleeping may indicate an underlying issue.
If your baby or toddler’s sleep problems last longer than six weeks, if they’re accompanied by poor feeding, slow weight gain, or excessive daytime sleepiness, it’s a good idea to check in with your family doctor.
Loud snoring, gasping, or mouth breathing during sleep may also be signs of conditions like sleep apnoea, which should be evaluated.
At Oaklife Family Clinic, we often help parents navigate these concerns, whether it's a physical issue like reflux or simply reassurance that your child’s development is on track.
You’re Not Alone
Sleep regression can feel never-ending, especially when you’re sleep-deprived and unsure of what to do next.
But remember — this is a common and temporary phase that many Singapore parents go through. Your child is adjusting to rapid changes in their body and brain, and with your support, they will find their way back to restful sleep.
If you ever feel stuck or concerned, our doctors at Oaklife Family Clinic are here to help. We offer baby-friendly consultations and developmental assessments to ensure your child is thriving — and as a CHAS-approved clinic, eligible families can receive subsidies for these visits.
FAQs on Sleep Regression in Singapore
Q: Is it normal for my baby to cry more during a sleep regression?
A. Yes — crying is often linked to frustration or developmental leaps. Your baby may be learning a new skill or feeling more aware of your absence at bedtime.
Q: Can I sleep train during a regression?
A. It’s possible, but it depends on your child’s temperament. Most experts recommend waiting until the regression passes before starting formal sleep training, though maintaining consistent sleep cues is still important.
Q: Should I co-sleep temporarily if nothing else works?
A. If it’s safe and works for your family, it can be a short-term solution — but be mindful that habits formed during regressions may be hard to break later.
Q: How do I know if it’s not a regression but a medical issue?
A. Red flags include prolonged crying, poor feeding, weight loss, snoring, or pauses in breathing during sleep. If in doubt, book a consultation.