The 9-Month Sleep Regression: Why It’s So Hard & How to Fix It
- Ashley Olson
- Jul 24
- 3 min read
The 9-month sleep regression is no joke. Just when you thought sleep was on track, your baby starts waking more, fighting naps, and refusing bedtime like it’s a full-time job. Sound familiar?
You’re not imagining it. This regression is a real developmental stage, and it’s a tough one. But the good news is there are practical, supportive ways to help your baby through it— and get your nights (and sanity) back on track.
What Is the 9-Month Sleep Regression?
The 9-month sleep regression usually happens between 8 and 10 months and is triggered by big developmental milestones like:
Crawling or pulling to stand
Object permanence
Increased language processing
Separation anxiety
Your baby’s brain is in overdrive, and sleep often takes a hit. You might notice:
Increased night wakings
Shorter naps or nap refusal
Early morning wakings
Fussier bedtimes
Needing more help to fall asleep
This is frustrating (especially if you’ve been enjoying some longer stretches), but it’s also completely normal. Their little brain is so busy practicing skills—even in their sleep!
Why This Regression Feels So Intense
This one hits differently because it's often paired with big changes in mobility and attachment. Babies are starting to understand that you can walk away… and that’s upsetting. Add in a major burst of energy from crawling and standing, and suddenly sleep takes a back seat to practicing new skills or seeking reassurance.
According to a study published in Sleep Medicine, increased motor development is associated with disrupted sleep around this age. (Scher, A. 2005. Infant sleep at 10 months and the relation to cognitive and motor development.)
Basically, your baby is doing important work, but it’s costing you some rest.
How to Help Your Baby Through It
There’s no magic wand for regressions (I wish!), but here’s what you can do to make it smoother:
1. Stay consistent.
This is the hardest part when you’re exhausted, but it matters. Stick to your routines and bedtime rituals, even if your baby is resisting them.
2. Keep the environment sleep-friendly.
Make sure the sleep space is dark, quiet, and distraction-free. White noise can help mask household noise and soothe them.
3. Practice new skills during the day.
Let them crawl, cruise, and stand to their heart’s content while they’re awake. This can reduce the urge to practice in the middle of the night.
4. Offer extra comfort— but with boundaries.
Reassure your baby if they’re struggling with separation, but don’t start new habits you don’t want to keep long-term (like holding to sleep every time they wake).
You can offer support without overhauling your sleep approach completely. Our membership walks you through how to strike that balance.
5. Reevaluate their sleep schedule.
At 9 months, most babies are taking 2 naps per day and sleeping around 11–12 hours at night. Too much or too little daytime sleep can make regressions worse. Here’s a sample schedule:
Sample 9-Month Schedule
Wake: 6:30 AM
Nap 1: 9:30–10:45 AM
Nap 2: 2:15–3:30 PM
Bedtime: 7:15 PM
Need a custom schedule? Read our blog on nap transitions and schedule tweaks.
When to Ask for Help
If your baby’s sleep hasn’t improved after a few weeks—or you feel like you’re guessing your way through this—there’s no shame in getting support. You don’t have to push through alone, especially if your baby (or you!) are overtired.
At Raising Happy Sleepers, we offer 1:1 support and a low-pressure membership full of guides, schedules, and coaching videos that walk you through regressions like this with calm confidence. No cry-it-out required.
Explore the membership here. (and use code FIRSTMONTH to save $10!)
What Comes Next?
The 9-month sleep regression usually passes in 2–6 weeks. It’s a sign that your baby is growing in amazing ways—even if it’s exhausting right now. Stay consistent, offer connection, and adjust your routine where needed.
And remember: just because this is normal doesn’t mean you have to suffer through it solo.
You’re doing a great job. Sleep will get better again.
