If your baby is struggling with sleep, check out our complete sleep regression guide for the first year, which includes information on regressions occurring at three, four, six, seven, eight, and nine months.
What is Sleep Regression?
In general, sleep regression refers to periods—typically lasting between two to six weeks—when a baby or toddler who previously maintained a somewhat regular sleep schedule suddenly experiences disruptions. This can manifest as waking frequently during the night (with difficulty returning to sleep), taking shorter naps than usual, or outright refusing to nap altogether. This phase can be particularly frustrating for exhausted parents who believed they were finally establishing a normal sleep routine.
The concept of sleep regression in infants has been studied since the 1940s, according to developmental psychology research. Even after decades of investigation, scientists understand that sleep regressions occur but are still unsure about the underlying causes or exact timing. While there are numerous books and articles that outline specific “stages” of sleep regression, parents should remember that every baby’s experience is unique. If your child’s sleep patterns don’t align perfectly with established timelines, it’s generally nothing to worry about. Always consult your pediatrician if you have concerns.
What Happens During a Baby’s 9-Month Sleep Regression?
You might have noticed a pattern in parenting resources regarding sleep regressions that may not explicitly mention the nine-month phase. However, there are no strict rules regarding when these sleep disruptions will happen, so if your baby’s sleep regressions are unpredictable, that’s completely normal. Although the science behind sleep regressions is still developing, they often occur during significant cognitive and physical growth.
Signs that your baby is experiencing a nine-month sleep regression may include:
- Increased night wakings and longer times to settle back to sleep.
- Heightened fussiness or crankiness.
- Difficulty falling asleep.
- Shorter naps or complete refusal to nap.
- Resistance to sleep.
- More crying than usual.
Strategies for Managing Your Baby’s 9-Month Sleep Regression
First, check your baby’s temperature to ensure they don’t have a fever, as this can also disrupt sleep. If everything seems normal, your little one may just be navigating the nine-month sleep regression. Consider these strategies to help manage this phase:
- Maintain a consistent bedtime routine and sleep schedule for naps. While it may be tempting to keep them awake all day in hopes of extended nighttime sleep, a well-rested baby typically sleeps better at night.
- Ensure your baby’s belly is full and their diaper is clean at bedtime.
- Remove any distractions, like toys or gadgets, from their crib that could keep them awake.
- Encourage your baby to fall asleep in their crib rather than in a swing, while being held, or in the car.
- Ensure they have enough physical activity during the day to help them tire out by nighttime.
It’s essential to remember that, after nine months and possibly some sleep training, facing yet another sleep regression can be disheartening. However, this phase is temporary and does not reflect your parenting skills—it’s simply a part of babyhood.
What Should My 9-Month-Old’s Sleep Schedule Look Like?
Babies can have erratic sleep patterns, but they typically need around 12 to 16 hours of sleep daily. This sleep may not occur all at once but rather in segments. Ideally, they should get at least 10 hours of sleep overnight, and waking up during this time is completely normal.
For a more structured sleep schedule, consider the following example:
- 7:00 a.m. – Awake
- 9:30 a.m. – Nap
- 11:30 a.m. – Awake
- 2:00 p.m. – Nap
- 3:30 p.m. – Awake
- 7:00 p.m. – Bedtime routine
- 7:30 p.m. – Bedtime
Activities to Help a 9-Month-Old Sleep Through the Night
Managing the energy of a nine-month-old can be quite a challenge, but here are some activities to help your baby expend energy before bed:
- Use a large plastic ball and have your baby sit a few feet away from you. Roll the ball back and forth, encouraging them to retrieve it if it rolls away. This not only promotes walking but also teaches them about object movement and turn-taking.
- Play music together, even if you don’t have instruments. Use pots and wooden spoons to create noise—your child will enjoy the sounds and expend energy while boosting their hand-eye coordination.
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Summary
The nine-month sleep regression can be a tough phase for both parents and babies, marked by increased night waking and fussiness. Understanding that this is a normal part of development can help ease some of the stress. Establishing a consistent sleep routine and ensuring your baby is well-rested during the day are effective strategies for managing this period. Remember to breathe through it—this phase is temporary.
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