It’s a common — and exhausting — experience for parents. Just when you think you’ve finally got your baby’s sleep routine down, your 6-month-old suddenly won’t sleep. Night wakings return, naps fall apart, and bedtime battles feel endless.

If you’re in this phase, you’re far from alone. Many parents notice sleep disruptions around six months of age, often due to major developmental leaps and changing sleep cycles. The good news? It’s normal, temporary, and solvable. With consistency, patience, and safe sleep practices, your family can find its rhythm again.

Key Takeaways

• Around six months, babies become more aware of their surroundings, which can lead to more wake-ups and difficulty settling.
  

• Common signs include frequent night wakings, short naps, and increased fussiness or clinginess.
  

• The 6-month sleep regression typically lasts a few days to a few weeks, depending on your baby’s development.
  

• Consistency — in routines, environment, and response — is key to getting through this phase.
  

• Always follow safe sleep practices: baby sleeps on their back, on a firm, flat surface, in their own sleep space.
  

(Sources: American Academy of Pediatrics, 2023; Sleep Foundation, 2022)

Introduction: When Sleep Suddenly Gets Hard Again

By six months, many parents have established a comfortable rhythm — only for sleep to suddenly unravel. Your little one who was once sleeping longer stretches now wakes every hour. It’s frustrating, exhausting, and confusing.

This shift is often linked to the 6-month sleep regression, a completely normal developmental phase that temporarily affects how babies sleep.

Common reasons your 6-month-old may not be sleeping well:

• Developmental milestones: Rolling, sitting, and increased mobility are all skills your baby wants to practice, both day and night.
  

• Separation awareness: Babies begin recognizing when you’re gone, triggering fussiness at bedtime.
  

• Maturing sleep cycles: Babies start cycling through light and deep sleep more like adults — meaning more chances to be aware of their surroundings during sleep cycle transitions.
  

• Teething: Adding discomfort, particularly overnight.
  

Remember: this doesn’t mean you’ve done anything wrong. Your baby’s sleep is changing because they’re growing.

(Source: AAP, 2023)

Why Is My 6-Month-Old Not Sleeping?

At six months, your baby’s brain and body are working overtime. They’re learning new skills, responding to sights and sounds, and beginning to understand cause and effect. That cognitive leap can make sleep feel impossible.

Common causes include:

• Overstimulation: New awareness means it’s harder to wind down.
  

• Overtiredness: Too-long wake windows can lead to cranky, restless sleep.
  

• New feeding patterns: Some babies no longer need night feeds, while others begin to wake more often for comfort.
  

• Environment: Noisy rooms or bright light can disrupt their sensitive sleep.
  

Signs your 6-month-old is struggling include:

• Frequent night wakings or crying when laid down.
  

• Difficulty falling asleep despite being tired.
  

• Naps becoming inconsistent or shorter.
  

• Fussiness during nighttime awakenings.

• Waking early in the morning and being unable to fall back to sleep.
  

HALO Tip: Create a predictable bedtime routine and calm environment — think soft lighting, quiet lullabies, and a cozy HALO® SleepSack® to cue that it’s time to sleep.

(Source: Sleep Foundation, 2022)

What Is the 6-Month Sleep Regression?

The term sleep regression describes when a baby who’s been sleeping well suddenly starts waking up more frequently. Around six months, this is usually triggered by major cognitive and physical development.

What’s happening:

• Your baby’s sleep cycles are maturing, which means they are cycling in and out of sleep cycles more frequently than before.
  

• They’re practicing new skills — rolling, babbling, grabbing — even in their sleep!
  

• Their brains are developing quickly, which can make it harder to settle down at night.
  

What you might notice:

• Frequent night wakings or longer settling times.
  

• Increased clinginess or “false starts” after bedtime.
  

• Nap disruptions and shorter total sleep.
  

It’s important to keep in mind that this is not regression in the sense of losing progress — it’s progress masked as chaos.

How Long Does the 6-Month Sleep Regression Last?

Most sleep regressions last no longer than 2–3 weeks. For some babies, particularly those who have learned independent sleep skills, it passes more quickly; while others need more time to adjust.

What helps shorten the phase:

• Stay consistent with bedtime routines — same order, same time.
  

• Keep your response calm and predictable.
  

• Encourage independent sleep skills (begin to place baby in their crib awake to allow them to be aware of where they are falling asleep).
  

• Avoid introducing new habits, like feeding or rocking to sleep, that may be hard to break later.

• Consider a schedule adjustment to prevent overtiredness during this phase.
  

HALO Tip: A HALO® SleepSack® can help your baby feel snug and secure without loose blankets — keeping sleep safe and consistent even during regressions.

(Source: Sleep Foundation, 2022)

(Source: American Academy of Pediatrics, 2023)

Should You Sleep Train Your 6-Month-Old?

This is one of the most common — and emotionally charged — sleep questions. At six months, many babies are capable of learning to self-soothe, but every family’s comfort level and baby’s readiness differ. The 6-month sleep regression is often a sign that your child is ready to learn independent sleep habits and this is a great time to consider teaching them. 

If you’re considering sleep training:

• Talk with your pediatrician first to ensure your baby is developmentally ready.
  

• Choose an approach that aligns with your parenting style — from consistent crib-side assistance to gentle check-ins at timed intervals.
  

• Always ensure baby’s basic needs (feeding, comfort, safety) are met before bedtime.
  

• Keep consistency: whichever method you choose, follow through calmly and predictably.
  

There’s no one “right” answer — and no evidence that sleep training harms attachment or emotional health when done appropriately. Many parents report only positive outcomes from teaching independent sleep, claims which are backed by research as well. 

(Source: AAP, “Helping Babies Learn to Sleep on Their Own,” 2023)

How to Help Your Baby Through the Regression

In addition to considering sleep training, there are also strategies you can implement during the daytime to help your baby work through this sleep regression.

Here are some daytime tips for sleep regression progress:

• Provide extra time for lots of practice of any newly-gained skills. This will fill their curiosity tank during waking hours and help to settle their active brains overnight.
  

• Feed them after they wake from their naps, instead of right before. This will help to ensure they are taking full feedings, shift any feed-to-sleep associations, and allow calories to stay in the daytime.
  

• Consider shifting your baby’s daytime schedule. Most babies still need 3 naps per day and may need more wake time for practicing newly gained skills. Be sure to not keep them awake longer then 3 hours to prevent overtiredness!
  

Remember that your baby is going and developing beautifully during this time period. While the sleep deprivation can be frustrating, it is also completely solvable with some gentle tweaks.  

Sleep Tips for a Restless 6-Month-Old

When sleep goes sideways, focus on returning to basics: routine, environment, and safety.

Try these HALO-approved tips:

• Create a bedtime routine: Full feeding, bath, pajamas, lullaby — consistency builds cues.
  

• Follow wake windows: Most 6-month-olds can stay awake for about 2–3 hours between naps.
  

• Keep it simple: Crib or bassinet only — no toys, pillows, or blankets.
  

• Use white noise: Helps mask household sounds and promotes deeper sleep.
  

• Dress safely: Replace loose blankets with a HALO® SleepSack® wearable blanket for warmth and comfort.
  

• Feed well during the day: Ensures hunger isn’t the cause of frequent wakings.
  

• Encourage self-soothing: Give baby a few moments to resettle before intervening.
  

(Sources: AAP Safe Sleep Guidelines, 2023; National Sleep Foundation, 2022)

When to Talk to Your Pediatrician

Most sleep regressions resolve naturally, but you should reach out to your pediatrician if:

• Your baby isn’t gaining weight or eating well.
  

• There’s a noticeable decrease in wet diapers.
  

• Breathing issues, persistent crying, or unusual sleep behaviors occur.
  

• The regression lasts longer than 4-6  weeks despite consistent routines.
  

Your pediatrician can rule out medical issues like reflux or allergies and possibly refer you to a pediatric sleep consultant who can tailor a sleep plan that fits your baby’s needs.

(Source: AAP, 2023)

Remember: You’re Doing Great!

Parenting through a sleep regression is no small feat. It’s easy to feel defeated when your baby’s sleep unravels — but remember, this is a sign of growth, not failure.

Keep in mind:

• This phase is temporary and will pass.
  

• Consistency helps, but perfection isn’t required.
  

• Your baby’s brain and body are developing beautifully — even if it’s costing you sleep right now.
  

• Taking care of yourself matters, too. Rest when you can, ask for help, take breaks, and consider “shift work” for your overnights with your partner, if available, in order to allow you to catch up on sleep. 

• Remember: you’re not alone.
  

HALO’s mission is to make safe, restful sleep easier for every family. Whether it’s the HALO® SleepSack® or BassiNest®, our products are designed to give you peace of mind during every stage — even the sleepless ones.

References

1. American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Helping Babies Learn to Sleep on Their Own. (2023). HealthyChildren.org
   

2. Sleep Foundation. Baby Sleep Regressions: What They Are and How to Manage Them. (2022). SleepFoundation.org

3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Infant Sleep and Safety Guidelines. (2023). CDC.gov