Is your child’s sleep schedule all of a sudden all over the place? The next minute they’re soundly asleep, and the next you’re waking up every few hours. Maybe naps have become a wrestling match, or they’ve just vanished entirely. If you’re spending more time swaying and soothing than actually getting some rest yourself, we hear you – you’re exhausted, and trust us, so many parents are right there with you.
The 5-month sleep regression sounds a lot like what you might be experiencing. It’s a very common, but exhausting stage that many newborns (and their equally exhausted parents!) go through. This is also a perfectly normal—even exciting—phase of your child’s development. Not only can it improve your baby’s sleep, but it can also improve your own health if you know what’s really happening, why these changes are occurring, and how to gently help them through them.
What Is A Month Sleep Regression?
Consider a sleep regression as a brief pause in your infant’s sleep cycle. It occurs when their regular, predictable sleep schedules abruptly become chaotic. You may observe them waking up more frequently, acting fussier, and finding it more difficult to fall or remain asleep.
These little sleep shake-ups often pop up around big developmental leaps, like the ones that can happen around 4 months, 5 months, 8 months, and other key stages.
So, when we talk about a 5-month sleep regression, what’s unique about this one?
Around five months, your baby’s world is expanding at an incredible pace. They’re becoming much more aware of everything around them, busy mastering exciting new skills (hello, rolling over!), hitting growth spurts, and even adjusting to more mature sleep cycles. All these amazing developments can temporarily throw a wrench in those established routines you and your baby had finally settled into.
The good news? It’s a phase. The bad news? It can last anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks.
Also Read– What is Child Regression
Signs of Sleep Regression
How can you tell if it’s the 5 month sleep regression or just a bad week?
Look for these signs of sleep regression:
Your baby was sleeping well, but now wakes more often
Naps are shorter or skipped entirely
Baby is fussier than usual during nap or bedtime
Increased crying or clinginess at night
Trouble falling back asleep without your help
More frequent night feedings or general restlessness
These signs can come on suddenly and may not follow any pattern at first. But if your baby is around five months old and showing several of these behaviors, it’s likely a sleep regression.
Also Read– Sleep Regression in 2 years old
What Causes Sleep Regression At 5 Months?
Wondering what exactly causes sleep regression at this age?
There’s no single reason. It’s usually a mix of biological, cognitive, and emotional changes that are all happening at once.
- Cognitive Development
- Physical Growth
- Rolling and Movement
- Teething
- Changes in Sleep Cycle
At 5 months, babies start processing their environment more deeply. They recognize familiar faces, respond to voices, and are more alert. All that brain activity can make it harder to wind down.
Around this time, growth spurts frequently occur. Your baby’s sleep may be disturbed if they feel more hungry or restless than normal.
Many babies begin rolling over at this stage. This new ability can cause them to wake more easily—or even get stuck in a new position they’re not used to.
Teething might start with drooling, gum pain, or chewing. Even without a tooth, your baby may feel pressure.
Before now, your baby’s sleep was more like a newborn’s—deep and undisturbed. Around 5 months, their sleep becomes more like ours, cycling through lighter and deeper stages. That means they’re more likely to wake between cycles.
Each of these on its own is enough to disrupt sleep. Combined, they create the perfect storm that is the 5 month sleep regression.
Aslo read– Ideal Timing for Baby Sleep Training
How Long Will It Last?
Most month sleep regressions last 2 to 6 weeks. Some babies bounce back in a few days. Others may take a little longer.
What matters most is consistency. How you respond during this phase can shape your baby’s sleep habits in the months ahead.
Some Tips To Handle The 5 Month Sleep Regression
It is tough, but not impossible! Here are some practical ways to make it easier for both you and your little one 🙂
- Stick To A Consistent Routine
- Create A Calm Sleep Environment
- Allow Opportunities to Self-Soothe
- Offer More Feedings During the Day
- Balance Wake Time and Nap Time
- Don’t Skip Naps
- Stay Calm and Reassuring
- Ask For Help
Babies find comfort in predictability. A simple bedtime routine helps them understand that sleep is coming.
Try something like this:
BathPajamas
Dim lights
Feed
Lullaby or quiet cuddle
Do the same steps in the same order every evening.
Think of the bedroom or crib as your baby’s physical classroom for sleep. It should be free of noise, bright lights, and distractions.
Use blackout curtains. Try a white noise machine. Keep the temperature comfortable—not too warm or too cold.
Also read– Strategies for Helping Sick Kids Sleep
If your baby stirs, don’t rush in immediately. Sometimes they might settle back on their own.
You can give them a minute or two to fuss before picking them up. Over time, this builds self-soothing skills.
A growing baby might need more calories. They could wake up at night for additional feedings if they aren’t getting enough food during the day.
Aim to space out fuller, more frequent feedings throughout the day. They may be able to sleep through the night thanks to this.
Your baby should be awake for 2 to 2.5 hours between naps. Too little awake time can lead to under-tiredness, while too much can cause overtiredness.
Both lead to restless sleep. Watch your baby’s cues and adjust the timing accordingly.
During sleep regression newborn phases and beyond, skipping naps only makes night sleep worse.
Help your baby nap—whether that’s in a crib, carrier, stroller, or your arms. Sleep during the day supports better sleep at night.
Regression is tough. Your baby may cry more, need more cuddles, and test your patience.
But they’re not doing it on purpose. They’re adjusting to a lot of change.
A calm, confident parent helps a baby feel secure.
Sleep deprivation can have negative consequences for both your physical and emotional health. Do not be afraid to seek the help of a friend, a grandparent, or your companion.
Taking turns for night shifts or taking naps during the day can provide the necessary slumber to help you reset.
Sleep Regression Newborn vs. 5 Months: What’s Different?
A sleep regression newborn experience is often linked to hunger, colic, or adjustment to being outside the womb.
At 5 months, the reasons shift to brain development, movement, and light sleep cycles.
That’s why strategies that worked in the first few weeks—like rocking or cluster feeding—might not work as well now.
It’s time to build new sleep skills and adapt to your baby’s growing needs.
Remember, This Is Just a Phase
Sleep regressions feel overwhelming. Especially when you’ve just started to enjoy longer stretches of rest.
But the 5 month sleep regression isn’t forever.
It means your baby is growing and changing the way they should. Yes, it could be annoying. But then, it also means they’re growing, learning, and seeing the world around them more clearly.
Stay consistent. Stay patient. And do not forget to take care of yourself too.
EuroKids recognises that each phase of your child’s growth presents unique challenges. Our programs are intended to facilitate the routines of child development, including playtime and naptime, in addition to academic pursuits. Visit the nearest EuroKids centre today!
