6 Month Sleep Regression
The 6 month sleep regression is a short patch of disrupted sleep, often 1 to 3 weeks, that shows up around 5 to 7 months. Unlike the 4 month regression, it isn't a permanent change in how babies sleep. It is usually a mix of new physical skills, first teeth, starting solids and a schedule that has outgrown 3 naps.
- Usually starts
- 5–7 months
- Typically lasts
- 1–3 weeks
- Main cause
- New skills and the 3-to-2 nap transition
Reviewed by Pediatric sleep consultant (TBC) · Updated 2026-09-25
Check today's nap times
Next nap
9:00 am
after 2 h awake · typical 2–3 hours
See the whole day
- 7:00 am Morning wake-up
- 9:00 am Nap 1 · until 10:00 am
- 12:20 pm Nap 2 · until 1:20 pm
- 4:00 pm Nap 3 · until 4:40 pm
- 7:40 pm Bedtime
Get a reminder before 9:00 am. The Wake Windows app pings you when the window is closing and re-plans the day when naps run short.
Why the 6 month sleep regression happens
- Sitting up and rolling both ways are exciting to practise, including at 2 am.
- Many babies are ready for longer wake windows (2–3 hours) and drop the third nap between 6 and 8 months.
- First teeth often come through around 6 months.
- Starting solids can change feeding patterns and occasionally cause tummy discomfort.
- Early separation awareness makes some babies more upset when a parent leaves the room.
Signs of the 6 month sleep regression
- Sudden night waking after weeks of good sleep.
- Refusing or fighting the third nap of the day.
- Early morning waking, often before 6 am.
- Rolling or sitting up in the crib instead of settling.
If your baby also has a fever, is feeding much less, or seems unwell, it is more likely illness than a regression. Check with your pediatrician.
What helps
- Give plenty of floor time during the day to practise rolling and sitting.
- Lengthen wake windows by 10–15 minutes if your baby takes a long time to fall asleep.
- If the third nap is refused for a week or more, move to 2 naps with an earlier bedtime.
- Ask your pediatrician about comfort options if teething clearly hurts.
- Keep night responses calm and consistent so new habits don't form.
Sample day at 6 months
6 month old schedule that helps
Overtiredness makes any regression harder. At 6 months, wake windows of 2–3 hours and 2–3 naps a day are typical. Here is a sample day for a 7 am wake-up:
- 7:00 am Morning wake-up
- 9:00 am Nap 1 · until 10:00 am
- 12:20 pm Nap 2 · until 1:20 pm
- 4:00 pm Nap 3 · until 4:40 pm
- 7:40 pm Bedtime
6 Month Sleep Regression questions
Is the 6 month sleep regression real?
It isn't a single developmental event like the 4 month change, but many babies do have a few rough weeks around 6 months, usually caused by new skills, teeth or a schedule that needs updating.
How long does the 6 month sleep regression last?
Usually 1 to 3 weeks.
Should my 6 month old drop to 2 naps?
If the third nap is consistently refused or pushes bedtime past 8 pm, it is likely time. Most babies make the switch between 6 and 8 months.
Can teething cause a 6 month sleep regression?
It can contribute. Teething discomfort tends to last a few days per tooth, so long-lasting changes usually have another cause.