Updated on
23.4.25
Ever feel like your baby has secretly teamed up with the universe to keep you on your toes? Just as you finally decode their sleep patterns, the 6-week sleep regression swoops in like a tiny, sleep-depriving ninja. Suddenly, naps are negotiable, nights are unpredictable, and you’re left wondering if "sleep like a baby" was ever an actual thing.
Take a deep breath; you’re not alone. Sleep regressions and growth spurts are just part of the wild ride of babyhood. Yes, they’ll test your patience (and maybe your caffeine tolerance), but no, they won’t last forever. And the good news? You can get through this with a little know-how and a lot of grace.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything about the 6-week sleep regression and growth spurt: what they are, how to spot them, and most importantly, how to navigate them without losing your cool. Ready? Let’s tackle this phase together, one yawn at a time.
Here’s a quick peek at what we’ll cover in this blog:
By now, you may be asking, “What is the 6-week sleep regression, and why is my baby suddenly waking up every hour?” Well, don’t panic! The 6-week sleep regression is a common developmental phase that many newborns go through, typically around the 6-week mark. During this time, your baby’s sleep patterns can become disrupted, leaving you wondering what happened to those “long stretches” of sleep you had been enjoying.
This regression often occurs because your baby is undergoing rapid brain development. They're becoming more alert, aware of their surroundings, and are experiencing growth in their cognitive and physical abilities. While this is exciting, it can also make it harder for your baby to settle into their usual sleep schedule. And as a result, those peaceful nights may suddenly seem like a distant memory.
Sleep regressions are common during periods of significant growth or development. Around 6 weeks, your baby’s brain is working overtime to process new skills and information, which can interfere with their sleep. This regression occurs as their sleep patterns mature and become more like an adult’s sleep cycle, where they transition between different sleep stages.
The 6-week regression is also related to your baby’s growing awareness of their environment. They may suddenly become more distracted or even more easily startled by external sounds or movements, making it harder for them to fall asleep or stay asleep. This can be exacerbated by factors like teething, hunger, or even the natural growth spurts that often happen around this time.
Here’s your friendly reminder: Sleep regressions are a normal part of your baby’s development, and they don’t last forever! While they can last anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks[1], not every baby will experience noticeable changes, and some may even sail through them with ease.
If your baby is a tricky sleeper, you might not even notice much of a difference! Remember, you're not alone in this. Sleep regressions are common, but they will pass, and with a little patience, your baby will be back to their usual routine soon enough. You've got this!
Several factors contribute to the 6-week sleep regression, but Happy Baby offers professional tools to help you through this phase. Explore how we can cater to your baby's individual needs and promote peaceful nights for your family.
Recognizing the signs of the 6-week sleep regression can help you prepare for the shift. Here are some common signs to look out for:
Parent Tip: Sleep disruptions around 6 weeks often go hand-in-hand with changes in feeding patterns. If your baby is waking more often and also seems hungrier or restless during feeds, it may be a double whammy of a sleep regression and a growth spurt. Totally normal—just follow their cues and offer extra comfort when needed!
Wondering when it’s time to transition your newborn from a bassinet to a crib? Learn all about the right time and tips for moving your baby in our blog, Moving Your Newborn from a Bassinet to a Crib: How Long Should a Baby Sleep in a Bassinet?
Now that you have a better understanding of the signs and symptoms of the 6-week sleep regression, it’s time to take a look at another common phenomenon around this age—the 6-week growth spurt. Let’s explore how this growth spurt can further affect your baby’s sleep patterns and overall behavior.
A growth spurt at 6 weeks is a major milestone in your baby’s development, often coinciding with the 6-week sleep regression. This is when your baby’s body experiences rapid physical growth, leading to a sudden increase in appetite and a more restless sleep pattern. This phase can be exhausting for both you and your baby, but it’s important to remember that it’s a temporary stage and part of their natural development.
When your baby hits a growth spurt, their body is working hard to grow and develop. This causes an increase in hunger, as their body needs more energy to fuel this rapid growth. As a result, your baby might wake more frequently at night to feed, and this can affect their usual sleep schedule.
Growth spurts can also lead to more discomfort during sleep. Your baby might be restless because their body is adjusting to the physical changes. This can cause them to wake up more often or have a harder time settling down. These disturbances are especially noticeable if they were previously sleeping well and then suddenly begin waking up every couple of hours.
Guess what? Growth spurts are all about rapid physical changes like increases in height, weight, and length. Meanwhile, developmental milestones highlight your baby’s growing cognitive, emotional, and motor skills as they reach new stages of maturity![2]
So, how can you tell if your baby is going through a growth spurt? Here are some signs to watch out for:
Check out our blog on Understanding Why Babies Cry in Their Sleep and How to Soothe Them for helpful tips!"
Now that we’ve covered the growth spurt, you might be wondering how you can manage both the 6-week sleep regression and the growth spurt to help your baby sleep better. Let’s dive into some practical tips to help you navigate these challenging weeks.
Every stage of your baby's sleep journey has its own hurdles and successes. Embrace each experience, and know that with Happy Baby’s tailored insights, you'll feel confident and assured throughout. You've got this!
The 6-week sleep regression and growth spurt can feel like a perfect storm. Your baby is suddenly fussier, hungrier, and fighting sleep like a tiny insomniac. However, while this phase is challenging, it is also temporary and manageable with the right approach. Below, we will explore practical, step-by-step strategies to help you and your baby navigate this developmental leap with less stress and greater confidence.
Why it matters: Babies thrive on predictability, but rigid schedules can backfire during regressions and growth spurts. Instead, aim for a flexible rhythm that adapts to your baby’s changing needs.
How to do it:
Pro tip: A cozy, consistent sleep space can work wonders for a baby whose brain is in overdrive.
Must-haves for better sleep:
Curious about how white noise can enhance your baby's sleep? Check out infant colic relief and sleep with white noise to learn more!
Growth spurts equal hunger spikes. Here is how to keep your baby fueled without losing your mind:
Feeding hacks:
Tip: The next time you need to burp your baby, use repeated, gentle pats on her back, cupping your hand slightly for a softer touch than using a flat palm. To protect your clothes from any potential spit-up or "wet burps," drape a towel or bib over your lap or shoulder.[6]
Wondering whether you should wake your newborn for feedings during their sleep? Check out our blog on Sleeping Newborn: Should You Wake the Baby for Feedings? to find out how to manage those nighttime feedings
When your baby is overtired or overstimulated, try these calming techniques:
The 5 S’s:
Bonus tricks:
Check out our detailed blog on What are active sleep and sleep patterns in newborns? for more insights into how your little one’s sleep evolves
You cannot pour from an empty cup. Survival tips for exhausted parents:
Most sleep regressions and growth spurts resolve within 2-6 weeks. However, consult your pediatrician if:
With these tips in mind, you’re well on your way to surviving (and maybe even thriving) through the 6-week sleep regression and growth spurt.
The 6-week sleep regression and growth spurt can be tough, but don’t worry—this phase is temporary! While it may feel overwhelming now, with patience, consistency, and flexibility, you’ll soon find your rhythm. As your baby grows and develops, they’ll continue to need extra comfort, so stay in tune with their needs and create a consistent routine to help them feel secure. You might feel like you’re riding a roller coaster right now, but trust that smoother days are ahead.
It’s important to remember that regressions and growth spurts are just part of your baby’s journey, and with a little extra care, you can help guide them through these stages.
Need a bit more support? is here to make the ride easier. With personalized insights, expert advice, and handy tracking tools, we’ll help you manage your baby’s sleep and growth. Download the app today and take the guesswork out of parenting!
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