The 10 month sleep regression can catch parents off guard just when they thought their baby's sleep was finally on track. One day your little one is sleeping through the night, and the next they're waking up multiple times, refusing naps, and fighting bedtime like never before.
This sudden shift in sleep patterns isn't your imagination—it's a real developmental phase that most babies experience around 10 months. The good news? Understanding what's happening and why can help you navigate this challenging period with confidence.
In this guide, we'll cover the telltale signs of sleep regression, explain what's causing these changes, and share practical strategies to help your baby (and you) get better rest.
Signs Your Baby Is Going Through The 10 Month Sleep Regression
Your baby might suddenly show signs that scream “sleep regression.” Usually, it comes out of nowhere after a decent stretch of good sleep.
Sudden Night Wakings And Shorter Naps
Babies who slept for hours might start waking up every couple of hours—or more. Suddenly, you're stumbling out of bed three or four times a night to soothe them.
Naps? Those get weird too. Suddenly, your baby might only nap for 20 or 30 minutes when they used to do an hour or more. They might fight naps or just flat-out refuse them at the usual times.
Some babies wake up crying or standing in the crib, and they can’t settle back down without you. This cycle repeats all day and night, and honestly, it’s exhausting.
Increased Fussiness At Bedtime
Bedtime can become a battle. Your baby might cry, scream, or protest when you try to lay them down. Routines that used to work just don’t seem to cut it anymore.
They might stand up in the crib, try to climb out, or get extra clingy and want you to stick around. Some kids start fussing the second they sense bedtime is close.
It’s like their brain wants to practice standing or cruising instead of sleeping. You can almost see the wheels turning as they fight rest.
Early Morning Wake-Ups
Suddenly, your baby’s up at 5:00 or 5:30 AM, ready to start the day, even though they haven’t gotten enough sleep. Getting them back to sleep at this hour can feel impossible—they just want to play or eat.
Early wake-ups usually pair with night wakings, and your whole schedule gets thrown off. Keeping any kind of routine feels tough.
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Why The 10 Month Sleep Regression Happens
There are a few big reasons your baby’s sleep goes haywire at 10 months: rapid development, separation anxiety, and changes in how their brain handles sleep.
Major Developmental Milestones
At 10 months, babies are learning a ton—standing, cruising, maybe even taking steps. Their brains and muscles are busy, and sometimes they want to practice these skills at bedtime instead of sleeping.
You might find your baby standing in the crib, then crying because they can’t figure out how to sit back down. Their brain is forging new connections and that extra activity makes it harder to settle into deep sleep.
All this movement burns more calories too. So, your baby might get hungrier than before, even if you thought their meals were enough.
Separation Anxiety Peaks
Around this age, babies start to really get object permanence. They know you’re still around even when you leave the room, and that can make bedtime tough.
When you step out, your baby realizes you’re somewhere else, which can set off anxiety at bedtime or during night wakings. Suddenly, what used to be a calm goodnight becomes a struggle.
That clinginess or crying when you leave the room during the day? It definitely spills over into sleep, too.
Changes In Sleep Cycles
Your baby’s sleep cycles are maturing. They’re moving through light and deep sleep more distinctly, which means more chances to wake up fully.
At 10 months, babies become more aware during those brief wake-ups between cycles. If your baby needs certain things to fall asleep—like feeding or rocking—they’ll want those again every time they stir.
Adults just roll over and drift back off, but babies haven’t figured that out yet. So, every transition can turn into a full wake-up.
How To Help Your Baby Sleep Better During This Phase
Keeping bedtime calm, handling nighttime changes quickly, and making sure your baby’s comfy can help a lot. These strategies might not fix everything overnight, but they do make a difference.
Stick To A Calming Bedtime Routine
Babies thrive on routines. A predictable series of calming activities before bed tells their body it’s time to wind down.
Start the routine at the same time each night. You might try:
- A warm bath
- Gentle massage
- Quiet feeding
- Reading a short book
- Dimming the lights
- Soft music or white noise
Keep it around 20 to 30 minutes—any longer and your baby could get overtired, but too short and they might not settle. Do things in the same order each night so your baby starts to connect the dots. Avoid exciting games or screens right before sleep.
Minimize Nighttime Disruptions With Quick Diaper Changes
Quick, low-key diaper changes at night help everyone get back to sleep faster. Keep the room dark and quiet—no bright lights or loud voices.
Set up a changing station near the crib with wipes, diapers, and a dim red nightlight (red light messes with sleep less than white or blue). Change your baby fast, skip the chit-chat, and don’t make eye contact—otherwise, they might wake up more.
Only change diapers if they’re really wet or dirty. A little wetness usually doesn’t bother most babies at night.
Keep Baby Comfortable Through The Night With Leak-Free Diapers
Leaks mean wet pajamas, cold sheets, and a baby who wakes up mad. Overnight diapers with extra absorbency are a lifesaver.
Look for diapers designed for nighttime—they’ve got more padding and better leak guards. If leaks keep happening, try going up a size. A good fit around the legs and waist stops leaks best. Leg cuffs should be snug but not too tight.
Before bed, make sure the diaper’s on right: back a little higher than the front, nice and snug around the belly, and baby on their back.
Make nighttime diaper changes quick and gentle with Alppi Baby's non-toxic wipes. Soft, safe, and effective—perfect for those midnight changes that won't fully wake your baby.
Conclusion: 10 Month Sleep Regression
The 10 month sleep regression is challenging, but it's temporary. Most babies move through this phase within 2-4 weeks as they adjust to new developmental milestones. Stay consistent with your routines, be patient with your little one, and remember that better sleep is on the horizon.
During those frequent nighttime wake-ups, having the right essentials can make all the difference. Quick, efficient diaper changes help minimize disruptions and get your baby back to sleep faster.
Want to ensure your baby stays comfortable all night long? Learn the secrets to a perfect diaper fit in our guide: How Should a Diaper Fit a Baby?
Frequently Asked Questions: 10 Month Sleep Regression
The 10 month sleep regression usually lasts a couple of weeks and shows up when babies hit new milestones. Parents always want to know how long it lasts, why their baby wakes up, and what actually helps.
How long does 10 month old sleep regression last?
Most of the time, it lasts 2-3 weeks. Once your baby adjusts to their new skills, sleep generally improves. Stick with consistent routines so it doesn't drag on longer.
Which is the hardest sleep regression?
The 4 month regression is usually the toughest since sleep patterns permanently change. The 10 month regression can be brutal too, especially if it follows the 8 month one closely. Honestly, it depends on your baby—every child is different.
Why is a 10 month old waking up crying?
Big physical milestones like standing and cruising keep their brain active, even during sleep. Teething (especially bottom lateral incisors) can also cause painful wake-ups. Sometimes they're genuinely hungry since increased movement burns more calories.
How to get a 10 month old to sleep during regression?
Stick to a schedule with 3-4 hour wake windows and two naps daily. Ensure your baby eats enough solid foods throughout the day—hunger can disrupt nighttime sleep. Stay consistent with your bedtime routine, even when it feels impossible.
