The 7 month sleep regression catches many parents off guard just when they thought sleep was finally improving. Your baby who recently started sleeping through the night is suddenly waking every few hours, fighting naps, and clinging to you more than ever.
This regression isn't a step backward—it's actually tied to exciting developmental leaps happening in your baby's brain and body. At 7 months, babies are learning to crawl, sit up independently, and understanding that you still exist even when out of sight.
You'll learn to recognize the signs of this regression, understand what's causing these sleep disruptions, and discover practical strategies to help your family survive this exhausting phase.
Never run out during the 7 month sleep regression. Subscribe to Alppi Baby's diaper delivery and get reliable overnight diapers shipped automatically.
Signs Of The 7 Month Sleep Regression
There are a few telltale signs your baby’s going through this regression. The most obvious? Suddenly waking up all night after previously sleeping well, getting more emotional and clingy, and flat-out refusing naps they used to take without a fuss.
Sudden Night Wakings After Sleeping Through
Your baby might start waking up two to four times per night, even though they slept for longer stretches before. These wake-ups can hit at odd hours and last anywhere from a few minutes to over an hour.
You might hear your baby crying out or see them fully awake between sleep cycles. Their brain is busy processing new skills like crawling or sitting up, and sometimes these wake-ups just come out of nowhere.
Most babies need your help getting back to sleep during these episodes. Some reach for you or cry until you show up, and a few even seem ready to practice their new moves in the middle of the night.
Increased Fussiness And Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety often pops up or gets worse around seven months. Your baby may cry when you leave the room or put them in their crib. It’s a totally normal part of brain development, but it sure can make evenings longer.
You might notice your baby getting clingy during the day, especially before bed. Some babies calm down quickly, while others take their sweet time to settle.
Now that your baby gets that you still exist even when you’re out of sight, they might want you nearby all the time, especially at bedtime.
Fighting Naps And Shorter Sleep Cycles
Nap resistance is a classic sign. Naps that used to last an hour or more might suddenly shrink to just 30 or 45 minutes. Some babies skip naps altogether.
Sometimes they take forever to fall asleep at naptime—standing up in the crib, rolling around, or just fussing. This often lines up with the switch from three naps to two each day.
Daytime sleep usually drops during this period. Your baby might end up overtired by bedtime because of short or missed naps.
Why The 7 Month Sleep Regression Happens
Your baby's sudden sleep problems at 7 months usually come from three things at once: physical development, brain growth, and teething. When all these collide, sleep can go off the rails for a bit.
Major Physical Milestones Like Crawling And Sitting
Your baby is working hard to master new moves around 7 months. They're learning to sit up, rock on their hands and knees, and maybe even start crawling.
To get these skills down, babies need a lot of practice. Their brains are busy sorting out these new movements, even while they sleep. You might catch your baby rolling over or pulling up in the crib instead of snoozing.
All that physical effort can leave your baby both tired and restless. Their body just wants to keep practicing. Hand-eye coordination jumps up too, so there’s even more going on for your little one.
Brain Development And Object Permanence
Your baby's brain is changing fast at 7 months. They develop object permanence, meaning they now realize things and people still exist even if they can’t see them.
This new awareness changes the game. When you leave the room, they know you’re somewhere else—not just gone. That can make them anxious or scared when they wake up alone at night.
Your baby picks up on more sounds, movements, and daily activity now. All this extra mental work keeps their brain alert, even when you want them to wind down.
Teething Pain And Discomfort
Teething often starts around 7 months, adding another layer of discomfort. The pain from teeth pushing through gums can wake your baby repeatedly at night.
Common teething signs include:
- Excessive drooling
- Chewing on objects or fingers
- Swollen or red gums
- Rubbing their cheeks or ears
- Loss of appetite
- Increased fussiness
Pain can feel worse at night when there’s nothing else to distract them. Sometimes babies even run a low fever during teething, which just adds to the challenge.
How To Survive The 7 Month Sleep Regression
Getting through this stretch is mostly about keeping habits steady and tuning into your baby's changing needs. Stick with routines, support their development during the day, and make sure they're comfortable at night.
Stick To Your Sleep Schedule And Bedtime Routine
Your bedtime routine matters even more during a sleep regression. Start it at the same time each night—about half an hour before bed. Try calming activities like a warm bath, quiet feeding, and gentle rocking.
Keep the sleep environment steady too. Use blackout curtains to block light and a white noise machine to muffle household sounds.
Put your baby down drowsy but awake so they can work on self-soothing. If they resist, try to stay calm—babies pick up on stress and it can make things worse.
Try not to introduce new sleep habits like extra feedings or letting them sleep in your bed if that wasn’t your routine before.
Practice New Skills During Awake Time
Babies wake up at night to practice new skills like sitting or crawling, so give them plenty of time to work on these during the day. Let them roll around, sit up, and move on the floor.
Plan active play sessions in the morning and afternoon to help tire them out and give them a chance to master new abilities. But skip the high-energy play right before bed—it can backfire.
The more they practice when awake, the less likely they’ll need to work on these skills in the middle of the night.
Keep Your Baby Comfortable With Reliable Overnight Diapers
Uncomfortable diapers can ruin sleep fast. Use overnight diapers that hold more and keep your baby dry for up to 12 hours. Make sure they fit well to prevent leaks that could wake your baby.
Change the diaper right before bed as part of your bedtime routine. If you need to change them at night, keep it quick and quiet—use dim lights and skip the chatter.
Dress your baby in comfy sleepwear that fits the room temperature. Aim for 68-72°F. Too hot or too cold can mess with sleep and cause more wake-ups.
Make nighttime changes quick and gentle with Alppi Baby's organic wipes. Safe for teething babies who put their hands in their mouth and gentle enough for sensitive skin.
Conclusion: 7 Month Sleep Regression
The 7 month sleep regression is tough, but most babies work through it within 2-4 weeks. Stay consistent with your routines, give your baby plenty of practice time with new skills during the day, and know that this phase will pass.
During these challenging weeks, keeping your baby comfortable and dry at night can reduce unnecessary wake-ups. The right diaper fit makes a real difference for overnight sleep quality.
Not sure if your baby needs to size up? Check out our guide: Diaper Sizes by Weight
Frequently Asked Questions: 7 Month Sleep Regression
Parents going through the 7 month sleep regression usually have a lot of the same questions. Here’s what most people want to know during this rough patch.
How long does a 7 month old sleep regression last?
The 7 month sleep regression typically lasts 2 to 6 weeks, with most babies working through it in about 3 to 4 weeks. Every baby is different—some adjust in a few days while others take longer. Consistent sleep routines and regular nap times help speed up the adjustment.
Why is my 7 month old all of a sudden not sleeping?
Your 7 month old is dealing with major developmental changes like learning to sit up, crawl, and becoming more aware of their surroundings. These new skills make it hard for their brain to settle down at sleep time, leading to more night wakings. Separation anxiety kicks in as your baby realizes you exist when out of sight, plus teething between 6-8 months adds painful disruptions.
How to break 7 month sleep regression?
Create a calming bedtime routine and stick with it—bath, massage, feeding, lullaby—to signal sleep time. Put your baby down drowsy but awake so they learn to self-soothe during night wakings. Keep nap times and bedtime consistent, use white noise and a dark room, and avoid creating new sleep crutches like rocking to sleep.
Do babies get fussier at 7 months?
Yes, babies usually get fussier around 7 months due to sleep regression leaving them cranky and overtired. They're frustrated trying to master new skills like crawling or sitting that they can't quite nail yet. Separation anxiety and teething pain pile on, making babies clingier and harder to soothe throughout the day and night.
