7 Month Sleep Regression: The Secrets To Getting Sleep Back

Author Image By Paula McLaren - Norland Nurse NNEB RSH •  Updated: 06/29/23 •  Sleep / Sleep Regressions

Are you a new parent struggling with sleepless nights and a fussy baby? The 7 month sleep regression can be a challenging time for both you and your little one.

But fear not, with our expert tips and tricks, you can navigate this phase with ease and get back to a restful night’s sleep. Keep reading to discover how you can conquer the 7 month sleep regression and enjoy peaceful nights once again.

What Is The 7 Month Sleep Regression?

How Long Does The 7 Month Sleep Regression Last?

The 7 month sleep regression, like all sleep regressions, commonly lasts between 2 and 6 weeks depending on the trigger.

What Causes A 7 Month Sleep Regression?

There are many causes of the 7-month regression. Often it is a combination of triggers, but these are the most common ones you need to be aware of:

Causes Of 7 Month Sleep Regression

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7 Month Sleep Regression Signs

For some babies a 7 month sleep regression is obvious, but for others, there are some subtle signs that indicate your little one is entering a regression.

Signs to look out for include:

Tips To Manage The 7 Month Sleep Regression

Navigating a sleep regression is no easy task, but fortunately, there are some tried and tested tips to help you get through the 7 month sleep regression as quickly and easily as possible:

Tips To Survive The 7 Month Sleep Regression
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Frequently Asked Questions About The 7 Month Sleep Regression

Looking for more information about the 7 Month sleep regression? Check out the most commonly asked questions here.

Do All Babies Experience A 7 Month Sleep Regression?

No, not all babies will experience a 7 month sleep regression. They may have already had one or they may have missed previous ones and are now experiencing a sleep regression for the first time due to any of the reasons listed above.

Is There A Growth Spurt At 7 Months?

Yes and no. Growth spurts can happen at any point during the first year of life… And as they are a very common trigger for sleep regressions be prepared for a growth spurt to be the cause of your little one’s disrupted sleep pattern.

Why Is My 7 Month Old Suddenly Not Sleeping?

If your 7 month old has been sleeping beautifully and suddenly starts waking at night and resisting sleep in general this usually means they have hit a sleep regression.

This can be due to a number of triggers including a growth spurt or achieving a developmental milestone.

While you should always rule out any illness that may be affecting your little one if all is well then you should deal with your little one’s nighttime waking as a sleep regression and follow the tips listed above.

7 Month Sleep Regression Or Teething?

Teething can trigger a sleep regression as the pain and discomfort caused by teething can upset your little one’s sleep and they can find it difficult to get back into a healthy sleeping pattern once the teething has passed.

It is important to know the signs of teething and how to handle this period carefully to minimise sleep disruption in the long run. Check out this post to learn more.

What Time Should A 7 Month Old Go To Bed?

Most 7 month old babies should have a regular bedtime of between 6-8pm. I usually aim for a 7pm bedtime but you can adjust bedtimes accordingly depending on your family routine and how much daytime sleep your little one is having.

How Do I Know If My 7 Month Old Is Overtired?

It is very easy for your baby to become overtired during a sleep regression. Signs your 7 month old is overtired are:

When Do I Need To Talk To A Doctor About The 7 Month Old Sleep Regression?

If you are unsure if the change to your baby’s sleep patterns is due to a sleep regression… watch for the following signs. If they are present then you should seek medical advice or consult a doctor:

Can I Start Using Sleep Training Methods During A Sleep Regression?

If you’re already doing sleep training, maintaining your regular schedules, and consistent bedtime routines will go a long way to avoiding your hard work being forgotten.

However, if you haven’t started sleep training yet… 

I would suggest focusing on baby’s bedtime routine, sleep associations and daytime sleep habits first before your start adding in a gentle sleep training method.

Can You Cry-It-Out During 4 Month Sleep Regression?

I personally do not recommend the Cry-It-Out Method, especially when going through a 7 month sleep regression. I believe you can effectively do sleep training using the Gradual Retreat and I’ll Be Back methods with great success.

So, if your little one starts to wake more frequently at night try to not rush to their side straight away, but rather wait a while to see they resettle themselves.

If that does not work and they become agitated… Respond and offer comfort by patting them on the head or tummy and using comforting words.

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Author Image Bio
Paula McLaren is the founder of Teething to Tantrums and a highly qualified childcare expert with over 40 years of experience as a Norland Nanny. She holds a BA (Hons) in Early Years Development & Learning (0-6 Years) and the prestigious Norland Diploma. Paula has worked as a night nanny, run a successful daycare center in London, and helped raise countless children using her tried and tested developmental and guidance methods.

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