Is your 2-month-old suddenly waking more often at night or fighting naps during the day even though things were starting to get better? If your little one is around 2 months old, you’re probably experiencing what’s known as the 2 month sleep regression.
Don’t worry, you’re not alone, and most importantly, it’s completely normal.
It can feel frustrating, confusing, and exhausting. The good news? It’s normal, and it’s manageable.
In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about 2-month sleep regression: what it is, why it happens, how long it lasts, and what you can do to get through it.
What Is the 2-Month Sleep Regression?
Sleep regression refers to a temporary disruption in a baby’s sleep patterns, often due to developmental changes. While the most talked about sleep regression happens around 4 months, some babies show early signs as early as 2 months.
Common signs of sleep regression at 2 months:
You might notice your baby showing some or all of these signs during the 2-month sleep regression:
Increased Night Wakings
Your baby may start waking more frequently at night, even if they used to sleep longer stretches. This often happens because of growth spurts or changes in sleep cycles.
Trouble Falling or Staying Asleep
It might take longer for your baby to fall asleep, or they may wake soon after being put down. Their growing awareness of the world can make settling more challenging.
Shorter or Missed Naps
Naps may become shorter and less predictable, sometimes lasting only 20 to 30 minutes. This is due to developing sleep stages that are still maturing.
Fussiness or Crying at Bedtime
Your baby may be more irritable around sleep times, which can be caused by overtiredness, hunger, or sensory overload from the day.
Feeding More Frequently at Night
Increased night feedings are common as your baby goes through a growth spurt and needs extra calories to support rapid development
Needs More Soothing to Sleep
Rocking, bouncing, or cuddling may be required more often. This extra comfort helps your baby feel safe during this period of change and growth.
Is There Really a Sleep Regression at 2 Months?
Technically, the 2 month sleep regression isn’t officially recognized the way the 4-month or 8-month regressions are. However, many parents notice a temporary disruption in sleep patterns around this time. This can be due to:
- Growth spurts
- Hunger increases
- Developmental milestones
- Shifting sleep cycles
- Cluster feeding
- Colic or gas issues
So yes, while it might not be a clinical milestone, it’s very real for many families.
Why Is My 2-Month-Old Baby Not Sleeping Well Anymore?
Let’s dig into the reasons behind your baby’s sudden sleep struggles:
1. Growth Spurt
At around 6 to 8 weeks, babies go through a significant growth spurt. This means they need more calories, leading to more frequent night wakings to feed.
2. Hunger & Feeding Patterns
Two-month-old babies might start cluster feeding, especially in the evening. It’s their way of tanking up before a longer stretch of sleep but it can throw naps and bedtime routines off track.
3. Cognitive Development
Your baby is becoming more aware of their surroundings faces, sounds, lights. This new awareness can disrupt sleep, as babies struggle to tune out the world and settle.
4. Maturing Sleep Cycles
Around this age, your baby’s sleep starts to transition from newborn-like patterns to more adult-like sleep cycles, including light and deep sleep stages. These new cycles can cause more frequent night wakings.
5. Overtiredness
Babies who stay awake too long can become overtired, making it harder to fall or stay asleep. Their bodies start producing cortisol (a stress hormone), which fights sleep.
How Long Does 2 Month Sleep Regression Last?
If your 2-month-old is suddenly waking more at night or struggling to nap, the good news is this phase usually doesn’t last long.
In most cases, the 2-month sleep regression lasts:
- 2 to 6 days if it’s due to a growth spurt
- Up to 2 weeks if it’s linked to developmental changes, overstimulation, or a disrupted routine
With a consistent sleep schedule, calming bedtime routine, and flexible responses to your baby’s needs, most parents see sleep improve within a short period. Remember, every baby is different — but this phase is temporary.
2 Month Old Sleep Schedule: What’s Normal?
A typical 2-month-old needs:
- 14–17 hours of total sleep in 24 hours
- Around 4–6 naps per day
- Wake windows of 60–90 minutes
Here’s a sample daily schedule:
Morning Wake-Up: 7:00 AM
Nap 1: 8:15 AM
Nap 2: 10:00 AM
Nap 3: 12:00 PM
Nap 4: 2:00 PM
Nap 5: 4:30 PM
Bedtime: 7:00–8:00 PM
Night feeds: Every 3–5 hours (depending on baby’s needs)
⚠️ Every baby is different. These are average ranges.
What Are Some 2-Month-Old Baby Activities?
Now that your baby’s wake windows are getting a bit longer, usually around 60 to 90 minutes, there’s more time for meaningful interaction and developmentally appropriate play.
At this age, everything can be play and it’s also a great way to help your baby stay alert during wake time, which supports better sleep.
Here are a few simple but powerful activities you can do with your 2-month-old baby:
Make funny faces
Your baby enjoys watching your facial expressions as you talk, smile, or raise your eyebrows. Around this age, you might even see your baby start to smile back.
Tummy time
Aim for at least 15–30 minutes of tummy time daily. You can break this up into short sessions throughout the day to help strengthen your baby’s muscles and promote motor development.
Go for a walk
Place your baby in a stroller or carrier and enjoy a relaxing walk together.Talk to them about what you see and hear, it’s soothing and stimulating for their developing brain.
Read simple board books
Even if your baby doesn’t understand the words yet, reading aloud and describing pictures helps promote early language development.
Sing to your baby
Whether it’s lullabies or your favorite song, singing boosts connection and calms your baby. Music and movement are both great ways to engage during awake time.
Including play in your baby’s daily routine not only supports their growth—it can also help them sleep better by using their energy and keeping them stimulated in healthy ways.
How to Handle 2-Month Sleep Regression: Helpful Tips
1. Stick to a Flexible Bedtime Routine
At 2 months, it’s an ideal time to start a simple, predictable bedtime routine like:
- Bath or warm washcloth wipe
- Gentle massage
- Dim lights and soft lullaby
- Feeding
- Swaddling
- Rocking or cuddling
This signals to your baby that sleep time is coming.
2. Watch for Sleep Cues
Sleep cues might include:
- Yawning
- Rubbing eyes
- Staring into space
- Fussiness
- Red eyebrows
Try to begin your nap or bedtime routine as soon as you notice these signs.
3. Use Wake Windows Wisely
Keeping your baby awake for too long = overtired meltdown
Too short = not sleepy enough to settle
The ideal wake window for most 2-month-olds is 60 to 90 minutes.
4. Swaddle for Sleep
Swaddling helps babies feel secure and prevents startle reflexes from waking them up. Be sure to follow safe swaddling practices and stop swaddling once your baby shows signs of rolling.
5. White Noise for Soothing
Using white noise can comfort your baby by mimicking the familiar sounds of the womb. Use a consistent, low-pitched white noise machine (not lullabies) for naps and nighttime.
6. Create a Sleep-Friendly Environment
- Dark room (use blackout curtains)
- Cool temperature (68–72°F or 20–22°C)
- Quiet or consistent sound
- Safe crib or bassinet (firm, flat surface, no loose bedding)
7. Offer Extra Feedings if Needed
If your baby is waking frequently at night, especially during a growth spurt, offer a feeding. Their little tummies grow fast, and they might need the extra calories.
8. Be Patient and Responsive
This stage is all about building trust and responding to your baby’s cues. You’re not “spoiling” your baby by soothing them during a hard phase.
What to Avoid During the 2-Month Sleep Regression
- Don’t try formal sleep training yet: Most pediatricians recommend waiting until 4–6 months.
- Avoid skipping naps: Sleep breeds sleep.Keeping your baby up longer won’t help, they may sleep worse if overtired
- Don’t compare your baby: Every baby is unique. Some sleep through the night early, and others take longer to get there.
When to Call a Pediatrician
While frequent wakings and fussiness are normal, call your pediatrician if your baby:
- Has a fever
- Is not gaining weight
- Has significantly reduced feeding
- Shows signs of discomfort, reflux, or colic
- Sleeps excessively with little alert time
Your instincts matter if something feels off, check in.
FAQs About 2-Month Sleep Regression
Can a 2-month-old sleep through the night?
At 2 months old, most babies are not yet developmentally ready to sleep through the night without waking. Many 2-month-olds still need 1 to 3 night feedings. While some may manage a 5–6 hour stretch of sleep, consistent sleeping through the night typically begins around 4 to 6 months of age.
Is it OK to let a 2-month-old cry it out?
No. At this age, your baby needs responsive care.Sleep training usually isn’t recommended before 4 months.
How long should my 2-month-old be awake between naps?
At 2 months, wake windows are usually around 60–90 minutes. Your baby might stay awake for a shorter time in the morning and gradually longer in the afternoon before needing another nap.
How do I know if my baby is overtired?
Look for:
- Fussiness
- Difficulty calming down
- Jerky movements
Short naps and frequent night waking
Should I dream feed during a regression?
You can try a dream feed (feeding while baby is still drowsy) around 10–11 PM to potentially extend night sleep. Every baby responds differently.
Key Takeaway
The 2-month sleep regression typically begins around 6 to 8 weeks of age and is often triggered by growth spurts, developmental milestones, and the early shift in your baby’s sleep cycles. During this time, your baby may experience more frequent night wakings, short naps, increased fussiness, and a stronger need for soothing before sleep.
Although not all babies go through noticeable sleep disruption at 2 months, many do and it’s a normal and temporary part of development. The best way to support your baby through this regression is by creating a consistent bedtime routine, following age-appropriate wake windows, and responding to your baby’s needs with comfort and patience.
You can also begin laying the foundation for healthy sleep habits by occasionally giving your baby the chance to practice falling asleep independently. Even if they’re not quite ready, introducing this gradually can help improve baby sleep quality as they grow
