🏷️ SleepLast updated: 11/3/2025 · By BabyQ Editorial

Night Waking in Older Babies (6–12 months)

Why babies who were sleeping well sometimes start waking again, and what helps.

Common Causes

Developmental leaps (crawling, standing), teething, separation anxiety, and mild illness can all disrupt previously good sleep.

Growth spurts can temporarily increase night hunger around this age.

What Usually Helps

Keep the bedtime routine consistent even during a rough patch — predictability is reassuring.

Give a brief pause before responding to fussing, since babies often resettle on their own.

When It’s Likely a Phase

If daytime mood, feeding, and growth remain normal, temporary night waking is usually developmental rather than concerning.

When to Check In

Snoring, gasping, or long breathing pauses during sleep, or waking that comes with persistent daytime distress, are worth discussing with a clinician.

FAQ

Is this a sleep regression?
The term is commonly used for these developmental disruptions; most resolve within a few weeks.
Should I feed at every night waking?
By this age many babies no longer need overnight feeds, but check with your clinician based on growth and history.
Can teething really disrupt sleep this much?
Yes, discomfort from emerging teeth can cause temporary night waking.
How long do these phases last?
Most developmental sleep disruptions improve within 2–6 weeks.

Resources

🔗 NHS: Baby Sleep🔗 AAP: Healthy Sleep Habits