Similar to the 4 month sleep regression, many parents may notice changes in their little one’s sleep around 6 months. As your baby reaches the 6-month mark, establishing a structured sleep schedule becomes crucial for both their development and routine. With the help of Nora's Incorporating eco-friendly sleep products and practices can not only benefit your baby's health but also helps reduce your family's environmental impact. 

Finding sustainable sleep solutions when your baby reaches 6 months old can come with its obstacles, and In this blog, we'll explore sustainable sleep solutions, including eco-friendly products, routines, and tips for navigating the 6-month sleep regression! 

Understanding the 6-Month Sleep Regression

Sleep regressions can happen at any age and are often tied to developmental progress. The most common ages to see sleep regressions are at 4 months, 6 months, 8-10 months, 12 months, 18 months, and 2 years. If your baby is showing signs of a 6 month sleep regression, let’s talk about ways to help your baby if sleep is becoming a challenge. 

Sleep regressions are often associated with developmental progression At six months, we can see changes in sleep tied to developmental strides and changing sleep needs.Your baby is growing and their brain is working hard on physical, mental, and emotional growth. Because of this, sleep can be impacted. This can be due to developmental milestones, teething, or increased awareness of their surroundings. During this time, sustainable sleep solutions can be particularly beneficial as they promote a healthy sleep environment and routine, which can help your baby adjust more smoothly.

At six months, your baby might be rolling all over the place or beginning to sit up using their arms for support. You may also hear new sounds, such as sweet giggles or babbling. As your baby learns these new skills, it's common for sleep to be temporarily disrupted.

Reasons you may see a sleep regression around 6 months:

Separation Anxiety

Although separation anxiety usually peaks around 8 to 10 months, some babies start experiencing it as early as six months. You might notice your baby being clingier than usual and showing signs of stranger anxiety. This can affect their sleep patterns.

Changes in Sleep Needs

As babies grow, their wake windows need to increase. If your baby is at the lower end of the recommended wake window range, gradually add a few minutes to each wake window. Allow a few days for your baby to adjust to each change, then reassess to prevent overtiredness. For some six-month-olds, it may even be time to transition from three naps to two.

Feedings

Around six months, babies often become more distracted during feedings. This can affect their daytime calorie intake and cause night wakings due to hunger. If you've recently introduced solids, consider whether this change might be affecting your baby's sleep.

Teething

In the coming months, your baby may start teething, which can temporarily disrupt sleep. Having a strong sleep foundation can help mitigate the impact of teething on your baby's sleep routine.

Is my baby going through a 6 month sleep regression? 

Here are some common signs that your baby might be experiencing a 6-month sleep regression:

• Night Wakings: Your 6-month-old is waking up during the night when they previously slept through without issues.
• Separation Anxiety: Your 6- to 7-month-old cries every time you enter the nursery, showing signs of separation anxiety.
• Shorter Naps: Your 6-month-old is taking shorter naps than usual.
• Bedtime Routine Distress: Your 6- to 7-month-old is suddenly getting upset during the bedtime routine.
• Increased Fussiness: Your 5- to 6-month-old is more fussy than usual and refuses to sleep unless being held.
• Difficulty Falling Asleep: Your 6-month-old is taking longer than 20 minutes to fall asleep for naps or at bedtime.
• Sleep Is Off: Your baby’s sleep feels “off,” and you’re not sure why. 

What About Teething? 

The only sure sign of teething is seeing a tooth. Before it erupts, you may notice swollen gums with a little white nub, indicating that a tooth is about to pop through. This is when your baby might experience the most discomfort, typically in the 24-72 hours before the tooth breaks through the gums.

Consistency During Sleep Regressions and Teething

Whether your baby is going through a sleep regression or teething, maintaining consistency is crucial for keeping their sleep routine on track. It’s important to meet any physical needs your baby has, so soothing them if they’re in pain is necessary. Providing comfort for a night or two won’t derail a solid sleep foundation. Once the tooth erupts, return to your usual sleep approach. Introducing new habits during a sleep regression or teething can turn a temporary bump in the road into an ongoing struggle.

How Long Does the 6 month sleep regression last? 

Some reassurance.. The 6-month sleep regression is temporary! This regression typically lasts for a short period of time, in some cases, even just a week. The key to helping your baby through a sleep regression is to remain consistent with your approach or follow a plan to establish healthy sleep habits. Introducing new habits or making changes to established routines can turn a temporary sleep regression into a long-term struggle.

Nora’s Top Tips: 

1. Practice New Skills During Awake Time
• Floor Time: Give your baby plenty of floor time to practice rolling, sitting up, and observing the world. Practicing these skills during the day makes them less exciting at bedtime, helping your baby settle more easily at night.
2. Pay Attention to Bedtime
• Optimal Bedtime: For most 6-month-olds, a bedtime between 7:00 and 8:00 PM is ideal. A consistent bedtime routine helps prepare your baby for sleep, setting the stage for a restful night.
3. Prioritize Restful Daytime Sleep
• Day and Night Sleep: Both are crucial for your baby’s development. Establish a consistent (yet flexible) daily routine. If you need guidance, check out sample schedules for 6-month-olds.
• Transitioning Naps: Start watching for signs it’s time to drop a nap, but don’t rush. Wait until your baby has consistently shown these signs for a week or two to make the transition smoother from 3 naps to 2.
4. Begin to Expand Wake Windows
• Awake Time: Aim for wake windows of 2-3 hours. As your baby approaches the transition from 3 to 2 naps, slightly longer wake windows and more daytime activity may be needed.
5. Maintain Adequate Feedings During the Day
• Regular Feedings: Offer feedings every 2.5-3.5 hours based on your baby’s hunger cues. Ensure a non-stimulating environment during feedings to prevent distractions, leading to better caloric intake and more consolidated sleep.
6. Stay Consistent
• Consistency: Stick to routines and healthy sleep habits. Avoid starting new habits you don’t want to maintain long-term. While this regression can make sleep challenging for several days, consistency will help you get through it.

Eco-Friendly Sleep Environment Essentials

Creating an eco-friendly sleep environment is vital for your baby's health and well-being. Here are some key elements to consider:

1. Organic Bedding: Choose crib sheets and blankets made from organic cotton or bamboo. These materials are free from harmful chemicals and gentle on your baby's skin. Check out our Organic Muslin Cotton Crib Sheets for a safe and comfortable option that provides your baby with a soft natural sleeping surface. 
2. Non-Toxic Crib Mattresses: Invest in a crib mattress made from natural materials like organic cotton, wool, or natural latex. Avoid mattresses treated with flame retardants or other toxic chemicals. 
3. Chemical-Free Environment: Ensure that all sleep-related products, including pajamas and sleep sacks, are made from natural, chemical-free materials. This reduces your baby's exposure to potentially harmful substances. Aside from our Cloth Diapers, and Nursery Accessories, our newly introduced Newborn Sleep Sets, Little Sleepers, and Jogger Sets  are designed with your little one’s comfort in mind, to provide comfort during the day, and at bedtime. 

Implementing Sustainable Bedtime Routines

Incorporating sustainable practices into your baby's bedtime routine can create a calming, eco-friendly atmosphere that promotes better sleep quality. Here are some suggestions:

1. Natural Skincare Products: Use gentle, natural skincare products for your baby's bedtime bath. Look for products free from synthetic fragrances, parabens, and sulfates. Check out our blog on our top recommendations for safe and gentle diaper cream options
2. Energy-Efficient Lighting: Choose energy-efficient night lights and bulbs to reduce energy consumption. Opt for warm, soft lighting to create a soothing environment. Philips Hue smart bulbs are a great option for energy-efficient, customizable lighting.
3. Reusable Diapers: Switching to cloth diapers at night can significantly reduce waste. Ensure you have a proper washing routine to keep them clean and absorbent. Our Nora's Nursery cloth diapers are designed for your newborn, baby, and toddler, and come with a variety of inserts, and accessories that are perfect for nighttime use. 

We also recently introduced our new clothing line which feature Little Sleeper Sets, and Junior Jogger Sets, designed to keep your baby safe and comfortable while they sleep.

Our Little Sleepers set come in 3 different colors, Teal, Rose, and Silver. These sleepers feature a double zipper making diaper changes easier. You can use our fold over covers for the hands and the feet! No need to baby mitts or socks.

Our Junior Jogger Sets feature 1 sweater, and 1 pair of pants. They come in 3 different colors, Blue, Pink, and Green, and are designed with sizes from 6 months to 2T. 

Sustainable Sleep Training Approaches

When it comes to sleep training, gentle methods that align with eco-friendly principles can be effective and beneficial for your baby's well-being. Here are some tips:

1. Consistency and Patience: Consistency is key when implementing any sleep training technique. Be patient and give your baby time to adjust.
2. Gentle Methods: Consider gentle sleep training methods such as the "No Tears" approach, which emphasizes comforting your baby without letting them cry it out. This method promotes a nurturing and responsive environment, aligning with eco-friendly parenting principles.

Supporting Eco-Friendly Sleep Habits

Promoting sustainable sleep habits goes beyond the nursery. Here are some additional tips:

1. Cloth Diapers: Continue using cloth diapers during the day to reduce waste. They are not only eco-friendly but also cost-effective in the long run. Our cloth diapers are durable  easy to use, and come in different styles best suited for your family
2. Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergents: Choose biodegradable, non-toxic laundry detergents for washing your baby's clothes and bedding. This helps minimize environmental impact and ensures your baby’s sensitive skin is protected. Check out our blog on our top Detergent Recommendations

Connecting with the Sustainable Parenting Community

Building a support network with like-minded parents can provide valuable advice and encouragement on your eco-friendly parenting journey. Here are some ways to connect:

1. Online Communities: Join online forums and social media groups focused on sustainable parenting. These communities are great for sharing tips, product recommendations, and support. Check out, and join our Facebook VIP group! A space support, guidance, feedback, giveaways, exclusive promotions, first looks at upcoming product launches, and so much more!  
2. Resources for Eco-Friendly Products: Seek out resources and websites that specialize in eco-friendly baby products. These platforms often provide reviews and guides to help you make informed choices.
3. Laura’s Sleep Consultation: Laura Wilson is a Senior Certified Sleep Consultant and a mom to three. She combines personal experience and professional expertise to tackle sleep challenges for children aged 0 to 10. Get ready for customized sleep plans and dedicated support, ensuring your little ones—and you—wake up refreshed and ready for the day.