Sleep Regression in Babies

Mar 12

There is so much new information to learn and changes to adjust to when you have a baby. Transitions and growth are constant in the years of early childhood due to the many developmental milestones that children reach during this time. This includes, sleep regressions which are a major transitional phase of infancy.

Sleep regressions may sound intimidating, but as long as you are aware and knowledgeable of them, you will be empowered to handle them more smoothly as they arise. Not all babies experience all of the different sleep regressions, and each child goes through them in their own unique way!

The best thing parents can do is to:

· Stay calm

· Be attentive

· Prepare as much as possible

So, what is a Sleep Regression?

Sleep regressions are brief periods when a child's sleep patterns shift due to developmental changes. Parents can reasonably assume that a sleep regression has begun when their baby is normally a good sleeper but is suddenly experiencing disruptions in their sleep patterns, such as frequent awakenings, inability to sleep soundly, nap struggles or irritability. Each regression can last up to two to four weeks on average, but this length may be different for each child.

There are 6 main stages of sleep regressions:

4 months:

This one seems to be the most difficult for parent! There are many contributing factors to this stage including transitioning from the newborn sleep stages to the more adult stages of sleep, possible teething pain, becoming more aware of surroundings and hunger from growth spurts.

6 months:

The most common cause here is increased hunger due to a growth spurt. Otherwise your baby is mostly likely sleeping throughout the night. During this age range it’s safe to start implementing some sleep training.

8-10 months:

There is so much development happening here, and your baby is accomplishing many milestones. This is also a time when separation anxiety is at it’s highest. It’s no wonder why sleeping issues can occur at this stage! Teething can also be a culprit during this stage.

12 months:

Again we are reaching some major milestones here. We may be taking our first steps, standing, learning our first words, etc. All of this excitement may lead to sleep regressions.

18 months

During this time we are learning even more new skills and developing a sense of independence. “Hmmm…I can choose whether or not I go to sleep? “

2 two years old:

We are continuing to take leaps and bounds with our development here! Your little one may also begin to experience night terrors, nightmares or become afraid to sleep in the dark. Sometimes a night light helps.

Why Do Sleep Regressions Happen?

Sleep regressions tend to correspond with changes in a child’s development and developmental milestones. As a child has a growth spurt or experiences a major cognitive leap, they will require more sleep. Sleep helps children to restore their bodies, recharge their minds, and retain what they have learned throughout the day.

There are other factors outside of these developmental milestones that can be a catalyst for a sleep regression or heavily influence their onset. Some of these factors include traveling, teething, illness, an interruption to regular/daily routines, life changes (such as starting daycare), and more. Don’t worry about trying to prevent sleep regressions in your child, as they are a normal part of child development.

How to Support Your Baby through a Sleep Regression

There are many ways you can support your baby amid a sleep regression including:

1. Knowing your child’s sleep cues.

This can be so helpful and its best to put your baby down awake at bedtime. If you can identify their sleep cues, you can be proactive about putting them down BEFORE they reach overtired status. Also, be mindful of not letting your little one nap too long throughout the day !

2. Consistency is Key.

Keep up their normal bedtime routine as much as possible for consistency’s sake. Consistency will ease the unpredictable nature of a sleep regression and will assist both of you during this time.

3. Maintain normal feeding schedule during the day.

We won’t to keep up with the caloric demands of your baby, especially during growth spurts. Continue offering feeds every 2-3 hours or following your babies hunger cues. This prevents your baby from switching to having his/her preferred feeds in the evening.

4. Encourage self-soothing:

Give your baby the opportunity to calm themselves down during sleep times. It’s so important to remain attentive to your child as they struggle through their sleep regression. In doing so, you will be more clued into their needs and desires, and they will feel more security and support through the gift of your presence.

5. Optimal sleep environment

cool temperature room (between 68-72 degrees)
dim light/complete darkness
screen- free
quiet or white noise machine ( I like the Hatch)

6. Baby Massage

Use an organic high quality oil (jojoba or coconut oil) with 1-2 drops of good quality essential oil (lavender, chamomile) to help relax your baby and prepare them for a nice restful sleep. You can also use the Kahlmi baby massage wand! This tool is absolutely fabulous.

Don’t be afraid to ask for or receive help during a sleep regression. Be sure to delegate when necessary. The household tasks may pile up or be slacked on during these sleep-deprived days of a regression, and that’s okay! Sometimes, the most important thing to focus on is just getting through it.

Hang in There!

Getting through a sleep regression period takes practice and patience for both you and your child. Even though they're uncomfortable, it is encouraging to know that regressions are indeed developmentally appropriate, and usually indicate that your child is learning new skills and acquiring new knowledge. This phase will pass, and you will all be able to sleep peacefully soon. You can do this!