Has your baby been sleeping well but is now suddenly waking up at all hours or refusing naps? You're not alone! Many parents face the challenge of sleep regressions.
Understanding what sleep regressions are and how to manage them can help you support your baby's sleep needs during these temporary disruptions. By learning about the causes and ways to handle these phases, you can navigate these periods with confidence and ease.
Sleep regression is when a baby or child who used to sleep well starts having trouble with sleep. This can mean waking up often during the night, taking shorter naps, or having a hard time settling down at bedtime. These changes often happen as your little one is growing and learning new skills, like rolling over or crawling.
Sleep regressions often happen at certain stages in your child's development. Here are some common times you might notice changes:
3 to 4 Months: As babies move from newborn sleep patterns to more mature sleep stages, they might wake up more often.
6 Months: Growth spurts and teething can make sleep tricky during this time.
8 to 10 Months: As your baby becomes more mobile, and their brain is busy learning, sleep can be disrupted because they want to practice their new skills, even late at night. Separation anxiety can also start around this age.
12 Months: Learning to walk and needing fewer daytime naps might cause some resistance to sleep at night.
You're probably already doing a lot to help your baby sleep, and that's great! Here are some tips to keep in mind as you wait it out:
Stick to a Routine: Keep up with your calming bedtime routine, like feeding, a bath, a book, and lullabies. It helps signal that it's time to sleep.
Create a Cozy Sleep Space: Make sure the sleep area is dark and quiet to help your baby settle down.
Encourage Daytime Play: Keep your baby active during the day to help them practice new skills and tire them out for better sleep.
Be Kind to Yourself and Your Baby: Offer extra comfort and attention to your baby during the day and before bedtime. And remember, it's okay to give yourself grace during this time.
Usually, sleep regressions last about two to four weeks. If it goes on longer than six weeks, it might be helpful to talk to your pediatrician for some extra support and ideas.
By understanding and managing sleep regressions, you can help your baby get back to restful sleep patterns. Remember, every child is unique, and patience and consistency are key. So snuggle up, embrace the journey, and soon enough, you'll both be counting sheep together. Hang in there—you’ve got this!
For more tips and support, check out our FAQs About Sleep Training.
