SLEEP REGRESSIONS
Babies constantly go through phases of development, whether it is physical/social (rolling, standing, walking, babbling, first words), or their brain adjusting to the maturation of sleep. One thing we can all agree on is that when your baby goes through a sleep regression, it’s usually a challenge.
We will touch on what to look out for during a sleep regression, when a regression might happen, and most importantly 6 tips for baby sleep regression and lastly how to make it out the other end!
WHAT IS SLEEP REGRESSION?
In general, a sleep regression is a period of time when your baby has been sleeping like an angel and suddenly started having multiple night wakes or catnapping during the day. It really is “suddenly” as it comes out of nowhere.
Regressions generally last between 3 to 6 weeks. Behind the scenes, a sleep regression means your baby’s brain is maturing and going through neurological and cognitive developments! They are also beginning to develop their circadian rhythm.
5 REASONS FOR BABY SLEEP REGRESSIONS
Below are some signs that your baby is going through a sleep regression:
- 1They are taking longer to go down for naps or completely refusing to nap
- 2They are refusing to sleep at their normal bedtime - Here is a blog about reasons why your baby is fighting sleep.
- 3They have increased fussiness during the day
- 4They have started or have reached key developmental milestones, like crawling, standing, or walking
- 5They have an increased appetite for gaining energy to develop their new skills
Not all signs will be present, but if you notice most of these happening to your baby it is likely a sleep regression.
TIMING OF SLEEP REGRESSIONS
You can also confirm a sleep regression based on how many months old your baby is.
4 Month Sleep Regression
The first sleep regression that new parents encounter usually happens around 4 months, but can occur as early as 3 months.
At this stage, your baby’s sleep patterns are starting to resemble an adult’s. Newborn sleep is made up of 45 minute cycles where they usually drift in and out of sleep between each of these cycles. When their sleep starts maturing around 4 months, they wake completely after one cycle and now require help entering the next sleep cycle.
Until now, they have no experience of how to enter the next cycle. This is where the idea of sleep training comes into play to teach your baby how to self-soothe or self-settle. Unfortunately, this is not a passing phase and action must be taken.
6 Month Sleep Regression
This is a smaller regression as it is usually when your baby will drop their afternoon nap or their third nap, leaving only two naps (usually morning and lunch). They most likely will go through a fussy period due to adjusting for a longer wake time before bedtime.
8, 9, 10 Month Sleep Regression
We normally say 8 month regression, but again the timing can vary and happen any time between 8-10 months, or even all throughout these months! This regression is responsible for physiological developmental changes for your baby. These are the huge milestones you have been waiting for: crawling, standing, first words.
Just as you are excited about these milestones, your baby is too! They’re so excited that they want to wake up to practice these amazing new skills they have even throughout the night.
If you have sleep trained your baby during their 4-month regression, try not to undo the training and break into old habits when this regression hits. Unlike the 4 month regression, the 8-10 month regression should be a passing stage.
Another thing thrown into the mix is separation anxiety, which commonly happens around this time too. You may notice they are especially clingy when you leave the room or fussy when you leave them with someone other than yourself.
They are going through such huge and new developments that they need comfort and assurance.
12 Month Sleep Regression
This regression is responsible for another nap transition. Babies around this stage drop their morning nap, leaving only one nap (usually the lunch nap). This can happen anywhere between 12-15 months.
6 TIPS ON HOW TO SURVIVE A REGRESSION
TO END
So, there you have it, my 6 tips for baby sleep regression. Sleep regressions are challenging and exhausting on all parties involved. Just keep this in mind while you’re awake at 2am. Your baby’s brain is going through some amazing developments and simply put, it is just a natural process.
It will all be worth it when you see them walking, saying their first words, or finally sleeping through the night!
