Understanding Sleep Regressions: Why Your Baby’s Sleep Might Be Disrupted
As a parent, nothing strikes fear quite like the words sleep regression. These challenging periods often send mums and dads seeking sleep support during their baby’s first year. And who could blame them? Sleep regressions can feel like a never-ending hurdle. But don’t worry—sleep regressions, while tough, don’t have to signal the end of good sleep.
What Are Sleep Regressions?
A sleep regression is typically a period of 2-4 weeks when your baby, who had previously been sleeping well, suddenly has difficulty settling down for sleep or wakes up fussing in the middle of the night. It can feel like all the hard work you’ve put into creating a consistent routine has been undone overnight. But don’t panic—this phase is temporary and often signals developmental growth.
Sleep regressions are often tied to major milestones in your baby’s physical or emotional development. Understanding what’s happening can help you get through these challenging phases and back to your family’s healthy sleep routine.
When Do Sleep Regressions Happen?
Here are the most common sleep regression milestones and what may be causing them:
6 Weeks: This marks the beginning of your baby’s daytime sleep cycles, which can lead to an adjustment period as their internal clock develops.
4 Months: Babies are learning to transition from light sleep to deep sleep at night. Around this time, they might also be learning how to roll over, which can disrupt sleep patterns.
6 Months: This is often the time for a growth spurt, where your baby may be hungrier and need more frequent feedings, which could impact their sleep.
8-10 Months: Babies start crawling, pulling themselves up, and becoming more mobile. These developmental changes can make them more restless at night. Separation anxiety can also begin to appear, causing them to wake up more frequently.
18 Months: Separation anxiety peaks around this age, along with teething (especially molars, ouch!). This combination can significantly impact your baby’s ability to settle at bedtime.
Navigating Through Sleep Regressions
While sleep regressions can be frustrating, they are usually temporary and part of your baby’s growth process. With patience and consistency, you’ll be able to get back to the sleep routines that worked before the regression hit.
One important thing to remember is that how a baby falls asleep is often how they will want to resettle during the night. If your baby has been used to being rocked or nursed to sleep, they might struggle to self-soothe and settle during a regression. This is the perfect time to gently encourage independent sleep with a settling method that aligns with your values and your baby’s temperament.
Helpful Tips for Sleep Regressions:
Stick to Your Routine: Consistency is key. Keeping a calm and predictable bedtime routine can help reassure your baby during a regression.
Encourage Independent Sleep: If you’ve been helping your baby fall asleep in a certain way, now is a great time to begin gently guiding them towards self-settling.
Use Comforting Tools: If your baby is unwell or congested, a nasal aspirator like Snotty Noses can help clear up congestion, making it easier for your baby to sleep through the night. (Check out the Snotty Noses website for baby health products that can ease discomfort!)
Get the Sleep Support You Need
Sleep regressions are a normal part of your baby’s development, but they don’t have to be overwhelming. With gentle support, patience, and consistency, you can navigate through these phases and get your little one back to sleeping soundly. If you need help with sleep strategies or would like guidance on handling sleep regressions, reach out today to book your Free 15-Minute Call! I’m here to support you and help your family get the rest you need.