The dreaded sleep regression(s)…

How to cope with those pesky sleep regressions that can temporarily derail sleep and what you can do to support your little one through it!

We’ve all been there… Either your once perfect sleeper suddenly becomes a terror at night; or your child who’s always been a bit of a challenge when it comes to sleep suddenly becomes unbearable in the middle of the night. Naps become shorter or nonexistent, bedtime is a battle, and they are waking up round the clock during the middle of the night. If sleep is seeming worse than usual very suddenly, your baby could be in the midst of a sleep regression. Don’t panic! As difficult as they can be, they don’t last forever and there are things you can do to help move them through it quicker. 

What is a sleep regression?

A sleep regression is a time where your baby’s sleep patterns change and are disrupted, usually due to different developmental milestones occurring. Basically, their brain gets so focused on the new milestone they are achieving (rolling over, crawling, talking etc.) that whatever sleep skills they had, get put on the back burner. You may find that they are trying to practice these skills in their sleep, therefore disrupting their sleep cycles. These regressions can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. 

When do these regressions typically occur & why?

4 months– Baby is transitioning from newborn sleep to mature, “adult” sleep which adds two more sleep cycles to their sleep time. This is also the time where your baby is typically learning to roll over, start eating purees and babble. These newfound skills can derail sleep big time. This is infamously known as the most difficult regression.

8 months– This regression usually happens sometime between 8-10 months because your baby is learning so much. During this age they learn to sit up, crawl, pull to stand and are absorbing language like crazy. For some they may hit this regression early at 8 months or it may hit a bit later at around the 10 month mark depending on the baby. 

12 months– This is the least common and least  stressful sleep regression (usually). You will likely start seeing a regression more so when it comes to naps. Your little one may start protesting their second nap. If that is the case a schedule change may be necessary and they may be ready to lengthen their wake windows and shift to one nap soon. 

18 months– The 18 month sleep regression can be attributed to teething (the dreaded molars), their new found independence or separation anxiety. 

24 months– The 2 year regression can be a tricky one. So many things are changing for your little one. They may start potty training, showing signs of readiness for a toddler bed, their wake periods may be growing longer, and nightmares/terrors are also likely to begin at this age.

***It is important to remember that all babies are different. Some may hit these milestones earlier and some a little later and that is totally ok!!!

What can you do to help during a sleep get things back on track during a regression?

• Stay consistent. Consistency and predictability are key in maintaining sleep habits and getting back on track during a regression. As difficult as it can be, try not to deviate from your structure and routine. If you are thinking that a schedule change may be necessary, ease your baby into it by doing it slowly. Add 10-15 minutes at a time to their wake period until you’ve achieved your new, desired schedule. 
• Added comfort. You may need to assist your little one in falling asleep more than usual. That is ok! Comfort them through this difficult time. Really try not to resort to holding/rocking them to sleep or co-sleeping. You don’t want them to lose their independent sleep skills they had prior to the regression. 
• Adjust bedtime. Naps can be particularly challenging during a sleep regression. If naps are shorter and less frequent, consider bumping up bedtime to 30-60 minutes earlier to avoid them becoming overtired. Sometimes an earlier bedtime is exactly what they need. 
• Add in an additional daytime feeding. Developmental milestones usually also mean physical growth. Your little one may be hungrier than usual. Offer an additional feeding or snack throughout the day.
• Practice, practice, practice! Whatever your little one’s newest skill is, practice as much as possible during the day. Allow for lots of physical movement in their daytime schedule.  This will make them less inclined to need to practice during sleep time.

For more sleep tips or advice please follow along @ezzzsleepwithem or for sleep training inquiries please email me at [email protected]–