Becoming a new parent is an exhilarating and joyous experience, but it also comes with a fair share of challenges. One such challenge is dealing with sleep regressions. While these sudden interruptions in a baby’s sleep patterns can be frustrating and exhausting, they are actually a positive sign of healthy development. In this blog post, we will explore what sleep regressions are, when to expect them, how to cope with them, and when to be concerned.
Understanding Sleep Regressions
Sleep regressions refer to periods when a baby who once slept soundly suddenly starts experiencing disrupted and restless sleep. They typically occur at predictable ages during a baby’s first year, and while they can vary between individuals, they are a normal part of infant development. These regressions often coincide with significant cognitive and physical milestones such as rolling over, crawling, or teething.
When to Expect Sleep Regressions
There are several well-documented sleep regressions that parents can anticipate during their baby’s first year:
4-Month Sleep Regression: This is perhaps the most well-known and challenging regression. It typically occurs when a baby is around four months old and coincides with their brain going through developmental changes, transitioning from newborn to infant sleeping patterns.
8-10 Month Sleep Regression: This regression often coincides with a baby’s increased mobility and attempts to crawl or stand. Their growing independence and curiosity can disrupt their sleep patterns, leading to nighttime awakenings or difficulties falling asleep.
12-Month Sleep Regression: At around one year old, many babies experience a regression as they approach various developmental milestones, such as walking and speaking. Their increasing language skills and physical abilities can disrupt their sleep temporarily.
Toddlers: After a year, toddlers can also experience sleep regressions as they grow, learn new skills, or start new routines (like preschool). They may even include nightmares at this stage. Common ages are 15 months, 18 months, two years, and three years.
Babies and toddlers usually make it through sleep regressions on their own, but it’s still not a pleasant experience for parents as when you’re already sleep deprived.
Coping Strategies for Sleep Regressions
While it’s normal for parents to feel overwhelmed during sleep regressions, there are several strategies that can help both infants and parents navigate through this phase:
Stick to a Routine: Maintain a consistent and soothing bedtime routine that signals to your baby it’s time to sleep. This routine could include activities like a warm bath, gentle massage, or reading a story.
Create a Calm Environment: Ensure the sleep environment is conducive to restful sleep. Dim the lights, use white noise machines or soft lullabies, and maintain a comfortable ambient temperature.
Offer Comfort and Reassurance: During regressions, it’s essential to respond to your baby’s needs promptly. Provide the necessary comfort, whether it’s a cuddle, feeding, or gentle reassurance, until they settle back into sleep.
When to be Concerned
While sleep regressions are typically a normal part of development, it’s essential to be aware of signs that may indicate an underlying issue requiring further attention. Please contact your baby’s pediatrician or health care provider if your baby is experiencing extreme or prolonged distress, sudden changes in behavior, or lack of growth or development. While it is normal that changes in routine or travel can also cause sleep disruptions, any time that your baby experiences severe distress for an extended period of time may be linked to something other than a normal sleep regression. Especially if your baby’s sleep regression coincides with a lack of growth or developmental milestones.
Sleep regressions may be challenging to navigate as new parents, but they are signals of healthy development in infants. Understanding what to expect, implementing coping strategies, and being aware of potential concerns can help ease the stress associated with sleep regressions. Remember, this phase is temporary, and with time, your baby will settle back into a more regular sleep routine.
