Knowing when your child is going through a sleep regression
As parents, we all cherish those moments when our child sleeps peacefully through the night. But just when you start enjoying this new rhythm, suddenly your baby starts waking up frequently, struggling to settle, or skipping naps. Welcome to the world of sleep regressions!
Sleep regressions can feel daunting, especially if you don't recognize the signs early on. But with the right approach, you can navigate this temporary phase with greater confidence. Here’s how to know when your child is experiencing a sleep regression, along with some practical tips for managing it.
What is a Sleep Regression?
A sleep regression refers to a period when a baby or toddler who previously slept well starts having trouble with their sleep. It’s often marked by frequent night wakings, shorter naps, difficulty falling asleep, or restlessness during sleep. The frustrating part? These regressions often occur just as you feel like you've mastered your child’s sleep schedule.
These disruptions are usually linked to developmental milestones, which temporarily disrupt their sleep patterns.
Signs Your Child is Going Through a Sleep Regression
1. Frequent Night Wakings
One of the clearest signs of a sleep regression is frequent night wakings. If your baby has been sleeping through the night but suddenly begins waking every hour or two, it could indicate a regression. This may be accompanied by crying, fussing, or simply needing comfort to get back to sleep.
2. Shorter Naps
Sleep regressions can also affect daytime sleep. If your child suddenly starts taking shorter naps, or even refuses to nap altogether, this could be a sign. Their naps may become erratic, leaving them more overtired and cranky throughout the day.
3. Difficulty Falling Asleep
A child going through a sleep regression may have trouble settling down at bedtime. Despite your usual routine, they may become more resistant to sleep, needing extra rocking, feeding, or cuddles to settle down. This could extend the amount of time it takes for them to drift off.
4. Increased Fussiness
Fussiness and crankiness are natural results of a lack of sleep. If your child is suddenly much fussier during the day, acting clingier, or having more frequent tantrums, it could be linked to poor sleep caused by a regression.
5. Reverting to Old Sleep Habits
If your baby had been self-soothing but now requires more hands-on comfort like rocking, feeding, or patting to sleep, this could be another sign of a regression. Reverting to old sleep habits during these phases is common, as your child seeks comfort to cope with their new developmental changes.
Common Ages for Sleep Regressions
While every child is different, sleep regressions typically happen around the following ages:
4 months: One of the most challenging, as it marks a permanent shift in how babies sleep. They transition from newborn sleep cycles to more mature sleep stages.
8-10 months: Linked to motor skill development, separation anxiety, and language acquisition.
12 months: As toddlers become more mobile and curious, they might struggle with settling down for sleep.
18 months: Often tied to growing independence, tantrums, and transitioning to fewer naps.
2 years: Separation anxiety, imagination, and fear of the dark can come into play at this age.
How to Manage Sleep Regressions
Knowing that sleep regressions are temporary can bring some peace of mind. But managing them requires patience and strategy. Here are some tips to help you through:
1. Stick to Your Routine
Even though your child’s sleep is disrupted, maintaining a consistent bedtime routine is key. Whether it’s reading a story, singing lullabies, or bathing, these familiar activities will signal to your child that it’s time for bed.
2. Offer Comfort, but Avoid Creating New Habits
It’s natural to want to offer extra comfort when your child is upset. While you should certainly respond to their needs, be mindful of creating new sleep dependencies like rocking or feeding to sleep. Try to comfort them in ways that still encourage independent sleep.
3. Ensure Plenty of Daytime Activity
A well-stimulated baby will be more likely to sleep better. Encourage physical play during the day to burn off energy and support their motor skill development. Fresh air and exposure to natural light can also help regulate their sleep-wake cycle.
4. Be Patient
Sleep regressions can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. The key is to stay consistent, offer comfort when needed, and trust that this phase will pass. Eventually, your child will return to their usual sleep patterns.
5. Take Care of Yourself
Sleep regressions can be just as hard on you as they are on your child. Make sure you’re also getting the support and rest you need. If possible, share nighttime duties with a partner or loved one, and don’t hesitate to nap when your baby does.
Final Thoughts
Sleep regressions are a natural part of your child’s development, even though they can feel challenging at the time. Not all child show signs of a sleep regression, for those fortunate parents, but they are more common than not. By recognising the signs and sticking to a supportive routine, you can help your child through this phase with as little disruption as possible. Just remember, this too shall pass!