Sleep Regressions - What They Are And How To Survive Them
Nobody likes sleep regressions.
I have several close friends that have recently had babies and they’ve all asked me about sleep regressions within the first couple of weeks after welcoming their little one. Every parent that I know dreads sleep regressions, and honestly, with good reason. They are just no fun. They are tough on parents and kids alike, but they are temporary and survivable. Remember that! We’re going to talk in this post about what they are and how to survive them. Consider this your sleep regression primer.
When do they happen?
Babies and toddlers will experience sleep regressions until they are 2 years old. We typically see them around 4 months, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months, 18 months, and 2 years. Though your child may experience a regression slightly before or after these month markers. A sleep regression is often brought on by a big developmental milestone, so they will likely be tied closer to when your child hits those than what their age is at the time of the regression. So, for example, if your 5 month old is hitting a big milestone a little early and also starts to struggle with sleep, they are likely just hitting the 6 month sleep regression.
What will happen?
Despite how it may feel, your little one’s sleep has not gone back to square one during a regression. Though it may look and feel that way during the regression, this is only a temporary season, and your child will return to their typical sleep habits afterwards. A sleep regression may be marked by frequent night wakings, struggles with naps, and bedtime becoming a battle. They often come on suddenly, without warning. Your child will seemingly revert back to the habits of a younger baby while this is happening. The good news is, they typically go away as suddenly as they come on, so take heart. You will get through this!
Why do they happen?
Sleep regressions are typically brought on by a significant developmental milestone. There are so many milestones that could contribute to sleep regressions. These might include learning to roll over, learning to talk, gaining independence or developing separation anxiety, teething, potty training, becoming a big sibling, and so much more. What is important to remember here is that this regression is only a season. This regression is just a response to a big life transition and a big learning curve that your little one is going through. They’re brain is working in overtime, and that can make sleep tough! With these learning curves, often comes higher needs from your child. So extra quality time, love, and affection through this season can be very helpful!
How to survive them?
Remember they are only temporary! You have not gone back to square one on all of your hard work to help them learn independent sleep. These regressions typically last 2-6 weeks, though find some comfort in that it is often on the shorter end of this range. The regression will end as quickly as it began. Make sure your baby is on a consistent sleep routine if they haven’t been up to this point, and stick with that routine if they are on a good one, even if that feels tough right now! Do not be tempted to introduce new sleep aids such as rocking or feeding to sleep as these will form bad habits that will not go away after the regression passes, and will only cause more sleep trouble.
All of the new skills they are learning that contribute to the regression can leave them feeling a bit overwhelmed and insecure in this season. Make sure to give your little one lots of extra love and affection during this time. If you think separation anxiety might be a contributing factor, spending extra time during awake time in their room or sleep space can help make that place a fun and safe one for them where they will feel more confident being independently after spending more time with mom and dad in their room. If you think teething pain may be contributing to their sleep struggles, talk with your pediatrician about some pain relief options for your little one. Giving your child ample opportunities during wake windows to practice all of the new skills they are learning so that they are less tempted to spend what should be sleep time practicing their new skills. For older kids, give them opportunities to be independent where you are able throughout the days and especially right before naptime or bedtime. This can be so helpful when they feel like they have the independence they are looking for and wanting, they are less likely to want to assert their independence through ways like choosing their own sleep schedule… which is usually one that is less than ideal for everyone involved, including themselves!
Sleep regressions are tough, but survivable! If you find that it is lasting longer than a few weeks or you think it may be something more than just a regression, reach out to us for help. That is what we are here for! Sometimes little ones need a bit of extra help to get back on track after a regression, and we would love to be on your team to provide that extra help. Hang in there!
Regressions are temporary! They really are!
~Becca