Are Sleep Regressions Real?
If you're a parent or have been around parents, you've likely heard the term "sleep regression" thrown around quite a bit. It's a common topic in mum groups and parenting circles, and understandably so. After all, sleep regressions can make life with a baby or toddler quite challenging. But the burning question many parents ask is:
Are sleep regressions real?
Let's dive into this phenomenon and explore what happens during each of the sleep regressions, along with some tips for getting through them.
The 4-Month Sleep Regression
One of the first sleep regressions parents encounter is the infamous 4-month sleep regression. It's real, and it's a game-changer. At this age, your baby experiences a permanent change in sleep architecture, which means their sleep patterns shift. They also go through a significant period of development and experience growth spurts. All these changes can wreak havoc on their sleep schedule and, consequently, yours.
Tips for Surviving the 4-Month Sleep Regression:
- Be patient and understanding. This is a phase, and it will pass as long as you stay consistent
- Establish a bedtime routine to signal to your baby that it's time to sleep.
- Try to follow the "feed resettle feed resettle" rule overnight (aka only feed your baby back to sleep every second time they wake up, if they're waking every 1-2 hours)
The 8-10 Month Sleep Regression
Around the 8 to 10-month mark, you may encounter another sleep regression. This time, it's often accompanied by separation anxiety, teething woes, and a burst of gross motor development. Your little one is learning to crawl or stand, and this newfound physical activity can disrupt their sleep.
Tips for Surviving the 8-10 Month Sleep Regression:
- Offer comfort and reassurance when your baby wakes up during the night.
- Keep teething remedies at hand to alleviate discomfort.
- Ensure a safe sleep environment, especially as your baby becomes more mobile.
The 12-Month Sleep Regression
As your baby approaches their first birthday, you might notice the 12-month sleep regression. This regression often coincides with learning to walk, talk, and heightened separation anxiety. Additionally, changes in nap patterns can exacerbate sleep disturbances.
Tips for Surviving the 12-Month Sleep Regression:
- Stick to a consistent sleep schedule, even if naps become shorter or less frequent.
- Use positive sleep associations, like a favorite blanket or stuffed animal.
- Create a soothing bedtime routine to ease your baby into sleep.
The 18-Month Sleep Regression
At around 18 months, you may encounter yet another sleep regression. This one is marked by another surge in separation anxiety and often a significant leap in language development. Your toddler may be mastering new words and expressing their emotions more intensely.
Tips for Surviving the 18-Month Sleep Regression:
- Encourage verbal expression during the day to help your child process emotions.
- Offer comfort and security through a consistent bedtime routine.
- Consider a nightlight to ease any fear of the dark.
The 2-Year Sleep Regression
As your child approaches the age of 2, emotions are forming rapidly, and their brain development is in full swing. The 2-year sleep regression may rear its head during this phase.
Tips for Surviving the 2-Year Sleep Regression:
- Maintain a calm and reassuring presence when nighttime wake-ups occur.
- Set clear boundaries and expectations around bedtime.
- Incorporate relaxation techniques like gentle bedtime stories or lullabies.
The Role of Milestones
In addition to these commonly recognized sleep regressions, we often see disruptions in sleep patterns when our little ones are learning new physical skills, like rolling over or attempting to crawl. These milestones can temporarily impact their sleep as they become absorbed in mastering these feats.
In summary, sleep regressions are indeed real, but they're not as frequent as they might seem in the world of parenting discussions. These challenging periods often coincide with significant developmental leaps and changes in your child's life. While it may feel like you'll never sleep again during these regressions, remember that they are temporary phases. With patience, understanding, and a few helpful strategies, you can navigate these sleep regressions and ensure both you and your child get the rest you need.
If you're seeking more guidance on dealing with sleep regressions or tips for better baby sleep, hit the link below to book in a 15 minute call. You don't need to do this on your own!
