Is this a Sleep Regression? Understanding and navigating sleep regressions the first year!

Have you ever had the thought, I just want my happy baby back? Chances are, yes you have thought it, and yes you are likely in a regression. What the heck do I do now to get through this and get my happy baby back? It is exhausting for both parents and babies. Below I dive into what they are and why they happen and some tips to keep your sanity and come out of it happy and sane.

Understanding Baby Sleep Regressions

Sleep regressions are generally a result of a developmental milestone taking place in your baby’s first year. You can spot it with periods of disrupted sleep and behavior changes. Some examples are increased night wakings, clinginess, fussiness, difficult settling for no reason. You may also notice a change in eating behaviors, too.

Common Regressions:

1. 4-Month Sleep Regression: This is one of the most well known and most feared sleep regression. This is actually a whole shift in the way your baby sleeps. This is why it can be a tough regression to get through, because it is triggered by physical sleep changes. A newborn baby has stages of sleep and around the 4 month mark, they develop sleep cycles that are the same as adult sleep cycles. This transition can lead to more frequent night waking and shorter naps as it organizes and your baby learns how to transition from one sleep cycle to another on their own.
2. 8-10 Month Regression: Around this age, babies may experience another regression due to developmental milestones like crawling, teething, and increased awareness of their surroundings. Separation anxiety can also contribute to disrupted sleep patterns and increased fussiness.
3. 12-Month Regression: As babies approach their first birthday, their rapid cognitive and physical development can again disrupt sleep. The excitement of learning new skills like walking and talking might interfere with established sleep routines. Have you ever woken up and heard your baby laying in bed and babbling in the middle of the night?

How do we make it through?

1. Maintain Consistency: It can be tempting to do what is easy to help your little one. Stay the course and do not change your routine. Consistency and having clear expectation will help your little one navigate this easier and sometimes quicker. The last thing you want is to introduce a bad habit to make it in the short term and leave your baby wanting that bad habit going forward (ie. Rocking or feeding to sleep)
2. Offer Comfort: During regressions, your baby might need extra comfort and reassurance. Be prepared to offer more cuddles, soothing, and patience.
3. Adjust Daytime Schedule: If naps are affected, consider adjusting your baby’s daytime schedule to ensure they are getting adequate rest. Sometimes an earlier bedtime is necessary to help compensate for loss daytime sleep. Remember overtiredness can exacerbate sleep problems.
4. Create a Calm Bedtime Routine: A consistent and calming bedtime routine can signal to your baby that it’s time to wind down. Dim the lights, engage in soothing activities, and ensure the sleep environment is comfortable.
5. Practice Safe Sleep: Regardless of regressions, always prioritize safe sleep practices. Place your baby on their back in a crib with a firm mattress and no loose bedding.
6. Seek Support: You do not have to do it all on your own. Ask your spouse to help with bedtime routine. Take turns putting your little one down. Take turns with any night waking that require your attention.
7. Practice, Practice, Practice: If your babe is learning to roll, sit, crawl, walk, talk. Practice as much as you can with them during the day. Not only will it get some much needed energy out, but they are fine tuning their new skill!

Sleep Regressions are a part of development and there is no escaping them! However, understanding the science behind them will not only help you stay strong to get through them, but get through them with more ease! They can prove to be challenging, but always remember they are temporary!