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Sleep regression is a shift in your baby’s sleep patterns and typically occurs at four months. Your baby may go from sleeping through the night to waking up in the middle of the night unable to go back to sleep. Baby’s sleep regression can be a stressful time but is usually short-lived (until their next growth spurts!)
The first sleep regression is often the hardest for parents and occurs at around 4 months
The first sleep regression is often the hardest for parents and occurs at around 4 months. Teething pain, increased hunger from growth spurts, and the thrill of rolling over for the first time can prevent your baby from sleeping through the night.
Your baby will go through another growth spurt at 6 months and may become fussier at this time too. Waking periodically but falling back to sleep a little easier.
Babies start crawling at around 9 months and standing at 10 months, some babies will start sooner or later depending on their development phase. During this time it’s normal for the baby to have sleep problems due to separation anxiety and may wake up in the middle of the night for some reassurance.
Between 12-18 months, the baby will go through another sleep regression. This is an exciting time as baby transitions into a toddler and with the excitement come sleep problems. Toddler sleep issues are brought about by teething, nightmares, fear of the dark, and separation anxiety.
With some sleep training and time to get used to a new routine, the baby will learn to fall asleep easier
The four month sleep regression is typically the hardest as it’s the first but the baby’s sleep regression sessions will last 2-4 weeks at a time. The baby suddenly has difficulty sticking to a bedtime routine and does not want to stay asleep. With some sleep training and time to get used to a new routine, the baby will learn to fall asleep easier and stay asleep for longer.
Visit your pediatrician If your baby suddenly is struggling to sleep at night or you notice a lack of weight gain or lack of growth. If the baby is refusing food or there is a change in bowel movements. Self-care is important too so ensure you’re eating, taking water, and resting when you can.
Sleep regression is a normal phase in your baby’s development. While it can be difficult to soothe a fussy baby, you can make your baby and yourself more comfortable when you know the triggers. Certain events such as growth spurts, developmental leaps such as learning to roll over, crawl, and walk can trigger a sleep regression phase disturbing sleep patterns.
Sleep regression is difficult to handle, especially if you’re a new parent. Each child is different and will progress at their own speed. Self-care is vital so take time to meet your own needs and sleep requirements, ask for help if needed. Your child may see you like Superman or Wonderwoman but that doesn’t mean you need to run yourself into the ground. So, take that nap when you can, eat well, drink water, and enjoy fresh air, you will get through this phase.