Surviving Sleep Regression: Why You Shouldn’t Fear This Milestone
Surviving Sleep Regression: Why You Shouldn’t Fear This Milestone
Are you up late with a fussy baby you thought had finally settled into a nice, manageable sleep routine? You're not alone, and you might be experiencing the effects of sleep regression.
First things first: Don't fear! This is a completely normal part of baby’s development. For parents though, it can be uncomfortable and more than a little disruptive. Here’s what you need to know to survive this unfortunate (and temporary!) setback in baby’s sleep routine.
What Is Sleep Regression?
Sleep regression is when a baby who has previously been sleeping well suddenly seems to lose their good sleep habits.
If your previously perfect snoozer is suddenly waking up in the middle of the night, having trouble settling down for naps, or is generally fussier and crankier throughout the day, that could be a sleep regression.
Sleep regressions are different from, say, one bad night. The setback can last for days, or even weeks. While that can be incredibly frustrating, or even alarming for parents to deal with, it's both normal and temporary.
"Know that it’s not going to be forever and do your best to get back on track when possible." says MyGerber Baby Expert Christina Gantcher.
Why Is It Happening Now?
"Sleep regressions happen because of change, whether that's internal or external," says Christina. As early as 4 months, baby might start to experiment with rolling over. Around seven to 12 months, they can learn how to stand upright or take their first few steps. "That's a monumental shift for this baby," says Christina. "That's all they want to do, and they really don't want to sleep because it's boring to sleep. So that change is internal."
Predictable Baby Sleep Regressions Around Development Milestones
- 3-4 Months: Pain from teething; growth spurt; new ability to roll over
- 6 Months: Usually from a growth spurt
- 8-10 Months: Baby begins to stand and crawl; separation anxiety (if room-sharing has stopped)
- 12 Months: Baby can now stand and take steps
Other, less predictable sleep regressions can happen because of external factors like sickness or an external change in the sleep routine. Think of it from your baby's point of view: "I was sick, I had a horrible fever, and I couldn't breathe because my nose was so stuffy, and my mom had to hold me upright for three nights in a row. I got used to sleeping in my mom's arms and now I have to stop doing that... that's an environmental change," says Christina.
How Long Will It Last?
Predictable sleep regressions that stem from developmental milestones can last anywhere from two to six weeks.
Less predictable regressions that stem from external factors like sickness or an environmental change are much harder to predict, but can be mitigated (within reason) by helping baby get back to their normal sleeping routine as soon as you can.
All babies and families are different though, and Christina generally advises against rigid thinking when it comes to baby’s sleep patterns. "If somebody said 'How long is a phase?' I don't know, a phase could be three to seven days and some people could say three to seven weeks." she says. "I don't think that there's a time that we can put on it because it's very different for everyone."
Is There Anything I Can Do About It?
You can always help baby get the rest they need by regularly giving them opportunities for sleep. Sticking as much as you possibly can to a sleep routine will be helpful in all stages of development. If that schedule is interrupted by an unpredictable factor (like sickness or travel) just try to get back to it as soon as you can.
In general though, there's not a ton you can do about baby's shifting sleep patterns. But try to take some comfort in that!
This is a normal part of baby's development. They're getting used to the world and things are changing rapidly for their bodies and brains. All you can really do is hang in there and focus on being kind to yourself and supportive to your little one.
You got this.
