Understanding Sleep Regressions in Infants and Toddlers

Sleep regressions are often held responsible for disrupting healthy sleep patterns, although they don't actually involve a regression in sleep. What's happening is that your baby is growing older and experiencing developmental milestones, leading to an overactive mind. As you navigate through the challenges of sleep regressions, remember that maintaining a positive attitude and being patient with your baby is key to overcoming this phase smoothly.

At what ages do sleep regressions happen?

• 4 Months of Age

• 6 Months of Age (Less Common)

• 8-10 Months of Age

• 12 Months

• 18 Months

• 2-3 Years old

Here are signs that your baby is going through a sleep regression:

• Increased fussiness at bedtime

• Frequent nighttime wake-ups

• Difficulty settling down for naps

• Shorter stretches of sleep

• Starts waking up at 4:00 am

• Appears to have changed behavior regarding sleep, and the reason is unclear

• Prior to this, they were a good sleeper

Here are few practical tips to assist you in managing this period effectively:

1. Encourage your baby to sleep independently by teaching them self-settling skills. When babies can put themselves to sleep and transition between sleep cycles, it can ease the impact of regressions. If you are interested in teaching your little one to self-soothe in a gentle way, book a free consultation today!
   

2. Make sure you are following your baby's age-appropriate wake windows as they may change since they are getting older
   

3. Keep bedtime between 7-8 PM. (It's ideal for their circadian rhythm)
   

4. Avoid introducing new habits during this time, as it takes around three days to form a habit. For instance, transitioning from a bassinet to co-sleeping creates a new routine that will need to be broken eventually. Prioritize your baby's safety and ensure all their needs are met and keep them in their bassinet or crib.
   

5. Allow your baby to practice their developmental milestones during the day, such as crawling, standing, sitting up, and walking. This can create enough sleep pressure to facilitate quicker bedtime sleep. By giving them the opportunity to practice these skills before bedtime, they can build up sleep pressure, which is the level of tiredness before falling asleep. Fill up that sleep pressure tank!

For more safe sleep information, visit the American Academy of Pediatrics Safe Sleep Information

If you have a baby or toddler in daycare, click here for a free sleep daycare guide!

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Meet Maram

Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant & Founder of Comfy Little Sleepers

Hey there! I'm a Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant that helps families sleep better. As a mother myself, I have experienced firsthand the struggles of sleepless nights, and I am dedicated to helping families achieve the rest they need to thrive. I understand the effects of sleep deprivation on both parents and their children. That's why I'm committed to helping families achieve the restful sleep they need to thrive.

My approach is client-led, with a range of methods available to teach your child healthy sleep habits now and in the long term. I offer gentle and intermediate methods, which are tailored to your parenting style and what you feel comfortable with. I believe that a client-led approach is the key to success, as it ensures that you are fully comfortable with the process. At Comfy Little Sleepers, we bring together sleep and comfort to help your little ones sleep soundly.

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