Let's talk about Sleep Regressions

Hava | Raised To Flourish Author

Understanding Sleep Regressions: Embracing PROgressions in Your Baby's Development

Understanding Sleep Regressions: Embracing PROgressions in Your Baby's Development

What Are Sleep Regressions?

As parents, we often hear about 'sleep regressions' when babies wake more at night, resist their naps, or generally struggle with sleep. The term 'regression' implies a return to a former or lesser state of development, but that's not what's happening! Your child hasn't forgotten how to fall asleep, stay asleep, or connect sleep cycles.

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While your child's sleep may be more disrupted, the truth is that nothing is regressing; instead, it's PROgressing! During these times, your little one is experiencing a huge leap forward in development. They are learning new skills and gaining cognitive abilities, and their brain are exploding with new information!

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When Do Sleep Regressions Happen?

Sleep regressions, or as I prefer, PROgressions, may occur at several key stages in your baby's development:

• 4 Months: Your baby's sleep cycles mature, and they begin to experience more adult-like sleep patterns.
• 6 Months: This period often brings about new motor skills and cognitive awareness.
• 8-10 Months: Significant physical development, including crawling and pulling up to stand.
• 12 Months: First birthday and the transition to toddlerhood.
• 18 Months: Mastering walking, talking, and increased independence.
• 24 Months: Growing language skills and more complex cognitive development.

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HOWEVER, this is going to align with only some children! Developmental progressions can happen at different times for different children; there is no guarantee that specific ages will result in trash sleep.  As much as you can, try to avoid fearing what the future holds and focus on the present and embrace flexibility for the waves that come. 

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Three Myths about Sleep Regressions

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You must sleep train or teach your child to 'self soothe' or settle to "fix" them

You might hear that you must sleep train or teach your baby to self-soothe to navigate these tricky times. Or even worse, you may hear that sleep-trained babies don't experience sleep regressions.  While I wish this was true, it simply isn't.  There is NO evidence to support these claims.

Yes, it is a challenging time for sleep, but parents are often fear-mongered by sleep trainers who claim sleep will never improve unless you take action. This couldn't be further from the truth.

Sleep regressions are an increase in sleep challenges or wakefulness due to the immense amount of development that babies experience throughout infancy!  Tricky periods for sleep are very normal, and not something we can stop - nor would we want to.  Their brains are exploding with new skills, their world is expanding, and their brain is growing!  

While these developmental leaps can certainly impact sleep, the reality is that they are more of a PROgression than anything else. You don't have to do anything to "fix" them or get your child through them because there is nothing broken! Focus on staying responsive, supporting good sleep hygiene for your babe, and taking care of yourself; it will improve. 

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Sleep regressions will happen at specific times for all babies. 

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While many babies may experience sleep challenges at certain ages, for example, 4, 6, 9, 12 months etc, there is NO guarantee that they will or won't happen at different times.  As mentioned, these tricky sleep periods are primarily due to development, and no baby will develop at exactly the same rate, experience these changes at the same time, or be affected in the same way!  

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You just need to stay 'consistent' 

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While, of course, there is a benefit to being consistent, it is ALSO okay to choose the path of least resistance through tricky sleep patches even if that means switching things up a bit.  Ask yourself, "How can my child and I get the most rest right now"? And then do what feels right!  You can always get transitions or changes back on track with sleep is feeling more settled.  The beauty of a responsive approach is that YOU get to choose what is best for you and your child in the present, flexing with the natural ebbs and flows of infant sleep. 

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Tips for Sleep: Responding to Your Child's Changing Needs

• During these developmental progressions, continue to respond to your baby's changing needs. Help them fall asleep however works for you both, whether feeding, rocking, or bouncing. Focus on creating positive sleep rhythms, tuning into your child's changing sleep needs, providing enough free movement, and optimizing their sleep hygiene. You've got this! 💖

• Be mindful of changing sleep needs: This is especially important through the 4-month sleep progression, as sleep needs can significantly decrease.
• Keep a consistent bedtime routine: This can provide a level of predictability for you both.
• Ensure your child has lots of time for free play: They tons of free movement time to move their body and practice their developing skills.
• Optimize light exposure: Keep things dim leading up to bedtime and provide plenty of natural light and fresh air during the day.
• Stay flexible: Nap times may change, be longer or shorter, and nights may need to adjust. Focus on what works in the moment, whether contact naps, motion, babywearing, safer bedsharing, etc. You're never locked into something that isn't sustainable in the long run, but if it works in the present, that is absolutely of value.

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Try to Avoid...

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Panicking and Blaming Yourself

Sleep changes are nearly inevitable for our quickly developing tiny humans! It's not your fault, and it's nothing that you've done. You CERTAINLY don't need to question everything you've done up to this point. You don't need to "teach" your child to sleep, "self-soothe," or change how your child falls asleep to get through it. Promise!

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Trying to Follow Wake Window Charts or Schedules Perfectly

The BEST thing you can do is provide your child with sleep when they need it, based on their cues and unique sleep needs. No sleep schedule or wake window chart will align perfectly with every child, especially during developmental progressions. Embracing flexibility can make things feel easier!

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Skipping the Bedtime Routine

With so much in your child's world is changing and sleep might feel messy and unsettled. One of the best things you can do is maintain the consistency that a bedtime routine and a quick little nap routine can provide.

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Take Care of Yourself

I mean it. I know it's hard, and it certainly goes much deeper than a bubble bath on the weekend. But as much as you can, prioritize going to bed earlier, taking things off of your to-do list, and building in support for yourself wherever possible.

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• Call on Your Village: Get support as much as possible.
• Be Mindful of Your Sleep Hygiene and Nutrition.
• Try to Get an Earlier Bedtime and/or Incorporate Your Partner into Nighttime Parenting.
• Get Lots of Fresh Air and Sunlight During the Day and Hydrate!
• Practice Self-Regulation and Mindfulness: Even small practices can have an incredible impact.
• Make the Tricky Parts Easier: Listen to a podcast or audiobook while supporting your child's sleep.
• Fill Your Cup!

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By understanding that sleep regressions are actually progressions, you can better support your baby and yourself through these challenging but exciting times. Sleep is fluid, and it is very normal to have periods of tricky sleep, along with times when sleep feels easier. But they will NOT last forever. You've got this! 💖

Categories: : Babies