Another sleep regression: the thing that most parents dread. When a regression in sleep happens, parents often feel unprepared, caught off guard and are unsure how to maintain their baby’s sleep.
I think the best gift I can give parents, is the gift of education. You will be much better able to respond appropriately if you KNOW that your little one is experiencing a regression.
What is a sleep regression?
A “sleep regression” is different from just a few off nights. A regression is sleep usually coincides with the emergence of developmental milestones. When your baby progresses in one area (let’s say starts rolling), they will often regress in another area (often sleep!). Other times we can it can coincide with changes in routine (ex: starting daycare or arrival of a new baby sibling), illness, teething, holidays or travel.
Signs of a Sleep Regression:
- Fussiness/cranky
- Fighting sleep (either crying or practicing new skills- babbling, rolling, crawling..etc)
- New and frequent night wakings
- Early mornings
- Short naps or skipping naps
- Increased intake (day and night)
When to expect baby & toddler sleep regressions?
Through the newborn phase, your little one may experience some sleep speed bumps around 6-8 weeks. Usually corresponding with a growth spurt and coming out of the drowsy newborn period.
As your little one emerges from the newborn phase around 3 months of age, there will be predictable times when you can expect a regression in sleep to occur.
Below are the sleep regressions associated with developmental milestones.
- The 4 month progression: A complete restructuring of your child’s sleep architecture is occuring as their sleep patterns shift to mimic those closer to adults. This is also a common age to see babies figuring out how to roll.
- The 6 month sleep speed bump: This is a common time to see daytime sleep needs changing, and a nap transition occurring from 3 to 2 naps per day. It is also a common age to see sitting up (with help) and crawling emerge.
- The 8-10 month sleep speed bump: You can count on standing to disrupt sleep as well as separation anxiety peaking around this age! Often we will see increased protest and tears at the onset of sleep.
- The 12 month sleep speed bump: Walking, talking and new found independence can lead to sleep disruptions around this age. Some will experience a shift in daytime sleep needs (perhaps ready to transition down to one nap) and some may have the re-emergence of separation anxiety (commonly around 14-16 months).
- The 18 month sleep speed bump: Say hello to your little toddler who is undergoing major physical, cogntive and emotional growth. They are starting to learn they can make decisions and understand the impact of cause and effect. It will be important to stick to boundaries, find ways to foster their independence as well as empower them.
- The 24 month sleep speed bump: With changing sleep needs and little one’s that really start to test the limits, many will experience sleep disruptions. It is common to see night wakings and fighting naptime. I would keep your little one in their crib for as long as possible unless you need to switch them to a toddler bed for safety reasons.
- Between 2-3 years of age, it is very common to see multiple nap regressions. Continue to offer a mid day rest though.
How long do sleep regressions last?
A regression in sleep due to developmental milestones can range from just a few days to a week or two. It really depends on the baby. For regressions due to schedule, illness, travel and teething, they can usually resolve in a few days if you are consistent with your response.
How long the regression will last depends on how quickly can your child master the skill they are working on (++ daytime practice), how consistent you are in your response to the changes in sleep, and (often) whether or not they have independent sleep skills in place.
How to survive sleep regressions?
1) Environment: Triple check the sleep environment to ensure you have set your child up for successful sleep. Think dark, cool, quiet, boring and safe!
2) Balance daytime sleep: Ensure that your child has the proper amount and balance of daytime sleep for their age. Too little or too much can impact their overnight sleep.
3) Optimize nutrition: Make sure your little one’s nutrition (feeds & solids) is well balanced for their
age. Babies through the first year of life should be taking in 24-32oz of milk in a 24 hour period.
4) Proper wake windows: Monitor the last wake window of the day, you want to make sure your little one has enough sleep pressure built up but not too much that they are overtired going to bed. An overtired child often has a hard time settling to sleep and tends to experience more night wakings and early mornings.
5) Bedtime routine: Have a solid and predictable bedtime routine in place. This will allow your child time to prepare their mind and body. for sleep. A bedtime routine should be about 20-30 minutes long.
6) Sleep associations: Do not reintroduce new or old sleep associations. Although this may seem like the easiest option it will make it harder for you in the long run. You can absolutely offer some extra cuddles to help calm your little one, but focus on support to calm VERSUS to sleep.
7) Have a plan: Prepare ahead of time and stay CONSISTENT with your response. Inconsistencies in your response will lead to confusion for your little one and can prolong the sleep disturbances.
8) Practice new skills: Offer +++ opportunity during the day for your little one to practice and master any new skills.
If your child does not have independent sleep skills established and you feel stuck waking every 1-2 hours overnight, I can help get your family get back on track.
Let me take the guesswork out of baby sleep and give you the roadmap to better sleep.
Rosalie Kassen (she/her)
Founder of Plume Sleep Solutions, Registered Nurse and Paediatric Sleep Consultant.
I work with families all over the world to bring a healthy sleep foundation and rest back into their homes.
Stop surviving the parenthood journey and start thriving!