Have you ever felt like you finally cracked the code to your baby's sleep, only to be thrown for a loop by sleep regressions?
Don’t worry you're not alone.
Sleep regression is common and often coincides with the developmental milestones of your little one. These phases can disrupt your carefully crafted bedtime routine and leave you feeling like you're back at square one.
While sleep regressions may seem like a rite of passage in parenthood, understanding and managing them can make a world of difference. By recognizing the signs and symptoms, you can help ease your child through these challenging phases, ensuring that you and your baby get the rest you need to thrive.
Understanding sleep regression
Sleep regression is a period when a baby or toddler who has been sleeping well suddenly starts waking up frequently at night or has trouble going to sleep.
Who knew that something so tiny could cause such big disruptions to our sleep schedules?
These disruptions can happen around certain ages or developmental milestones and even though it’s a normal part of a child's sleep development, there are tools you can use to ease your little one back into their regular routine.
Let’s start with getting to know the signs of sleep regressions and how they show up at different ages and milestones.
4-month sleep regression
At around 4 months old, just as you may have settled into what feels like a good rhythm, your little one may suddenly start waking more frequently at night or have difficulty settling for naps. This phase, often linked to developmental changes, like rolling over, can be a surprising twist in your baby’s sleep routine.
Keep an eye out for signs like increased fussiness, shorter sleep cycles, and changes in feeding patterns. Your baby may also seem more alert and easily disturbed during their slumber.
8-10 month sleep regression
As your baby becomes more mobile and starts exploring the world around them, this may lead to more disruptions in their sleep patterns. This regression can bring with it more frequent night awakenings and difficulty settling back to sleep. This can be because your baby is learning things like sitting up and crawling, as well as object permanence (the understanding that things still exist when you can’t see them — for example, I can’t see Mom, but I know she’s close by).
Look for signs of increased restlessness during sleep, more frequent night waking, and a reluctance to go back to sleep without comfort or reassurance.
15-18-month sleep regression
Just when you thought you were in the clear, toddlerhood brings its own set of sleep challenges. Around 18 months, your little one may experience a regression marked by resistance to bedtime, more frequent night waking, and difficulty staying asleep.
This could show up in the form of increased bedtime battles, more frequent nighttime visits to your bed, and a newfound desire for independence that may manifest as a reluctance to settle down for sleep. This is also a common time for a burst of separation anxiety, meaning your little one is putting up a fuss about being left alone at bedtime. This is because they’re developing a better sense of awareness and discovering that they do have the ability to make decisions for themselves — like deciding they don’t actually want to go to sleep at bedtime.
As you navigate these sleep regression phases, remember that each child is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. With patience, understanding, and some helpful tools to fall back on, you can help guide your little one through these nighttime challenges, ensuring that sleep regressions are but a fleeting phase in the grand adventure of parenthood.
The impact of comfortable sleepwear
Choosing sleepwear made from natural, organic fabrics that are gentle on sensitive skin can reduce irritation and discomfort that can worsen sleep regressions. These fabrics allow the skin to breathe, preventing overheating and ensuring a cozy, comforting sleep environment.
And don’t forget about the fit! Properly sized sleepwear with features like an elastic waistband or functional drawstring ensures a snug yet comfortable fit, promoting freedom of movement and reducing the chances of discomfort interrupting precious sleep.
Tips for choosing comfortable sleepwear
When selecting the right sleepwear for your little one, prioritize natural, organic fabrics like bamboo viscose, which is soft, breathable, and reduces the risk of irritation. Look for features such as flat seams and tag-less labels, which minimize the risk of chafing and maximize comfort during sleep.
Opt for sleepwear with stretch and flexibility, allowing your child to move freely and comfortably throughout the night, promoting better rest and uninterrupted sleep.
Sleep bags, in particular, offer a snug yet comfortable fit, allowing for freedom of movement while ensuring your little one stays cozy and secure throughout the night. These sleep bags also eliminate the need for loose blankets, proving a safe alternative to a cozy night’s sleep.
The power of a regular bedtime routine
Establishing a cozy bedtime routine is not only about ensuring your baby’s comfort for a good night’s sleep; it also signals to your baby that it’s time to wind down for sleep.
Your routine can be a game-changer during sleep regressions, providing a sense of predictability and security. By following a calming routine, such as a warm bath and bedtime story, you can help your baby relax and transition smoothly to sleep. Integrating cozy sleepwear into your bedtime routine that your baby is familiar with is also helpful, as it will become a cue that it's time for sleep.
For more tips on finding the right sleepwear for your little sleeper, check out our post on 5 Things to Consider When Choosing Safe Sleepwear for Your Baby.
As we wrap up our exploration of sleep regressions, one thing is crystal clear: prioritizing comfort is key to navigating these nighttime setbacks with ease. From choosing fabrics that are gentle on sensitive skin to curating a bedtime routine for your little one’s unique needs, every decision plays a part in creating a cozy, comforting sleep environment for your little one.