As challenging as the first few months with a newborn can be, it’s all worth it when you look back on all those sweet moments. Everything changes when your baby hits 4 months old. From this point on, your little one will start to develop their own personality and begin testing their boundaries.
Exploring and experimenting often become the norm between 4 and 6 months of age. This is commonly referred to as “the terrible twos” because it’s when your little one begins throwing tantrums and being stubborn. Sleep regression is also common during this phase because babies are starting to recognize things around them more clearly, which makes them want to stay awake for longer periods of time.
Here’s everything you need to know about sleep regression, its causes, effects on your baby, and how you can deal with it effectively so that both of you get the rest that you need.
What is Sleep Regression?
Sleep regression refers to an infant's return to an irregular sleep pattern. As a newborn, you spend most of your day sleeping, going to sleep, and waking briefly without distinction between day and night.
Babies' sleep habits change as they mature; the length of time spent sleeping collectively increases, but the total amount of time spent sleeping each day gradually decreases, and by around 6 months of age, the distinction between day and night is becoming clearer.
Sleep regression occurs when a baby who has been sleeping well suddenly has difficulty going to sleep or wakes up fussy in the middle of the night. It usually lasts for two to four weeks. However, infants' and toddlers' sleep patterns vary greatly by nature.
Sleep regression does not always occur in babies. It is more likely to occur between the ages of 4 months and 1.5 years, and may occur more than once. As the child advances in age, sleep regression tends to occur less frequently, and is rare after the age of 18 months.
The Causes of Sleep Regression
There are many things that can make the baby uncomfortable, worried, or restless that can lead to six month sleep regression. For example, growth spurts, which cause the baby to be more hungry, or teething pains, developmental milestones, disruptions of routine, etc. Travelling always involves sleeping in an unfamiliar environment, as well as getting colds and ear infections.
How Does Sleep Regression Affect Your Baby?
When a baby is going through sleep regression, there are certain things that happen. It is a sure sign that your child is experiencing sleep regression if these things start happening after your baby has a normal sleeping pattern.
Babies Wake Up Immediately
In spite of the fact that you could put them to sleep in your arms, they would wake up and cry when you put them on the bed. Every time parents try to get their baby to sleep, the same thing happens.
When a baby wakes up soon after falling asleep, it can be difficult to get the baby to fall asleep again from scratch. When babies are put to sleep by being held or sleeping with their mothers, they may sense their mothers' warmth and sleep soundly.
It takes a Long Time to Put Babies to Sleep
Some mothers said that they tried to think that their children would fall asleep when they became sleepy. Even when babies are exhausted and drowsy, it appears that putting them to sleep is difficult. With a baby in your arms or on your back, it may take several hours to put them to sleep.
If parents have to put their children to sleep for long periods of time every day, mothers may find it challenging. If they feel compelled to put their child to sleep fast, the bedtime process may seem much longer.
Late Bedtime
Six-month-old babies frequently begin playing at night and stay up until midnight. Babies who struggle to establish a consistent daily routine. Mothers had difficulty establishing a solid routine for their babies when they were 6 months old. There are some babies who take a long or late nap, resulting in a later bedtime.
Tips to Help Your Baby Through Sleep Regression
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Dim the lights in the room and make as little noise as possible. Some newborns may find it easier to fall asleep if there is a consistent noise, such as the sound of an air conditioning fan or soft music.
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Keep an eye on the temperature of the room. If you can feel the back of your baby's neck sweating, it means the environment is excessively hot; reduce the temperature or dress your infant in cooler clothing. If the back of the neck is cold, raise the temperature of the room or wear additional clothing.
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Learn to recognize your baby's sleep cues (eye rubs, fussiness, yawns, eye turning away, etc.) so you can put them down before they become too weary to fall and stay asleep.
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Ensure that your baby gets adequate sleep throughout the day because an overtired baby is more likely to experience six month sleep regression at night.
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Establish a routine for naptime and bedtime.
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Your partner should be a strong ally and a source of support. Six month sleep regression may last for several weeks. Even if you pay enough attention and try to cope while trying not to establish new sleep associations, you will surely tire. When that happens, you should seek assistance.
Conclusion
Baby sleep may seem like a one-step process or a two-step process. Yes, there are good nights, too, but there are also tears. There are times when the dream train seems to get a bit off track.
The baby may experience a six month sleep regression when they are in one of these phases. The problem is that sleep regression cannot be prevented for many new parents whose babies are not sleeping well.
Sleep regression is a natural part of an infant's or toddler's development. Maintaining a regular nighttime routine and sleep schedule could help minimise the chance of six month sleep regression. Do not let this phase discourage you.
