Undoubtedly, you’ve heard of sleep regressions. If you’re reading this, chances are you’re experiencing it first hand. The word regression suggests a setback- something abnormal. Unfortunately regressions aren’t abnormal. They are frustrating, exhausting and overwhelming.
Just when you think you have a great sleeper, your great sleeper stops sleeping well. A sleep regression might look like difficulty settling down or falling asleep, nap resistance and night wakings. All of this can lead to overtiredness. In turn, overtiredness can result in fussiness and crankiness. For you and your child.
Here’s maybe the most important part: sleep regressions usually only last one or two weeks. This will pass.
Why do sleep regressions occur?
As a baby or toddler grows, sleep needs and patterns change. A sleep regression may mean that your child is approaching:
- A transition to fewer naps,
- A developmental milestone, or
- A growth spurt
Teething, travel, illness and environmental changes can also lead to mini regressions.
When can I expect a sleep regression during the first year of life?
| Developmental Milestone | Nap Changes | |
| 4 – 5 months | Rolling over | 4 to 3 nap transition |
| 6 months | Sitting | |
| 8 – 10 months | Crawling | 3 to 2 nap transition |
| 12 months | Standing/Walking |
What do I do during a sleep regression?
- Pay attention to your child’s sleepy cues. Get your kiddo in bed before overtiredness sets in.
- Maintain a consistent bedtime routine. This is so important!
- If your kiddo fusses in the middle of the night, give him or her the time and space to self-soothe. If a night feeding is still required, go ahead, feed and leave but otherwise, don’t rush in to hold, cuddle, bounce or rock. If you get in the habit of holding, cuddling, bouncing or rocking, you’ll end up needing to do this again and again. If that happens, your child will have to relearn self-soothing all over again.
- If you’re absolutely exhausted and your child is at least 5 months old, sleep training may be needed. Remember- it doesn’t always require tears!
Hang in there. A sleep regression is just a temporary phase and it will pass!