A sleep regression is when your child s sleep becomes more challenging. This is usually due to your child reaching a developmental stage and learning something new. It s easy to tell when your child is reaching a physical milestone (crawling, sitting, etc.), and not so easy when they are reaching a cognitive milestone (brain development). Regressions usually happen at the following ages 4 months, 8 months, 12 months, 18 months, 2 years.
The 4 month sleep regression is a tough one! You may have just started to get some longer stretches of sleep at night and then BOOM, you re right into the 4 month sleep regression. During the 4 month sleep regression you child may Wake more often during the night, Take shorter naps, Falling asleep can be harder. There are lots of changes happening with sleep at this age, your child is also becoming more aware of their surroundings and of themselves.
I find this regression to be the hardest regression as it lasts the longest! This regression can last for 2 or even 3 months! During the 8 month sleep regression (which can actually start at 9 or 10 months) your child may Have long awake periods during the night, Have more wake ups during the night. There are a lot of physical changes happening at this age which can cause the regression. Your child may be learning to crawl, this is a huge physical milestone, but it also triggers a stage of separation anxiety. Let your child practice those new skills in the sleep space, the sooner they are able to perfect them, the easier time they ll have getting back on track.
You ll be glad to hear this isn t as much of a challenge as the 8 month sleep regression. This regression mainly affects naps. Though getting shorter naps can lead your child to be overtired which in turn affects night sleep.
This is where regressions can get interesting! Your child is now a toddler, toddlers are quite opinionated. They know what they like and what they don t like, they are also not afraid to show you what that is. Your child may struggle to fall asleep, they may want to manipulate the whole getting to be process and be in charge. With this regression you want to remain consistent with your routines. Decide what things can be negotiated (bedtime story, which pyjamas to wear to bed, etc.) and don t shift your boundaries.
There may be some big changes happening at this age, possibly a new sibling, moving to bed, potty training, and needing less sleep. Slowly help your child through any transitions that are happening right now. Don t move them to a bed, begin potty training, the week a new sibling arrives. Work on one thing at a time.
Make sure you keep your routines nice and consistent. Consistent routines will really help your child feel comfortable and relaxed when it comes to sleep times. The more relaxed your child the easier time they ll have falling asleep. Remember, the better sleep is before the regression, the less of an impact the regression will have. Continue with playtime in the crib every day, especially when your child is learning something new. Your child needs to perfect the new skill in the crib, that way they won t only have time to practice at sleep times. Accept that regressions are going to happen and when they do accept that sleep is going to get crazy for a little while. Get some help when you can. Take turns sleeping in on the weekends, grab a nap when you can.
Don t over help during the regression. This is certainly easier said than done! Give your child the help that they need. Did they just need you to come into the room? Hands on? Tummy rub? Picking up? Add more and more help to find exactly what your child needs. Don t go in to your child if they don t need help. If they are happy to hang out awake in their sleep space, they do not need you to help. Often regressions do look like long awake periods during the night. Only help when you need to. Hang in there, all regressions do pass.