Settling your baby into a consistent sleep routine is incredibly challenging; every baby is different, with unique needs, preferences and habits. Nevertheless, we persist, working tirelessly to discover what works best for our little ones. Then, when we finally make progress, we think we’ve overcome this seemingly undefeatable hurdle. For a surprising number of unexpecting parents, however, sleep regression soon rears its ugly head.
How do i get my baby to sleep through the night? - Photocredit:Pixabay
Sleep regression is typically defined as a period within which a baby who has previously been sleeping well experiences poor sleep; this can include shorter naps, fussiness, long wake times and more. For new parents, this can be massively disheartening. We don’t understand why they’ve regressed, where we’ve gone wrong and how we can once again find consistency in our babies’ sleep routines.
Thankfully, sleep regression isn’t damning and with support and guidance, you can better understand what it is, whether or not your baby is actually experiencing sleep regression, what causes this unexpected shift and, importantly, what you can do to get your little one back on track.
Suze Patel - Co-Founder of ‘Nini Baby’ - shares her expertise, outlining how sleep regression can affect babies and how you can effectively address this struggle at home.
What causes sleep regression?
Experts believe that sleep regression typically occurs for one of two reasons: a shift in nap schedules/sleep needs or a ‘developmental leap’. At 8 months old babies are learning a lot, changing and exploring their world; they’re beginning to crawl and will slowly develop their language skills. This progression, particularly with regards to their mental development, can cause unexpected sleep disturbances – their minds are busier, they’re thinking about more and generally, they’re more aware of their surroundings. Like all of us, that means they may not sleep as soundly!
Meanwhile, a baby’s sleep needs can drastically change at around the 8-month mark. For example, they will start to stay awake for longer throughout the day, with naps more easily disrupting their night-time sleep routine. With this change, we often need to adapt.
How long does sleep regression last for?
You’ll be relieved to hear that sleep regression doesn’t last forever! It might not feel like it but there really is light at the end of the tunnel. In actual fact, sleep regression typically lasts for around 3-6 weeks. If, of course, you proactively address the issue early-on, you may make progress more quickly.
It’s important to remember that every baby is unique, however - as are their sleeping habits. If your little one’s sleep regression lasts for longer, don’t feel like you’ve failed! It’s completely natural and whilst guidelines are helpful, there aren’t black and white answers when it comes to caring for babies. Take each day as it comes, be patient and consider your own mental health. Parents put themselves under far too much pressure – raising a child is a journey!
Don’t throw in the towel…
When sleep regression hits, it’s easy to feel like you’ve been doing everything wrong. However, this probably isn’t the case! Sleep regression can occur for completely natural, developmental reasons. Your previous bedtime routine may still suit your baby best, so don’t throw in the towel straight away. Be patient, give it time and trust your instincts.
Try a swinging cot.
Changing the crib your baby’s sleeping in might sound like an obvious answer but sometimes the simplest solutions make the most sense. If your baby’s unsettled, they’ll likely find great comfort in swinging cots; they recreate the natural movements your baby felt in the womb, bringing them a reassuring sense of comfort. For example, our NiniPod quickly drifts babies off into a consistent sleep through rocking them gently – it’s transformed countless babies’ sleep quality.
Act quickly and be flexible.
As with any parenting hurdle, the key is to be openminded and aware; if your baby’s showing sleep cues - rubbing their eyes or yawning, for example - take that as a sign that it’s time to put them down. Equally, if you try something new and it works, run with it! In many cases, baby really does know best.
Embrace affection.
Struggling to sleep is stressful – that goes for babies too! If your little one is experiencing sleep regression, be sure to give them lots of hugs and kisses, keeping them close to you and feeling loved; this will make them feel more comfortable and relaxed, aiding better sleep.
Happy tum, sleepy baby.
If your baby’s content, having enjoyed lots of full feeds throughout the day, they’ll be much more inclined to sleep better. If you find that your baby is easily distracted during feeds, try to sit in an area free from distractions.
Sleep regression can be challenging; it’s important you embrace any advice that comes your way, don’t set yourself unrealistic expectations and don’t rush progress. This phase will pass – it’s just a matter of time.
Nini Baby’s unique swinging cot – The NiniPod – eases babies into a deeper, developmentally supportive sleep. For more information, visit: www.ninibaby.co.uk