How Baby Development Milestones Affects Sleep Regression
Have you noticed that when your baby is finally sleeping consistently, they suddenly start having sleeping problems? Are they taking longer to go down for a nap or waking up frequently? They might be going through sleep regression. Even though it can be frustrating and tiring for the both of you, it’s also a good sign that your baby is reaching a developmental milestone.
What is Sleep Regression?
Sleep regression is when a baby’s sleep pattern suddenly shifts. They may wake up frequently during the night, and have trouble going back to sleep.[1] Your baby may also seem fussier and more clingy. Other signs are changes in appetite and behavior. Sleep regressions are normal and occur when a baby reaches a development milestone. Their brains have a hard time “shutting off” because they have a desire to master their new skills.
Signs of Sleep Regression can include:
- Fussiness
- Frequent night wakings
- Resisting naps
- Trouble falling asleep
- Change in appetite
- Separation anxiety
Stages of Sleep Regression and Developmental Milestones
Here are the most common ages and stages of sleep regression and development milestones. Please note, each baby is different and may vary in timing. Some babies may show some signs of sleep regression while others may not show any at all!
4 Months
The 4 month sleep regression is the first and probably the most intimidating for parents. They haven’t developed a strong circadian rhythm, an internal clock that regulates sleep and wakefulness.[2] This means more night wakings and a harder time falling back to sleep until they are able to settle into their adjusted sleep schedule. During this time, your baby is also mastering rolling over, learning how to sit, and is becoming self aware. This is a lot to process for them and will affect their bedtime.
8 Months or 9 Months
If you found your baby standing up in their crib in the middle of the night for the first time and thought “Is this another sleep regression?”. You’re probably right! At 8 months, babies go through major developmental changes physically and cognitively which will impact sleep. They understand when you are not in the room and have separation anxiety. Besides standing, they start to crawl, have better hand-eye coordination, and they may have sprouted their first tooth (or have a few chompers already)! They are also absorbing language like a sponge. This is all exciting for your baby as they are achieving several milestones! With all that brain activity, it will disrupt their sleep. One major change in their sleep routine is dropping the number of naps from 3 to 2, staying awake for longer periods of time.
12 Months
It’s a big celebration as your baby turns a year old AND you made it through your first year. Congrats! There’s a lot going on with your little tot at 12 months. Many babies are taking their first steps, saying their first words, able to understand commands, and fine tuning their motor skills. Since your baby has more awareness of their environment and socializing more, they would rather play than go to sleep! They may start to resist naps, which may lead parents to think they are ready to drop down to one nap. But this is likely sleep regression, and some days they may have two naps and other days just one as they go through this transition.
18 Months
Just when you made it through the 12 month sleep regression, it pops up again around 18 months. A major change for your toddler at this stage is transitioning to one nap a day from two. The cause of sleep regression is from a giant leap in development physically, cognitively, and emotionally. Their molars and canines are also coming in around this time, which makes them fussier than normal and separation anxiety is still an issue at this age. On the emotional development side, your child is starting to become their own little person with preferences and are starting to make their own decisions. Their new sense of independence also comes with tantrums and nap protests. Your toddler is testing his/her limits. Which is why the 18 month sleep regression is probably the toughest phase.
How to tackle sleep regression?
Sleep regression phases can last 2–6 weeks. This can be challenging to deal with while you are sleep deprived yourself. Although it can be challenging, find comfort that it is temporary and that your baby is reaching another milestone. Here are some tips and strategies to manage sleep regression:
Log Sleep Patterns and Tweak Accordingly Logging your baby’s sleep times will help you understand your baby’s natural sleep patterns and ensure they are getting enough sleep. Once you see a shift in their sleep schedule, it can be a sign of sleep regression. If you notice shorter naps during the day, try to move bedtime earlier to compensate.
A simple method to track and manage your baby’s nap and sleep schedule is with the Mewl Baby and Nursing Whiteboard. It’s sustainable, reusable and sticks to the fridge so it’s ALWAYS where you left it, especially during those 3AM diaper changes!
Keep Daytime Active Keep your baby active throughout the day to move around and burn off energy so they are ready for sleep. Also, exposure to daylight will help your baby adjust their internal clock to sleep more during the night.
Extra Comfort and Affection Giving your baby extra hugs and kisses will not only be comforting but also provides your baby reassurance, especially during phases of separation anxiety.
Feed Baby More Frequently You will notice your baby will demand more feedings during sleep regression phases because it coincides with growth spurts.
Follow Your Baby’s Sleep Cues Once your baby starts rubbing their eyes, yawning, or any other sleeping cues, it’s time to put them to bed before they get overtired. When your baby is overtired it will be harder to fall asleep and stay asleep.
Consistent Bedtime Routine Staying consistent with your baby’s bedtime routine (e.g. bath and story time/song) is very important. A predictable bedtime routine will help your baby understand it’s time to sleep. Try not to introduce any new sleep associations such as rocking or feeding them to sleep because it will be more difficult to change those habits later.
Patience and Ask For Help Sleep regression is exhausting for both you and your baby. Remember, it is temporary until they adjust to their new sleeping schedule in a few weeks so patience is key. Don’t be afraid to ask and accept help from family members and friends who can play and watch your baby while you catch up on some sleep.
What milestones has your baby reached recently? Do you anticipate a sleep regression phase?
