Understanding and Conquering Sleep Regressions with
Your Little One
By Leigh-ann Vlaar
Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant and owner of Sleep Connections
Hey there, exhausted parents! Have you ever found yourself wondering why your once “good sleeper” has suddenly taken a turn for the worse? You’re not alone, and you’re in the right place!
Welcome to the world of sleep regressions – a phase that can leave even the most seasoned parents feeling like they’re back to square one in the sleep department. But there’s no reason to worry! Let’s dive into the mysterious realm of sleep regressions and unravel the reasons behind them, so that you are equipped with strategies to navigate this challenging phase like a pro.
With over two decades of combined experience working with infants and toddlers as a Pediatric Sleep Consultant, in-home daycare provider, and, of course, a parent, I still get whiplash every time a once-great sleeper transforms into an unrecognizable one.
Just when you think you’ve got the hang of things, your little one throws you a curveball with disrupted sleep patterns, frequent night awakenings, and naptime battles. Sound familiar? Trust me, I’ve been there, and I know how overwhelming it can be.
Here’s the good news – just as every storm eventually passes, so too shall sleep regressions.
Armed with extra caffeine, patience, understanding, and a few proven strategies, you can weather the storm and emerge stronger on the other side. But before you reach for that extra strong cup of coffee, let’s shed some light on what’s really going on behind the scenes.
Just as every storm eventually passes, so too shall
sleep regressions.
Understanding Sleep Regressions
So, what exactly is a sleep regression? In simple terms, it’s a temporary disruption in your child’s sleep patterns, typically occurring around key developmental milestones or changes in routine.
While the timing can vary from one child to another, common regression phases often occur around 4 months, 6 months, 8-10 months, 12 months, 18 months, 2 years, and even up to 2.5 years of age. During these periods, you may notice your infant or toddler struggling to settle down for sleep, experiencing shorter naps, resisting or skipping naps altogether, and waking more frequently during the night.
But why do sleep regressions happen?
Well, blame it on your little one’s rapidly developing brain and newfound skills. From learning to roll over and sit up, to mastering the art of crawling and walking, each developmental leap can disrupt their sleep patterns as their brains work overtime to process and consolidate new information. Additionally, factors like teething, illness, travel, or changes in the environment can also contribute to regressions, further complicating matters.
Strategies for Success
Now that we’ve defined sleep regressions, let’s explore some practical tips to help you navigate this challenging phase with grace and resilience.
Stick to Consistency
During regression periods, consistency is key! Stick to your child’s established bedtime routine as much as possible, which provides comfort and familiarity amidst the chaos of developmental changes.
Offer Comfort and Reassurance
If your child has independent sleep skills and they wake up during the night, offer gentle reassurance and comfort without reinforcing dependency. A few soothing words or a quick check-in can help them feel secure as they navigate this unfamiliar territory. If your little one doesn’t have independent sleep skills yet (aka they can’t fall asleep on their own), now may be a great time to explore sleep training! And as a note, there’s a wide range of sleep training methods you can use to meet your child where they’re at.
Adjust Expectations
Recognize that sleep regressions are temporary and often signify essential developmental milestones. Think of them as “progressions” instead of “regressions.” Adjust your expectations accordingly and muster up all your patience as your little one maneuvers these challenging phases. Easier said than done, I know.
Focus on Daytime Sleep
Ensure that your child is getting adequate daytime sleep to prevent overtiredness, which can exacerbate sleep disturbances. Stick to age-appropriate nap schedules and create a sleep friendly environment for optimal rest.
Practice Self-Care
Remember to prioritize self-care during sleep regression periods. Take breaks when needed, enlist support from family and friends, and prioritize your own sleep hygiene to recharge and stay resilient.
Seek Support if Needed
If sleep regressions persist or significantly impact your family’s well-being, don’t hesitate to seek support from friends, family, or from me – your pediatric sleep consultant who can provide personalized guidance and strategies tailored to your child’s unique needs.
To all the tired parents navigating the dreaded sleep regressions, I see you, and I’m here to offer support and guidance every step of the way. Remember, this too shall pass, and better days and nights are on the horizon. With patience, understanding, and a sprinkle of resilience, you’ve got this!
If you want to learn more about sleep regressions, I’ve got you covered. Head over to my Instagram page (@sleepconnections) and explore various posts covering regressions at each age, including the whys and how-tos of dealing with them.
Leigh-ann Vlaar is the Owner of Sleep Connections and a Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant dedicated to transforming exhausted nights into peaceful sleep for children and their parents. Her journey was born from personal challenges and over 20 years of experience working with infants and toddlers. Leigh-ann intimately understands the complexities of addressing a child’s sleep issues, offering a wealth of knowledge to meet parents’ unique needs for better sleep. To see all of Sleep Connections offerings click here.
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