What causes a sleep regression and when do they happen?
Two words that will make any parent shake in their boots? Sleep Regression. Unfortunately, regressions are seen as this scary unknown where even the best of sleepers go off track and do some serious off-roading.
When it comes to our little babes and their sleep, it is going to ebb and flow. With a solid sleep foundation and consistency, those rough patches may be rough, but remember that they will not last forever.
Some signs of a regression can include:
Struggles to fall asleep at nap and bedtime
Additional night wakings
Previously long naps have shortened
Changes to eating habits
Changes to temperament
So, what is the WHY behind each sleep regression and when can we expect to see them? While called a REgression, these are actually major PROgressions forward for your babe. They are learning and mastering brand-new physical and cognitive elements.
It is common for these progressions to occur at 4-months, around 8 or 10 months, 12 months, 18 months, and 24 months. Let’s dig into what causes these sleep regressions and how to navigate through each one based on what your babe is experiencing.
4 MONTH PROGRESSION
The 4-month progression is the first that your babe will go through and there is a reason that there is so much hype surrounding it.
As newborns, your babe has TWO sleep cycles, quiet, and active sleep. They spend 50% of their sleep time in each cycle and go back and forth between the two. Newborns fall into active sleep first and then transition to quiet sleep. When in active sleep, it is common for parents to notice their little ones stirring, grunting, and possibly even crying out in their sleep. It can be alarming but that is the exact reason why this stage of sleep has been dubbed ‘active’.
When our babes go through this first major progression they transition from two distinct sleep cycles to FIVE. Their sleep cycle habits will remain this way for the rest of their lives! Crazy right?
Your little one is now transitioning sleep cycles more frequently and as such, many parents notice additional wakings and challenges with naptime!
At the top of each sleep cycle, your babe comes into a lighter state of sleep and will more times than not wake slightly. They will often need the same sleep routine that helped them to sleep in the first place to get back to sleep! Consider HOW your little one is falling asleep, and keep in mind that it is likely that they will need assistance when transitioning between certain sleep cycles.
8/10 MONTH PROGRESSION
The next progression that your little one will go through happens between 8 and 10 months. This progression is due to both physical and mental developments, along with changing sleep needs and oftentimes transitioning from 3 naps to 2.
At this age, many babes go through big physical milestones like pulling to a standing position, beginning to tackle crawling [whether that be a full crawl, one arm drag, or a military crawl. Some babes get quite creative with their crawling techniques!], along with really finding their voices!
These physical milestones throw a kink into sleep because our babes either want to practice these new skills at all hours of the night, or can pull themselves up to a standing position, but have trouble getting back down.
If these physical milestones seem to be the reason your babe is struggling to sleep, practice throughout the day is going to be the best thing in helping them to master their new skill.
Give them the opportunity to practice their new milestone while awake, during their sleeptime routine, and even in their crib or sleep space before going down for a nap or at bedtime.
If they are getting up to standing and cannot get back down while it is sleeptime, calmly and quietly lay them back down, stay until settled, and then leave once again.
It is very common to see a peak in separation anxiety at this age. If your babe suddenly gets more upset when you leave the room, be sure to focus on quality 1 on 1 time throughout the day, particularly during their bedtime routine, and spend additional time with them while they fall asleep.
Finally, it is possible that your babe may be ready to transition from 3 naps to 2 and their shift in sleep needs is causing their sleep challenges. Take a peek at both their awake times, and this resource on dropping from 3 naps to 2!
12 MONTH PROGRESSION
Around 12 months, our little ones may be starting to take their first steps and say a few words! These are SUCH exciting milestones for your babe but, it is possible that these massive developments may cause sleep disruptions.
The most common sign of the 12-month progression? Nap refusal.
Most babes are not yet ready to transition to one nap at this age and are generally not ready until between 13 and 15 months.
If your little one is going through a period of nap refusal, wait it out for at least two weeks before considering the transition to one nap. Often times this is a temporary refusal and will resolve itself in due time, much like previous progressions!
To manage these nap refusals, keep offering naps and ensure that babe at least has that quiet downtime in their crib. While they may not be sleeping the entire time, that rest time will still be beneficial. Aim for 2 1-hour naps or quiet crib time throughout the day.
If waiting it out, and babe is consistently having trouble with naps, bedtime, and night waking, here is a handy resource for transitioning to one nap.
18 MONTH PROGRESSION
This age is one of my favorites. Our littles are ripping around and are likely well on their way with words! But - along with ALL of this exploding brain development can come sleep challenges.
Most parents see the 18-month regression come with challenges falling asleep at both nap and bedtime, along with changes to both eating habits and temperament.
Holding your boundaries and being consistent with a routine will help your little one know where you stand and anticipate what to expect.
While you are the parent and decide when bedtime will be, how many books we read, how long we will cuddle for, etc. Let your babe have a say in things like choosing between two pairs of pajamas, and picking out which two books they would like to read. This will satisfy their increasing need to have control and a say in things.
2-YEAR PROGRESSION
You made it two years old! So exciting! The progression that happens around 2 years of age is due to an absolute explosion in physical and cognitive capabilities.
Physically, your babe is learning tasks like jumping and climbing while becoming more and more physically capable.
Focused play when it comes to puzzles, coloring, partaking in crafts along with an increased imagination, memory bank and desire for independence are all contributing factors to this sleep regression.
In addition to this, your 2-year-old is learning that their voice can impact change, and they will want to exercise this. This is when it can become particularly helpful to give special tasks, have them make allllll of the choices, not open-ended but between two things [green or purple cup, apple or banana snack, bubble bath or no bubbles, blues clues or duck towel, etc].
Focus on quality 1 on 1 time for your toddler with each caregiver each day. Put the electronics away and spend 10 dedicated minutes with all your attention on your little.
Active play is especially crucial for your busy toddler. This does not mean that you have to plan an outing every single day. Simple things like going for a walk to find cool rocks or sticks, wandering to the neighborhood playground, or finding new flowers, pinecones, leaves in the backyard. When you are able to manage it and the weather permits, outside time before bedtime and first thing in the morning are helpful.
As with the 18-month progression, keep a consistent routine and lovingly hold firm on your boundaries.
Keep an eye on how long it takes your babe to fall asleep at bedtime, if it is longer than 30 minutes, daytime sleep and awake time will likely need to be re-evaluated.
Be mindful of big changes happening in your toddlers’ life and give them time to adjust to new things. For example, getting rid of their pacifier, potty training, or introducing a new sibling. Give your babe a 2-3 month buffer between big transitions/changes when and if you are able.
REMEMBER, THIS IS TEMPORARY.
In the thick of it, these regressions can seem like a deep, dark pit. But remember that they are indeed temporary. Once in a regression, develop an approach that will work for your family and stick to this for night wakings, short naps, and bedtime struggles. Be patient with your little, yourself, and remember that you are a team in this, figuring it out together.
Consistency and a routine really are two of the biggest things to maintain during progressions. Try not to introduce new things into your routine that you do not want to keep for the long haul.
Download this Regression Guide to keep handy when your little one is going through a period of sleep regression.
If your sweet babe has always struggled with sleep, let’s say goodbye to those sleepless nights and get your baby sleeping like a baby!
Hey there!
I’m Elyse - Mumma to sweet Ella [& Maren the pup!]. Ella loves her sleep - in the crib, on the go, and when we travel.
But - there was a time not too long ago when I did not feel on top of the sleep game…at all. The struggle was real and had me big time doubting my mom-ing.
I want to help you say buh-bye to that feeling of defeat, empower you with all the sleep knowledge, and get you and your babe the peaceful night sleep you deserve.
