Sleep Regression In Babies Is A Parent’s Nightmare!

New parents of babies with sleep regression, this is for you. Has your baby been waking up during the night time even when you had fixed its sleep schedule earlier? Do you perhaps wonder if your baby is going through sleep regression? Don’t worry, you aren’t imagining it. Sleep regression is a real thing, but it is nothing to be afraid of. It is normal, and thankfully, temporary.

1. Sleep regression is when your baby’s sleep pattern begins to shift. It wakes up often during the nighttime and has trouble going back to sleep. It usually happens when the baby is 4 months old.

2. Sleep regression is not necessarily a bad thing. It is an indication that the baby is going through a growth spurt. It is a sign of healthy brain development.

3. The first sleep regression in babies happens at 4 months and isn’t the last one. There may be more in the future. This is a time when the baby is frustrated. This is reflected in its sleep patterns.

4. On average, sleep regressions last for about two to four weeks. While they are common in babies, it does not mean that every baby will have a sleep regression at four months old. 

5. Many signs indicate whether the baby is undergoing sleep regression. The most apparent symptom is a change in sleep pattern. Other signs may include fussiness, waking at night, and changes in appetite.

6. This usually happens because the baby is now engaging more with the environment around it. Sometimes this information may be too vast to compile. This may lead to sleep regression in babies.

7. Before convincing yourself that it is sleep regression, it is good to ensure that your baby is not sick. Sick babies usually have trouble sleeping. Check for signs of a fever and contact a doctor, if necessary.

8. There are some ways by which you can counter sleep regression in babies. The most effective way is to heavily feed them during the day. Fully fed babies fall asleep faster during the nighttime.

9. Keeping the room dark also works. Darkness encourages a person to fall asleep. This is the same for babies as well.

Sleep regression in babies is temporary. Sometimes, no matter what the parents do, the baby still wakes up during the night. However, this should not be a cause for worry. Instead, try to focus on your sleep as much as possible. We know that once a baby wakes up during the night, so does the parent. But still, try to maintain your sleep schedule and be consistent with your baby. If you still have concerns, there is nothing wrong with taking advice from a doctor. It’ll pay off in the end. Don’t worry.