Understanding (and Coping With) Sleep Regression in Your Child

For parents of little ones, sleep is a precious commodity. As valuable as the air you breathe and the food you eat. Sleep is just as, if not more, important for babies and infants. And as it always seems to be the way, just when your bundle of joy gets into a good sleeping pattern – you know, one that lets you sleep as well – sleep regression creeps out of the wood work.

Baby Sleep Patterns

If it seems like babies spend most of the day sleeping, it's because they sort of do. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the typical newborn sleeps for at least 16 hours each day. That amount decreases with age, but a little over 14 hours is necessary at six months. By the time a baby turns one, he still needs a little less than 14 hours.

A baby sleeps on mom's shoulder

Photo Source: Flickr/Marcio Ramalho

Naps count as part of the sleep total. But, as each kid is different, nap schedules will differ per child. It will probably be at least a couple of months before your newborn settles into the desired 3-nap-per-day routine.

And if the first few weeks of parenthood seem like one big, sleep-deprived blur, welcome to the club. Your newborn partially dictates when you sleep based on when he sleeps. Rest assured that by three months of age, most babies get about two-thirds of their sleep requirement at night.

But your baby's new-found sleep patterns can, and will, change. It's called a sleep regression, and it happens to both babies and toddlers. BabySleepSite.com defines sleep regressions as a phase where babies and toddlers start randomly waking up at night and skipping nap time for no obvious reason.

Sleep Regression Stages and Causes

There are five regression stages spanning babies and toddlers notes BabySleepSite.com.

• Four month: At four months of age, a baby develops adult sleeping habits. This means shorter naps and frequent waking up at night. This regression is permanent.
• Eight month: Developmental milestones such as crawling occur in the eight- to ten-month range. Additionally, babies are learning lots of new words while cutting a tooth or two. All viable reasons to trigger a regression.
• Eleven month: This one can be referred to as the nap regression. Your baby might start to resist a second daily nap. In reality, he won't be ready for a single nap until around 15 months.
• Eighteen month: Your baby is now a toddler and a bunch of factors contribute to this regression. He's now more independent, as he is walking and talking. He's also discovered the art of the temper tantrum combined with learning the dreaded "no" word. And of course, teething is still a factor. Yup, the eighteen month regression can snowball on you quickly.
• Two years: A number of factors can attribute to this regression. Potty training, the pending arrival of a sibling, being awake throughout the day longer, and even moving from his crib to a big-kid bed.

A sleeping newborn

Photo Source: Flickr/David J. LaPorte

Regression Coping Mechanisms

There are a handful of methods listed by BabySleepSite.com you can attempt to restore your little one's sleeping patterns. The first is to try more feedings either at night or during the day. Growth spurts aren't just for teenagers -- your baby is hungry and needs the extra calories.

Nothing makes a little one feel secure like some mommy or daddy hugs. Offer him comfort through extra kisses and cuddles, but avoid creating bad habits like rocking him completely to sleep or bringing the pacifier out of retirement.

A lack of sleep makes everyone tired, so try instituting an earlier bed time. This is a solid strategy if he's missing naps or waking up a lot at night.

Lastly, no need to solve this problem alone. Talk to other parents for their tips and tricks. And of course, turn to your partner. The two of you are in this together, so work together.

A crying toddler

Photo Source: Flickr/Bridget Coila

Toddler Coping Mechanisms

Toddlers can be a bit more challenging since they're older so try these tips from BabySleepSite.com.

• Set boundaries: You're in charge and your toddler needs to know that. When it's time to sleep, it's time to sleep.
• Consistency: Keeping it is key, as this is just a phase.
• Resist change: No need to drastically alter your toddler's schedule. This too shall pass.
• Other issues: Pay close attention to your toddler, as his sleeping problems might not be a regression but a sign of a different issue.

No one said parenting is easy, and a baby or toddler will remind you of that quite often. Especially when it comes to sleep (or a lack thereof).