You've undoubtedly heard a tired new parent say of their baby, "They're in their xx-month regression." This famous phrase is often a source of anxiety for new parents. We don't really know what it means, but we dread experiencing it with our baby... Ouatine & Cumulus has decided to tell you more about it so you can approach these moments more serenely.
Becoming a parent is a wonderful time that often comes with the unknown, stress, and fatigue for both you and your baby. Since birth, your baby experiences a lot of changes, and during certain periods, usually filled with development, the balance can be somewhat disrupted.
Contrary to its name, "sleep regression," a relatively negative term, the first important thing to know is that these transitional periods correspond to beautiful developments in your baby, which is great news... even if it costs you a few hours of sleep.
The second thing to know is that it is very individual from one child to another. It's a bit like teething; some are more sensitive to it, while others go through these periods without their parents even noticing.
Helping new parents during sleep regression 💤
Even if understanding the meaning of this period can help you be less anxious, it remains a passage that can be more tiring. Do not hesitate to ask for help from your family and friends if needed. During this period, they will need support and help to understand that most parents go through this stage and that a baby waking up in the middle of the night is normal.
But what exactly is sleep regression?
After having managed to establish a certain sleep rhythm, your little one starts waking up more frequently at night, has more difficulty falling asleep, or is more restless in their sleep. This generally corresponds to a more significant phase of motor, cognitive, or emotional development. It is within this framework that we observe three phases in a child's development. But keep in mind that this is individual to each child's development and that not all of them express it in the same way.
💡 The three waves of sleep regression
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The 4-month regression: the most common, occurring between 3 and 5 months of life, corresponding to the first major changes, with the development of motor skills, awakening curiosity, food diversification, and sometimes the first days without dad or mom;
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The 8-10 month regression: associated with important developmental milestones such as the beginning of walking, talking, or separation anxiety;
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The 18-month regression: linked to cognitive changes, night terrors, nightmares, etc.
Developments linked to these periods of sleep regression 👶
Just like night wakings, sleep regression is a normal phase that occurs for different reasons:
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Physical and cognitive development: at 4 months, babies develop new skills, which can disrupt their sleep patterns.
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Separation anxiety: between 8-10 months, babies become aware of their parents' absence and may become more sensitive at bedtime, needing more cuddles to fill their emotional tank.
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Changes in daily routine: starting daycare, a change of section, a change of rhythm after holidays can disrupt their sleep.
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Progress in motor skills: when babies start crawling, rolling over, or walking, these new skills can excite them and disrupt their sleep.
There are tips to know to successfully counter the effects of sleep regression. For example, by maintaining a regular and calm sleep routine, even if night wakings increase. Children, and babies more particularly, like regularity which helps reassure them.
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During awakenings, it will be important to maintain calm by trying not to overstimulate your baby to help them fall asleep as easily as possible. Finally, it will be important to check that it does not correspond to discomfort and to ensure that your little one's needs are met: are they hungry? do they need to be changed? are they at a good temperature? ... And of course, do not hesitate to talk to a healthcare professional if it persists or worries you. Finally, you can strengthen your sleep ritual, adding activities that will calm and reassure your baby before going to sleep.
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Understanding sleep regression, putting it into perspective, and adapting 👪
Recognizing that regression is temporary and linked to the baby's development can help put difficulties into perspective. This phase is only temporary and parents must understand that their baby will soon return to a more stable sleep rhythm. Regression periods generally last only a few weeks, with most babies returning to more regular sleep as they become familiar with their new sleep cycles.
“Sleep regression is generally part of a transitional phase. Once the baby adapts to their new skills and development, they gradually return to a more stable rhythm.”
Stéphanie, founder of Ouatine & Cumulus, pediatric nurse and mom
During your baby's sleep regression, you risk accumulating fatigue, as your own sleep is disrupted. Take care of yourself; if you have the opportunity, take naps, and never hesitate to ask for help from your family and friends. Grandparents, uncles, aunts, godparents will be delighted to spend a few hours with your baby to give you time to rest!
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