Experiencing sleep regression around the 8-10 month mark can be quite common due to various developmental milestones and changes occurring in a baby's life at this time. Here are some signs that may indicate your baby is going through a sleep regression.
Signs
Increased Night Wakings: Your baby might wake up more frequently during the night and have trouble settling back down.
Trouble Falling Asleep: Even if your baby was a good sleeper, they might suddenly struggle to fall asleep at bedtime or naptime.
Shorter Naps: Your baby may take shorter naps or skip them altogether, resisting the usual nap schedule.
Early Morning Wakings: Your baby might start waking up earlier in the morning than usual.
Increased Fussiness: Due to disrupted sleep, your baby may be more irritable or fussy during the day.
Clinginess: Your baby may become more clingy and demand more attention, especially if they are also experiencing separation anxiety.
Increased Physical Activity: As your baby becomes more mobile, they might be too excited or restless to settle down for sleep.
Developmental Milestones: Achieving new milestones like crawling, standing, or the beginnings of verbal communication can temporarily affect sleep patterns.
Strategies you can follow to help
1. Consistent Routine:
Maintain a consistent bedtime and naptime routine to provide a sense of security and predictability.
Make sure the bedtime routine is calming and enjoyable, which will signal to your baby that it’s time to wind down.
2. Create a Conducive Sleep Environment:
Keep the room dark, quiet, and at a comfortable temperature of 20°C (68°F) and 22°C (72°F).
Consider using a white noise machine to block out household or street noise.
3. Promote Independent Sleep Skills:
Encourage self-soothing by allowing your baby some time to settle on their own when they wake at night. Check out this guide: Teaching your baby to fall asleep independently.
If your baby needs comfort, keep interactions quiet and soothing, and try to minimize stimulation.
4. Offer Nutritious Meals:
Ensure your baby is well-fed during the day to minimize hunger wake-ups at night.
Offer a satisfying meal before bedtime to promote longer stretches of sleep.
5. Manage Teething Discomfort:
If teething is contributing to sleep disruptions, consult your paediatrician for safe ways to alleviate discomfort, like using a cooled teething ring or massaging gums gently.
6. Follow Wake Windows:
Pay attention to your baby’s sleep cues following the appropriate wake window and ensure they are put down for naps and bedtime before becoming overtired.
Avoid overtiredness by ensuring appropriate wake windows between sleep periods based on your baby’s age and individual needs.
7. Provide Plenty of Physical Activity and Stimulation During Wake Hours:
Encourage crawling, playing, and exploring to tire your baby out during the day.
Engage in developmental activities that challenge and entertain your baby.
Each baby is unique, and what works may vary. It's about finding what fits best for your family situation while ensuring your baby feels secure and loved.
Feel free to contact us anytime at hello@mellow.ie - we're here to help! 💕