Sleep Regressions Are Progressions in Disguise
As a parent, you’ve probably noticed that your baby’s sleep patterns can suddenly change, often at the most inconvenient times. Just when you thought you had things figured out, your little one might start waking up more frequently at night or struggle to settle. This is commonly known as a sleep regression, but I like to think of it as a sleep progression—a natural part of your baby’s growth and development.
But why do these sleep disruptions happen, and what can you do to support your baby through them?
In this post, I’ll explain the science behind baby sleep regressions (or progressions), why they happen, and offer practical tips to help maintain your baby's routine even when things get a little messy.
What’s Really Happening During Sleep Regressions?
Sleep regressions are a natural part of your baby’s development, and they typically occur at certain physical, emotional, and cognitive milestones, like learning to crawl, teething, or reaching new developmental stages such as rolling over. During these times, babies experience rapid brain growth, which impacts their sleep.
For instance, when babies learn to roll over, they might get so excited about their new skill that they want to practise it during nap or bedtime, which disrupts their usual sleep cycle. It’s their brain processing these changes, which can temporarily affect their ability to fall asleep and make them more active during sleep, leading to frequent wake-ups.
I often refer to these times as “progressions” because, while they might temporarily disrupt sleep, they’re a sign of your baby’s development and growth—an exciting phase that’ll soon lead to better, more settled sleep patterns in the future.
It’s important to remember that these phases are temporary – but the key is knowing how to manage them effectively.
Tips for Maintaining Routines During a Sleep Regression
If you’re in the thick of it, here are some strategies to help you ride out the regression and keep your baby’s sleep on track:
Stick to a Consistent Bedtime Routine:
Routines provide a sense of comfort and security for babies, even when things are changing. A predictable sequence (bath → story → cuddle → bed) helps them know what to expect and signals that it’s time to wind down.Create a Calm Sleep Environment:
Babies are sensitive to stimulation, especially during developmental changes. Keeping the sleep area dark, quiet, and calm can help your baby settle faster. Consider using a white noise machine to create a soothing atmosphere.Be Flexible, but Stay Consistent:
While consistency is key, life will sometimes throw curveballs (hello, teething!). If things go off-track, try to get back to your routine as soon as possible. The quicker you re-establish a sense of normal, the quicker your baby’s sleep will improve.Set Realistic Expectations
During a regression, you may find that your baby’s sleep is more disrupted than usual. It’s important to manage your expectations and be patient. Sleep regressions are temporary, and with consistency and patience, your baby’s sleep patterns will return to normal.
Is It a Sleep Regression or Do I Need Help?
As a parent, it's easy to assume that sleep disruptions are just part of the natural progression your baby is going through – especially when they’re hitting those big developmental milestones. You might think, "This is just a phase," and wait for things to return to normal.
But what happens if that phase doesn’t seem to end, and your baby’s sleep struggles persist longer than expected?
How do you know when it’s a typical sleep regression, or when it’s time to seek some professional support?
Here are a few signs that might suggest it’s time to dig deeper:
Prolonged Sleep Disruptions: If your baby’s sleep patterns are disrupted for more than a few weeks (common sleep regressions tend to last between 2-6 weeks), it might not just be a phase. Extended sleep challenges could indicate other underlying issues.
Difficulty Settling: If your baby, who once settled easily at bedtime, now struggles every night, despite you maintaining a consistent routine, it may be a sign that their sleep needs have changed, or there’s another factor at play.
Increased Daytime Sleepiness or Mood Changes: If you notice your baby is more tired or irritable during the day, despite getting enough sleep at night, it might mean that their sleep quality is being affected, even if they're technically sleeping for long stretches.
Sleep regressions are common during developmental leaps, but when disruptions seem to persist, it could be a signal that your baby needs a little more than time – they might need a tailored approach to get back on track.
That’s where I come in! With my bespoke 1-2-1 support, I offer a gentle, attachment-focused approach to help families like yours navigate through sleep struggles. Together, we’ll create a personalised plan to address the root causes of these disruptions and help your baby (and you!) get the rest you deserve.
If you feel like your baby's sleep is more than just a phase, don’t hesitate to reach out for guidance. Let’s work together to get your family back on a restful path.
Case Study: A Family’s Experience with Sleep Regression
Let’s take a look at how one family I worked with overcame a sleep regression during a significant developmental milestone.
A couple I worked with noticed that their baby had been sleeping well for several months, but after hitting the milestone of rolling over, their baby began waking multiple times a night and had trouble settling down. The family was understandably frustrated, as they had just gotten into a good routine.
We worked together to tweak their bedtime routine and make it more soothing, while also introducing some extra naps during the day to make up for the disrupted sleep at night. The parents remained consistent, and within a few weeks, their baby’s sleep was back to normal.
When You Need Help: Is It Time for a Plan?
If you’ve tried all the tips and your baby’s sleep challenges are still going on, it might be time for a personalised plan. Sometimes sleep regressions need more than just patience—they need a structured approach.
If you’re unsure whether your baby’s sleep issues are part of a normal regression or something that requires additional support, I offer free sleep assessment calls where we can chat about your unique situation and come up with a tailored plan that works for your family.
Final Thoughts
Sleep regressions can be tough, but they are a natural part of your baby’s development. With the right approach and a little consistency, you can help your baby through this phase. Understanding that these disruptions are linked to developmental milestones can help parents stay patient during the process. With a few adjustments to your routine and plenty of consistency, your baby’s sleep will get back on track. And if the sleep issues persist longer than expected, don’t hesitate to reach out for professional support. Together, we can get you and your baby back to the sleep you both need.
Call to Action
If you're feeling unsure about your baby's sleep or need more personalised support, I’m here to help. You can download my free Sleep Needs Chart for helpful sleep tips, or feel free to book a free sleep assessment call to discuss how I can support your family through any sleep challenges you may be facing.
How to contact me:
https://michellevint.sleepnanny.co.uk
