As soon as your baby turns six months old, their sleep will almost certainly change. Not only that, but it might seem like the entire world is conspiring against you and your little one.
For most parents, the six-month regression is a challenging time. Your baby will probably not go through this phase at exactly the same time as everyone else’s baby, but almost all babies do it at around this age. It’s an awkward period where your little one has grown out of naps during the day and can’t quite manage a full night’s sleep just yet.
Most parents can feel the pressure to get their babies back into a regular routine quickly. But don’t worry – we have some expert advice for you on how to survive the six-month regression and get your child back on track in no time at all!
Why Does the Six Month Regression Happen?
At 6 months, your baby is developing new motor skills and is beginning to move more. A six month sleep regression is an unanticipated disruption in a baby’s usual sleep cycle.
For example, following their typical nightly routine (bathing, breastfeeding, bottle, reading, or singing), babies may feel relaxed, but after a few hours, they become irritable and fidgety for no obvious reason. A six month sleep regression can be caused by a number of factors, including:
- At five to six months, most babies can roll from side to side, and your baby may be capable of several rollovers. They may even become stuck in their crib and fuss about it.
- A baby begins to crawl during playtime and tummy time, and this new development is more appealing at night.
- Separation anxiety and other social developments can also disrupt a baby’s sleep. When babies reach the 6-month mark, separation anxiety may start for a brief duration.
- Most infant teeth develop between the ages of 6 and 12 months, and the pain associated with them may disrupt the baby’s sleep.
Strategies to Survive the Six Month Sleep Regression
Babies’ usual behaviour patterns are disrupted in the weeks and days leading up to developmental milestones; their sleep patterns, eating patterns, and even their overall mood are briefly unrecognisable.
In order to learn these new skills, babies have to put in a lot of effort through trial and error, and then they give up on their other abilities. How should we respond to this brief, thrilling, and challenging six month sleep regression period?
- Provide your baby with a lot of comfort and security by giving him or her more cuddles and snuggling.
- If your baby seems unusually weary or cranky at night, stick to naps and consider earlier bedtimes.
- Provide comfort when needed, but avoid creating new or old habits. It’s normal to give your baby or toddler lots of kisses and cuddles throughout the sleep regression phase. However, don’t start a new sleeping pattern. Also, don’t regress into past negative behaviours.
- Bedtime can be moved earlier if necessary. Six month sleep regression results in sleep deprivation, which leads to overworking, which results in even more sleep deprivation, which leads to a vicious cycle.
- If your baby wakes up in the middle of the night and cries, wait a few minutes before responding. This will give the baby a chance to calm down and fall asleep on his or her own.
Make Small Changes During the Regression
The more we try to make a massive change, the more we try to return to our previous state. If you want to make a change, small changes are essential.
Humans are creatures that have continually changed and adapted. It is essential that we actively use this function and enjoy “small changes” in order to be able to adapt when we make larger changes.
New things happen to babies as they get older. Every stage of your baby’s development requires a few changes in order to accommodate their new growth.
If you are used to doing things for your baby but they don’t work during their six month sleep regression, little alterations are required in order for you to adjust during sleep regression and not suffer too much as a result.
Establish a Routine and Stick to It
The most critical aspect of developing a sleeping routine is repetition. It is important to create a baby’s sleep habits by repeating the same steps. Before bedtime, do activities you typically do, like reading a book, cuddling in the baby’s room, or singing a song.
It’s unlikely that you’ll get it properly the first time. It’s probable that your baby is crawling and moving around rather than lying still. Persistence is necessary to accomplish this goal. Keep going for the sake of your baby.
Bottom Line
Sleep plays an important role in a newborn’s development. The brain’s development and sleep are considered to be closely linked, and babies’ brains develop rapidly as they grow.
Throughout the developmental process, emotions develop, and the psychological component means more chances to witness the baby’s gorgeous smile. In spite of the difficult task of parenting, seeing the growth of your children can be a source of encouragement and consolation for parents. Sleep is essential for humans, and for babies, it is one of the most crucial habits for their mental and physical development.
When sleep regression occurs suddenly, moms and dads are often left with fewer hours of sleep each night as a result. However, knowing in advance the causes of sleep regression and ways to survive the six month sleep regression, as described in this issue, may reduce the stress.
Consider it a positive sign that your child is in a growth phase. Additionally, whether sleep regression occurs depends on the individual. It is best not to worry. Do not worry if you do not see any signs, and warmly watch over your child without comparing him or her with other children.
