Baby
<p><b>Sleep regression in babies</b></p>
<p>Sleep regression is a period of two to four weeks during which a baby who was previously sleeping well has difficulties settling down for sleep or wakes up fussing in the middle of the night.</p>
<p>A variety of reasons might cause your infant to feel uncomfortable, nervous, or restless, resulting in sleep regression, such as:</p>
<p>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>A growth spurt that causes babies to become hungrier.</p>
<p>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Teething discomfort</p>
<p>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>A new (and exciting!) developmental milestone that has been reached.</p>
<p>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Routine disruptions, such as the start of day care</p>
<p>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Traveling which involves sleeping in a new environment.</p>
<p>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>A cold or an ear infection.</p>
<p>The time it takes for your baby to adjust to a new schedule or milestone, or recover from an infection, is generally two to four weeks, however the precise duration depends on the cause and might vary from baby to baby.</p>
<p>In the meanwhile, adhere to your routines and, if required, try a sleep training approach.</p>
<p><b>When does sleep regressions happen?</b></p>
<p>Since sleep regression is connected to unexpected events like interruptions in routines or sickness, it can occur at any time.</p>
<p>However, due to growth spurts, teething, or hitting new milestones, there are a few times when sleep regression is quite predictable:</p>
<p>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> <b> </b></span><b>3 to 4 months:</b> Since it's the first, the dreaded 4-month sleep regression is frequently the most difficult for parents. Teething pain, hunger connected to growth spurts, and the thrill of rolling over for the first time are all factors that contribute to newborn sleep difficulties at this age.</p>
<p>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span><b>6 months:</b> Around 6 months, babies go through another growth surge. However, at this age, children are capable of sleeping through the night and may only wake for cuddles, indicating that it may be time to try a sleep training approach.</p>
<p>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> <b> </b></span><b>8 to 10 months: </b>Most babies start crawling about 9 months of age (although some start earlier and some later) and stand around 10 months. Separation anxiety is very common and totally natural at this age, your baby may wake up during the night searching for comfort from you.</p>
<p>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span><b>12 months:</b> Between 9 and 12 months, babies begin to stand up. The achievement of major milestones might result in sleep deprivation for a short period of time.</p>
<p><b>Sign of sleep regression</b></p>
<p>The indications of sleep regression differ depending on what's causing your baby's sleep issues. Here are some signs that your child is having a sleep regression:</p>
<p>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>More frequent awakening during night.</p>
<p>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>When it's time to go to bed, they're having trouble falling asleep.</p>
<p>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>An increase in fussiness or irritability.</p>
<p>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Resisting naps.</p>
<p><b>5 tips to manage sleep regression in your baby</b></p>
<p>The good news is that sleep regression is generally temporary. Follow these simple tips to manage sleep regression:</p>
<p>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Learn to recognize and respond to your baby's sleep signs (such as wiping him eyes, fussiness, yawning, and looking away) so you can put him to bed before she becomes overtired, making it more difficult for him to fall and remain asleep.</p>
<p>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Ensure that your baby gets adequate sleep throughout the day, as overtired babies are more likely to have sleeping issues at night.</p>
<p>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Stick to a nighttime routine that includes food, a bath, a book, lullabies, and a few soothing words.</p>
<p>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Give your baby a few minutes to fuss before you respond if she starts screaming in the middle of the night; she may self-soothe and go back to sleep.</p>
<p>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Giving your baby more attention throughout the day, especially before they sleep, might help him feel more comfortable at night if he is freaked out by a life change or has separation anxiety.</p>
<p>Anyone who has experienced sleep regression knows how unpleasant it can be. Understand that it's natural and that it will most likely pass with time. Stick to your normal bedtime and sleep routines, which are soothing to small ones, and your baby should be sleeping soundly throughout the night soon.</p>
