Common Causes of Sleep Regressions by Age
0-2 months
Confusion over day/night. It can take 6-8 weeks for a baby to overcome day/night confusion.
A baby's sleep-wake cycle does not develop until he or she is 6 weeks old. Most infants have a regular sleep-wake cycle by 3-6 months.
Babies won't start producing enough melatonin until about 2-3 months. It is the hormone that helps us sleep. Getting to and staying asleep may require some effort prior to this age.
During this time, babies will also experience their first three growth spurts (1 week, 2-3 weeks, and 6 weeks). Extra feedings are acceptable.
3-4 months
Initial sleep regression. Baby is actively learning, such as rolling, turning, and kicking, and he or he wants to practise even when they should be sleeping. Allow plenty of practise time for the baby. No need to roll baby back if they start rolling onto their belly. This is baby's way of sorting out how to sleep peacefully, and it frequently results in better sleep. Always put your baby to sleep on their back, but it's fine if they roll onto their tummy on their own. Swaddling should also be discontinued once a baby is able to roll because it is unsafe at this point.
A three-month growth spurt. It’s fine to give extra feedings, but to be certain it's a growth spurt, the rise in hunger should be noticeable during the daytime as well. It is also important to note most growth spurts last several days to a week at most. As such, they cannot explain frequent night awakenings beyond that time period.
5-7 months
Sitting. Babies enjoy practicing sitting, especially when they are sleeping. Once a baby has mastered the skill, this phase will pass. Again, a lot of practice time during the day will be beneficial.
A six-month growth spurt. Similarly, before assuming a growth spurt and providing extra nighttime feedings, make sure that an increase in appetite is also noticeable during the daytime hours. Again it’s important to note that growth spurts generally last several days to a week at most. As such, they cannot explain frequent nighttime awakenings beyond a week.
Teething. A new tooth may be poking through around this age. Teething is itchy and annoying for some babies, but painful for others. Teething symptoms, on the other hand, typically last from 3-4 days before eruption to 2-3 days after. It isn't something that will last for weeks or months. If pain is suspected, consult with your child's pediatrician about proper pain management.
Baby is generally regarded as safe by the majority of pediatricians. Most Pediatricians’ OK Baby Advil at 6 months, which works well for teething pain. But again, make sure this is a conversation you have with your Pediatrician.
7 to 9 months
Crawling. In the crib, your baby can practise crawling. Nothing is wrong with this. This is a normal developmental stage, and if the baby is safe and peaceful, there is no need to intervene. Even if it takes a long time for the baby to fall asleep.
Second sleep regression. Babies enjoy practicing their developing skills, such as crawling, while they sleep. It may be difficult to put the baby to sleep. Baby will return to a normal sleep schedule once they have mastered the skill they are practising.
At this age, babies understand the permanence of objects. That is, they are aware of the existence of something even when it is not visible. When a baby wakes up in the middle of the night, it is common for parents to go missing, and baby starts searching for you. Spending some extra one on one time before bed with baby should help give baby an extra "dose" of love to decrease the possibility of baby missing mommy/daddy at bedtime.
9 - 10 months
Separation anxiety begins to rise. Some nights, it will be difficult for baby to fall and stay asleep. Especially after returning from a party or event where the baby was exposed to a large number of unfamiliar faces. Your baby may be anxious about being separated from his or her parents. The advice is the same as it was during a regression: extra one-on-one time and lots of attention to baby before bed will help.
Standing. There will be occasions when parents will lay baby down and then raise him or her to a standing position. Baby can practise this skill until he or she has mastered it. It is critical to allow baby time to sit and lay down on their own. Putting them down every time they stand will turn into a fun game for baby. If baby can't yet sit back down, wait a few minutes before laying baby down.
11 - 12 months
Language improvement. When babies should be sleeping, they are thinking about words they have learned and may be practising them in their little heads. It is perfectly fine if the baby is talking happily and not falling asleep. Even if it takes a while for the baby to fall asleep.
Regression after a year. Babies are undergoing rapid physical growth as they learn to walk or even jump. This is something that can definitely carry over into sleep. The same as any other regression. If necessary, give extra attention, avoid new habits, and adhere to a strategy for getting baby to fall asleep on their own.
At this age, baby enjoys "testing" his or her parents. She is now realizing that what she does has a direct impact on the parents. She might start refusing naps and bedtime just to see what your parents do. Baby may have been a "easy baby" up until this point, but he or she may now be resisting sleep. This is usually a behavioral issue that should be addressed by refusing to give in to the behavior and adhering to the rules of good sleep habits.
