Regressions. They NEVER go well, do they? Just when you feel you have a handle on your little one's sleep….BAM!! Another regression. The truth is, regressions are good in the sense that it's cause by developmental phases in your child's life. Nobody knows why it often effects sleep, but it does.
AGES FOR REGRESSIONS
- 4 months
- 6/8 months
- 12 months
- 18 months
- 24 months
REASONS FOR A REGRESSION
- Learning to roll over/crawl
- Learning to walk/pull up
- Learning to speak
- Anytime a new skill becomes present
SIGNS OF A REGRESSION
- Waking up early (before 6 am)
- Waking up throughout the night when they weren't before
- Refusing naps
It's important to note that regressions and signs for dropping a nap are similar. So what are you to do?
Wait it out. Regressions will resolve themselves by 6 weeks, but the key here is to not introduce a new habit that you can't sustain. So if you don't bring them back to your bed, don't bring them to your bed during a regression. If you don't feed to sleep, don't start doing it while you're going through it. It's hard, but it will make things easier after it passes.
HOW CAN YOU HELP YOUR LITTLE ONE WHEN A NEW SKILL BECOMES PRESENT (as mentioned above)?
Practice, practice, practice. This is the best way to help them. For example, if rolling over is their newest skill, have them practice A LOT throughout the time they are awake. If it's crawling, have them practice every second you can throughout the day. Here's the reason…..the more they practice, the less exciting it becomes when they are alone in their sleep space. They've been there, done that.
Regressions are hard but if you need support, schedule a call with me. YOU CAN DO THIS and it will pass.
https://ihelpmoms.com/consultants/consultant/458/jamie-ortiz
