How to Cope with Sleep Regression? Is it possible?

Nov 23, 2018 4:00 PM

Is your baby out of nowhere waking in the middle of night and wailing profusely? Are you tired all through the day because your baby has been giving you sleepless nights without any apparent reason? If yes, this article is for you. Read further to know how to cope with sleep regression.

Asheville, NC — Credits: Mallmo/ Shutterstock

Tips to cope with Sleep regression

Here are some simple tips that can help you deal with sudden changes in your baby’s sleep patterns.

Comfort

Comfort them, but don’t try changing habits during a regression, but also try not to go backward. Lovingly respond to your baby, but have boundaries. For example, if she wakes during the night, feel free to pick her up for a cuddle, but put her down before she’s totally asleep.

Ask for Help

Get help from a partner or sleep expert. Sleep regressions can last for a week or more and happen pretty frequently throughout your baby’s first years. You’re bound to get tired, trying to manage your baby’s sleep while trying desperately to get enough of your own. That’s why it’s important to lean on your partner to help cope with sleep regression battle.

Be Calm

Keep a calming routine and environment. Try adding in a soothing massage, bath, swaddling, or story time to your routine to keep your baby relaxed.

Adjust Bedtime

Adjust their bedtime, if necessary. Because your baby may not be getting an adequate amount of sleep, you may have to start putting them down for bed a little earlier than normal.

Reassess

Reassess their sleep environment. Is the room temperature comfortable? Has the lighting changed? Try adding a white noise machine to help calm them during sleep.
Ensure all of your baby’s senses have been considered.

Snuggle Toy or Blanket

Give them a comfort object. Your toddler may be dealing with separation anxiety. To help comfort them, try offering one soft comfort object for them to sleep with. Note: This is only recommended if your toddler is over one-year-old.

Be Flexible

Be flexible. Sleep regressions will wreak havoc on your normal nap and bedtime schedules. For the time being, you’ll need to adjust. Remember though, this too shall pass!!

Mom Crew

Lean on other moms for advice. Talk to moms who’s been through it before surround yourself with a support group. It helps knowing that others have gone through them and there is light at the end of the tunnel.

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