Sleep regression is the time in a baby’s life when their sleep pattern takes an unexpected shift. This can occur at any time — even up to two years old — but the most common age bracket for this to happen is from 4-18 months of age. During this time of sleep training regression, you may find yourself frustrated, and your little one might be right there with you! Let’s take a look at how to deal with sleep regression in a way that will make your lives so much easier.
Tip #1: Practice a Daily Routine
Implementing a consistent routine in your household is the first step in figuring out how to deal with sleep regression. Practicing routines provides babies with structure, just as it does for adults, and you’ll want to be sure that your baby isn’t overtired when you’re putting them down.
Following recommended feeding and sleep routines for your baby’s age group is one way to figure out what may work best, but you’ll want to use your instincts and discretion to figure out the best choice for your family. Remember, no two children are wired the same way. If the recommended sleep training regression tips aren’t working for you, adjust them. Don’t be afraid to move times up by a half-hour here and there until you find a routine that’s ideal for you and your little one.
Tip #2: Make Sure Your Baby Is Comfortable
Babies are much more likely to take naps and go to bed at night if they’re cozy and comfortable. Before putting your baby down, we recommend following the steps:
- Clean Your Baby: Baths are usually the first step in a standard nighttime routine, and they’ll ensure that your baby isn’t feeling sticky or sweaty after the day’s activities. Although they’re not always necessary before naptime, it may help to wipe your little one off with water or a wet cloth and change clothes before you set them down during the day — especially if you live in a warm or humid climate.
- Put On Fresh Clothes: After their nightly bath, you’ll want to make sure you’re dressing your baby in fresh clothing to ensure their comfort. Just like us, babies don’t enjoy sleeping in stiff, uncomfortable clothing. Dress your baby in high-quality onesies made from soft materials to provide them with warmth, flexibility, and comfort.
Tip #3: Make Your Baby’s Room Comfortable
This tip is often overlooked, but it’s an important part of learning how to deal with sleep training regression. You can make your baby’s room comfortable by taking the following steps:
- Make sure your baby’s room is at a comfortable temperature.
- Use room-darkening blinds, shades, or curtains to keep light out during sleep time.
- If you’re comfortable with it, use white noise.
Finding the Balance
Sleep regression is not an easy time for most households, but we hope that our sleep regression tips can help you out! Remember to make sure your baby is clean, dressed comfortably, and in a low stimulation environment during bedtime. With those tips in mind, you’ll know exactly how to deal with whatever struggles sleep regression brings.
Looking for more parenting tips and tricks? Check out our blog or reach out to us today for more information about our Little Zips. We’d love to hear from you!