Just when you think that you have got your little one settled into a steady sleep pattern, it’s common for it to fall apart at around the three to four months. This is frustrating, but it’s a normal stage in your baby’s development, and there are some effective ways to help you and your little one get back on track.
Understanding sleep regression
Sleep regressions typically occur at the three to four month stage, but they can happen at other landmark ages such as one year, 18 months, and two years. Your baby may suddenly start to wake more frequently during the night, nap less, or become fussy and reluctant to relax and wind down into sleep mode.
At the three to four month stage, your baby is developing rapidly and their sleep cycles are naturally aligning to the circadian rhythm, the body’s internal clock that helps us to respond to day and night. Newborns have their own melatonin and therefore their sleep patterns are not strongly influenced by circadian rhythms.
However, by the age of about 12 weeks, the baby will begin to adjust to a more adult sleep pattern, and initially they may wake after each sleep cycle. This can typically lead to your little one becoming cross and fractious when they previously settled down well; sleeping less in the daytime, and waking fully and crying during the night.
This phase usually lasts for about two to six weeks before you start to notice an improvement. Another factor to consider is teething, which may also occur at around this age and can also disrupt your baby’s sleep patterns.
As well as becoming fretful and fussy at nap time and bed times, you might notice that your baby has flushed cheeks, a rash on their face, is drooling, and is putting objects in their mouth and chewing them. As the new teeth emerge, it can put pressure on their gums which causes them pain or discomfort.
Not all babies are seriously troubled by teething, but for some it can be distressing and they may require mild pain relief. Some parents find a raw amber teething necklace a helpful alternative therapy to soothe a fretful baby. The necklace is designed to be used under full supervision of an adult, and the baby should never be left alone whilst wearing it.
The amber beads contain a natural analgesic called succinic acid, which is released as the beads are warmed through body heat. A small amount of succinic acid is absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream, acting as a natural painkiller, providing relief and promoting relaxation.
Tips for dealing with a sleep regression
Maintain a consistent bedtime routine
Follow the same steps as you prepare your baby for bed each evening and establish a regular and predictable bedtime routine. This way, your baby will know what to expect and is more likely to accept the mental and physical cues to start winding down for sleep.
A good routine doesn’t need to be complicated, but might include steps such as a bath or wash; changing into a clean nappy and nightwear, and a bedtime story. This helps your little one feel safe and secure, putting them in the right mood for sleep.
Create a good sleep environment
Pay attention to the baby’s sleep environment to ensure that it is comfortable and conducive to a good night’s rest. The room should be between 16 and 20°C, and dark. Light exposure can upset the circadian rhythms that tell our bodies when it’s time to sleep and time to wake, so artificial lights and early dawns can be very disruptive.
Use blackout curtains or blinds to help block out sunlight and light from street lamps and vehicles, and do not leave a nightlight on all night. If your household is noisy, consider using a white noise machine to mask disruptive sounds.
Encourage independence
If you hear your baby waking during the night, don’t automatically go to them as this can encourage a cycle of dependence. They may simply be at the end of their sleep cycle, and are briefly wakeful in between feeling ready to fall back asleep by themselves.
You can encourage them to self-soothe by not holding them or rocking them fully to sleep at bed time, but leaving the bedroom when they are still in the drowsy stages of early sleep.
