6 Month Sleep Regression for Infants
Lauren Coin
| 3 min read
As your baby grows, you may notice changes in their sleep cycle that are a natural part of their development.
It’s normal for a six-month-old to wake up during the night and then go back to sleep after a few minutes, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. However, if your baby is having increased trouble falling back to sleep, they could be experiencing a six-month sleep regression.
What is sleep regression and what causes it?
Sleep regression refers toa temporary phase when a baby who has been sleeping consistently suddenly experiences sleep disruptions. This could include waking more frequently throughout the night, increased fussiness or changing nap schedules.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, these regressions can occur at different ages and often coincide with developmental milestones and growth spurts.
At six months old, babies tend to hit some of those key milestones. Their increased physical abilities and mental and environmental awareness can make them more sensitive to overstimulation, separation anxiety or other sleep disturbances which can play a major role in sleep regressions, per the Sleep Foundation.
Not every baby will experience a six-month regression; in fact, some may show signs of sleep improvement at this age. According to the Sleep Foundation, sleep patterns can have significant variability from one baby to another.
Signs of six-month sleep regression
There can be multiple indicators that your baby is going through a sleep regression. Per the Sleep Foundation, some common signs include:
- Greater number of awakenings throughout the night
- Increased trouble falling asleep or going back to sleep
- Longer naps during the day and less sleep at night
- Increased crying or agitation during awakenings
The duration of these symptoms can vary significantly, although they often last for short periods of time. Sleep regression is a normal part of development, but if you have concerns about your baby’s sleep patterns, it’s best to consult your pediatrician or primary care provider (PCP).
Tips to manage sleep regression in infants
According to the Cleveland Clinic, sleep regressions can be a gentle reminder of the importance of building a consistent bedtime routine with your baby. Consider following some of these tips for healthy infant sleep.
Establish a bedtime routine
A calm and consistent bedtime routine can be a great way to get your baby’s sleep back on track. The Sleep Foundation advises using the same series of steps each night to signal to your baby that bedtime is approaching.
Feeding your baby about 15 minutes before bedtime can help make them sleepy, per the Cleveland Clinic. Then, engage in some calm activities like rocking or cuddling to help them wind down.
Practice good sleep habits
Good sleep habits are essential to longer rest for babies. Make sure they’re in a dark room with minimal visual distractions. Try not to engage in energetic play or screen time just before sleep.
Pay attention to your baby’s tiredness cues, such as rubbing their eyes. When babies are drowsy but awake it’s a good time to put them in bed so they can link it with the process of falling asleep, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Implement sleep training
Sleep training is the process of teaching your baby to fall asleep by themselves, per the Cleveland Clinic.
One training method the American Academy of Pediatrics endorses involves increasing how long you wait to respond to your crying baby after they’ve been put to sleep. This process can help teach your baby how to self-soothe, while still offering some comfort and support.
Photo credit: Getty Images
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