Did you know that the peak period for sleep regressions is between 3 and 6 months? A sleep regression is a brief period of time when your baby’s usual sleep habits change dramatically. Your little one may start waking up again at night, refuse to go back to sleep or start crying hysterically if you try to leave the room after putting them down for a nap or bedtime.
Sleep regressions tend to be more challenging than you’d expect from a phase of normal development, but they are completely normal. Many parents struggle in those early months because they don’t know what to expect. This article will give you some tips on how to survive your child’s 3-month regression so that it doesn’t become a source of stress and frustration in your life!
Know the signs of a 3 month regression
You can see the signs of sleep regression beginning around the age of 3 months, which is why it is critical to assess your child if there are any changes in their normal pattern of sleeping. There is a greater likelihood that your baby is going through a 3 month sleep regression phase if they exhibit these symptoms. It is beneficial that you are aware of their situation; as a result, you will be able to determine what the appropriate action is to take to help them go through this stage in their development.
- The amount of time spent sleeping throughout the night and during naps decreases.
- It might be challenging to get your child to sleep, and it can take some time to accomplish.
- Having trouble both getting asleep and remaining asleep when in bed
- Having several awakenings throughout the course of the night
Strategies to cope with the 3 month regression
- Put the youngster to bed early so they won’t have to deal with the grogginess that comes with going to bed. It is recommended that you engage in activities for approximately 90–120 minutes.
- If you skin them when they are feeling asleep, they will feel more relaxed and at ease.
- There is no need for you to maintain skin-to-skin contact with your baby until he or she nods off to sleep, provided that the baby is calm and comfortable.
- You shouldn’t put unnecessary pressure on yourself to break the practice of putting children to sleep. When the phase of regression has passed and things have settled down, you should begin teaching them how to sleep independently.
- Maintaining a dark environment conducive to resting will help your baby fall asleep more quickly. To do this, use nightlights that are dim, soothing, and of a warm tone. Your baby will be able to drift off to sleep more easily in a room that is dimly lit, and they will be less likely to wake up in the middle of the night.
Help your baby drift off to sleep using white noise
The term “white noise” refers to a type of background noise that comprises roughly equal amounts of all frequencies that fall within the range of detectable sound. Because it contains elements from a variety of frequency ranges, white noise is also known as broadband noise in some fields. In anecdotal evidence, white noise is sometimes compared to the static that can be heard when a radio or television is not properly tuned.
It is said to improve a person’s capacity to concentrate, and it can also have a beneficial effect while you are trying to focus on your studies. It works well in homes with thin walls to mask or make the sounds and noises of daily life less noticeable. There are two primary advantages associated with the use of this white noise to assist in putting babies to sleep.
- It helps boost concentration and also aids in getting the infant to sleep.
- It makes the sounds less noticeable, which in turn decreases the chances that the infant will wake up.
During the 3 month sleep regression phase of your baby’s development, you may find that using white noise is effective.
Try leaving the room once your baby falls asleep
When you put your baby down to sleep while he or she is still awake but showing signs of drowsiness, it can be difficult to arrange it so that your child falls asleep at the best window of opportunity for sleep. A baby will typically indicate that it is ready to sleep by rubbing its eyes, yawning, or having a hissy fit. The act of getting your baby ready for bed stimulates the production of hormones in his body that help him get ready for sleep. The production of the hormone cortisol, which plays a role in maintaining our sense of alertness, is triggered in our bodies whenever we are subjected to strong sunlight. When we are in environments with less light or complete darkness, our bodies produce melatonin, a hormone that contributes to feelings of drowsiness and sleepiness.
You are free to establish a bedtime routine for your child that you believe will be most beneficial for the whole family. Maintaining a simple and effective method will provide the maximum benefit to both you and your child, as well as increase the chance that you will continue to follow through with the schedule over the long term.
It’s time for your baby to go to bed. You’ve completed everything needed to do so. It is best to put your baby to sleep when he is awake but already feeling sleepy. When you are having trouble putting your infant to sleep, please give him or her a few minutes to calm down on his or her own. Do not hesitate to reassure your baby when they are crying or fussing for an extended period of time. Give the infant some kisses, hugs, and pats on the back for a minute or two. After you have successfully resettled your infant, you should lay him down again while he is awake and then leave the room while maintaining a low, quiet voice. During 3 month sleep regression, repeat this step as many times as necessary until your child is able to fall asleep on their own.
Bottom Line
Inexperienced parents will find the  3 month sleep regression particularly difficult to manage. It is important that you do not let this difficult stage of being a parent wears you down and overtakes you. The 3 month sleep regression is a natural part of a baby’s development, and just like any other important milestone in their lives, it will eventually pass. However, it is best to be prepared for it, learn how to get through it, and get used to it so that when you have another child, it will be easier for you to go through it.
