As parents, we often take for granted the sleep pattern of our new baby. The first six months are a blur of feeding, crying, and diaper changes with our little one tucked in their crib close to us in case they need anything. But all that changes when they hit six months old and start waking up early every morning – now it’s time to adapt to their sleep needs! In this article, we’ll go over what 12-month sleep regression is and how to deal with it.
What is a sleep regression?
A sleep regression is a phenomenon in which infants and children in the age range of 1-2 years old experience a decrease in their total amount of sleep. They typically go from sleeping 12-14 hours per day to 4-5 hours per day overnight, including naps. This can be very scary for parents because it means that the child might need more time to fall asleep at night or stay asleep during the day.
Sleep regression is an increase in a baby’s nighttime sleep time. Sleep regressions are common among parents with babies who are about one year old. There are many reasons for a sleep regression, but the causes vary by baby and family. Sleep regressions can cause stress, increased feeding, and difficulty falling asleep again at night.
12 month sleep regression in babies
It is common for babies to sleep more in the late afternoon. This happens as their body temperatures rise, and they need a break from the day’s activities. Sociolinguist researchers at the University of York in England have published a study indicating that infants who sleep through the night by 12 months old are actually sleeping less than their co-sleeping counterparts. In fact, even infants who sleep for only 2 hours a day will still catch up to those who sleep through the night.
Causes of a Sleep Regression
Sleep regression happens when a baby starts to sleep less, often in the late afternoon or early evening, and then begins to sleep more as they get older since they are no longer waking up every few hours. Many parents worry that their child’s sleep regresses because of teething or growth spurts at this age. In actuality, most babies tend to regress around the 4-6 month mark.
How to get baby back on schedule
It can be difficult to get your baby back on schedule after a sleep regression, but there are ways you can work towards regaining that sleep as soon as possible. When your baby starts sleeping again, follow the routine of bedtime and check in with them every 45 minutes until they are back on track. Sometimes, something goes wrong. If a baby goes to sleep extended past the 12-month mark, they may regress to their birth sleep schedule and it can be difficult to break back into their old schedule.
Here are some ways parents can help get them back on track:
– No TV or screens after 7 pm
– Reduce pacifier use
– Create a consistent bedtime routine
Postpartum Tips for Baby
Some new moms are tempted to skip the sleep training process. However, it is highly beneficial for your baby to start getting sleep earlier on. There are a variety of tips that you can follow which will help reduce their sleep regressions back to daytime sleeping habits. A lot goes into making a baby sleep well, and it can be both frustrating and exhausting.
Conclusion
The conclusion is that for 12-month-olds, not all babies are created equally and some may be more difficult to put down than others. Some kids will sleep very well on their own and it is this child who needs the least amount of sleep training. It’s vital to identify these babies before starting any sleep training program so that you can avoid frustration and tears!
