How to Survive Your 6 Month Old Sleep Regression

Sleep Regression
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As every parent knows, life with a baby is challenging. From sleep deprivation to constant worry about the potential damage your new tiny human could do to themselves, there are many stresses that being a new parent brings. And then, of course, there are the developmental challenges of your baby growing up so fast and changing so much — even in the first few months after birth!

With babies this small, even minor changes can have major effects. A six-month-old is going through their own developmental regression, from crawling and cruising to sitting and standing unassisted. These new skills require more coordination than before, meaning they are not as ready to start walking as they were when crawling just a few short weeks ago.

There is also the issue of speech development, which peaks at this age but continues well into toddlerhood. As you will see in our blog post below about 6 month old sleep regression, your six-month-old is working hard on their communication skills now. They might not be able to talk back yet, but if you keep stimulating and encouraging them, you can help them learn the language faster than ever!

The Six Month Sleep Regression: What to Expect

Your baby will all of a sudden start waking up more frequently during the night and will take shorter naps during the 6 month old sleep regression. Around the sixth month of a baby’s life, they will go through a completely normal developmental stage that occurs around this time. 

For parents who are used to sleeping without waking up their babies during the night, this situation may be extremely frustrating. You can help your baby (and yourself) get through 6 month old sleep regression by expressing some hope in the fact that it is generally only temporary. The following is a list of things that parents can anticipate during the 6 month old sleep regression:

1. Your infant will begin to wake up more frequently during the night

It is completely normal and to be expected for a baby to go through a period of 6 month old sleep regression during the first six months of his or her life. It is important to try not to worry too much about it because your infant will still be getting the same total amount of sleep even though it will be split up into shorter intervals.

2. During the day, your infant will require fewer and shorter naps

One more time, this is perfectly normal and should be anticipated. When it’s time for naps, try to make the environment as soothing as possible, and don’t force your child to stay awake even if it’s obvious they’re exhausted.

3. There may be times when you feel like you are not getting enough sleep as a parent

When your baby is going through a 6-month regression, you can also expect this to happen to you as a parent. In order to take advantage of any free time you have to rest or sleep when your partner or family members can watch the baby, you should try to nap when your baby does.

4. It is not something that will last forever

It’s good to know that 6 month old sleep regression usually only lasts for a short period of time. During the current timeframe, you should pay the most attention to taking care of yourself and getting as much rest as possible. Staying calm and patient will help you and your baby survive this challenging period.

Why Does a Baby Have a Sleep Regression?

The patterns of sleep that a baby exhibits are always shifting, and it’s not unusual for parents to go through a 6 month old sleep regression when their child is 6 months old. Even though the specific reason for this occurrence is unknown, there are a few hypotheses that might be able to shed some light on it. 

  • There is a chance that your infant is simply going through a period of rapid growth, in which case they will require a greater quantity of calories to support their expanding size.
  •  There’s also a chance that your baby is starting to pay more attention to the world around them and is becoming more aware of what’s going on around them. This could lead to a higher level of stimulation and fewer chances to get a good night’s sleep. 

Whatever the cause may be, a 6 month old sleep regression around the age of 6 months can be extremely frustrating for both babies and their parents. However, keep in mind that these shifts will only last for a short period of time and that your baby will eventually go back to its regular sleeping patterns.

Common Issues in the Six Month Sleep Regression

The main sign that this condition is present is that the baby can’t stay asleep through the night. Due to the fact that the parents might not be able to get enough sleep during this time, it is likely that they will have a very difficult time. 

As a result of the nighttime sleep disruptions, your baby may be irritable during the day and require lengthier naps throughout the day than usual. Frequent awakenings, a hysterical awakening in the middle of the night, or an early morning awakening are further symptoms of sleep regression.

Tips for Surviving Your Baby’s Sleep Regression

In spite of the fact that 6 month old sleep regression is normal and a to-be-expected part of your baby’s development, it does not make dealing with them any less challenging. The following pieces of advice may be of assistance to you if your infant is six months old or older and is going through a phase in which they are having trouble falling or staying asleep:

  • To begin, you should strive to establish and stick to a consistent routine for getting ready for bed. This will serve as a reminder to your infant that it is time to start winding down and getting ready for bedtime. 
  • Second, you should make certain that your infant’s sleeping environment is soothing and that it satisfies all of their requirements. This involves ensuring that there is not an excessive amount of noise or light in the room, as well as removing any blankets or toys that are hanging loose from the infant’s crib. 
  • Third, when it comes to getting your baby to sleep, try not to rely on any aids such as pacifiers or rocking because these things can make it more difficult to overcome sleep regressions. Instead, try to get your baby to fall asleep without the assistance of any of these things. 
  • In conclusion, but certainly not least, keep in mind the importance of being patient and keeping in mind that this too shall pass. If you and your baby are resilient and you give it some time, you’ll get through this rough patch and be back on track in no time.

Bonus Tip

It’s common for babies under 6 months old to go through a phase where they have trouble sleeping. They used to take naps regularly, but now they won’t even do that, and they wake up several times throughout the night. As a direct consequence of this, parents often report feeling worn out. In the event that your infant is experiencing sleep regression at the age of six months, there are a few things that you can do to assist your child in getting some much-needed rest, as well as yourself. 

First and foremost, you should do everything in your power to keep your baby’s bedtime routine on a consistent schedule. Your infant will recognize this as a cue that it is time to begin winding down for the night when you do. You should also try to avoid giving your child an overly stimulating environment in the hours leading up to bedtime. That means putting away the screen at least an hour before going to bed. 

Finally, if your infant is waking up multiple times throughout the night, you should try to delay feeding them until they have been awake for at least an hour before doing so. If you follow these tips, you’ll be able to help your 6-month-old child (and yourself) get through this tough time.