Key Notes
- Sleep regression in 6 month old babies can be very problematic
- It can badly effect your child's health
- The parents should try to identify the signs of sleep regression
- Your baby's sleep regression issue should be controlled as soon as possible
As your baby’s first birthday approaches, you may notice that they are sleeping less.
This is because their sleep requirements change as they start to grow and develop. It can be difficult for parents of a 6 month old who are experiencing sleep regression, but there are some simple things you can do to help them get back on track!
Signs of Sleep Regression in a 6 Months Old Baby
Your Baby Sleeps Less
The first sign to look out for is that your baby may be sleeping less than they used too. They might also not want their naps in the day, preferring instead to stay up and play.
This means they will need more sleep when night falls! However even after staying awake for so long they sometimes don’t even sleep that well at night. If this sounds familiar, don’t panic-it normal at this age so there are some things you can do.
Your Baby Wakes Up Again and Again
Another sign is that your baby might start waking up multiple times at night again. This could be because they are going through a new developmental leap, so their sleep requirements change temporarily.
If this sounds familiar don’t worry-there are some things you can do to help them get back on track!
You May Have Trouble Putting Them Back to Sleep
If you notice your baby either sleeps very well during the day but doesn’t sleep for long periods of time or vice versa it may be an indication that they’re experiencing regression.
When babies wake up from naps earlier than usual and/or have trouble getting themselves back to sleep after nighttime awakenings, it’s usually due to regression.
What Can Cause Sleep Regression
Sleep regression in 6 month old babies can happen because of many different reasons including:
- They are teething
- They have just learn to sit or crawl
- They have separation anxiety
And a number of other reasons
How to Deal With Sleep Regression in a Baby
If you are dealing with sleep regression in your babies, don’t worry-there are some steps you can take to help them get back on track! The first thing is to have a routine.
If they follow the same schedule every day it will be easier for everyone involved because their bodies and minds become accustomed
How to Deal With Sleep Regression in a Six Month Old Baby
Keep Track Of Their Sleeping Schedule and Make Sure They Get Enough Daytime Rest
Firstly ensure your child gets enough daytime rest by checking what time it usually wakes up after a nap then try altering that slightly (either earlier or later depending on how tired they seem).
You could even schedule an afternoon siesta if it feels like one is needed! Try giving them shorter but more frequent naps to see if it helps.
Try To Readjust Their Bedtime
If your six month old is still not sleeping well at night, then try slowly moving bedtime closer by 15 minutes every few days. You could also introduce a wind down routine that they enjoy and set the scene for sleep before you put them in their cot/moses basket etc.
A new comforter or even just a new pajamas top can help get rid of any bad associations with being alone in the dark! Ensure there are no distractions such as TV or light on when baby goes to sleep so they know it’s time for rest.
Try using white noise which will block out other sounds too-there are lots of apps available based around this idea which might be helpful!
Try To See If Feeding Them before the Bedtime Helps or Not
If you are finding your six month old is still waking in the night, try feeding them just before bedtime to see if it helps. This can be a good way of making sure they get enough calories in one go so don’t need to eat again during the night.
You could also experiment with giving them less milk or water before bedtime too-you might find that your little one sleeps better when their stomach isn’t full!
Sleep Regression Can Be Dangerous and Proper Steps Should Be Taken By the Parents to Control It
It’s important not to let sleep regression take over at this age because babies learn about independence and self-soothing from being able to put themselves back to sleep after nighttime awakening etc.
If you feel like you’ve tried everything then it’s time for some expert advice! Your baby may suffer from an underlying issue such as reflux which is preventing them from sleeping well.
Speak to your doctor about this and they may be able to recommend medication or other treatments that can help.
Check for Information Parental Groups on Social Media
There are lots of forums on Facebook where parents share their own experiences too so it’s worth checking those out if you need more advice or support.
You might also find joining groups helpful-there are lots of local ones available online where mums meet up regularly in real life too!
However one thing to keep in mind is that parenting isn’t a one size fit all. So what may work for other people may not work for you. So you have to try different things and see what technique works best to managing your 6 month old child’s sleep regression issues.
These are some of the signs of sleep regression and also some tips on how you can manage your baby’s sleep regression.
So if you feel your child has any of the symptoms of sleep regression you shouldn’t wait any longer in trying to improve your child’s sleep schedule and overall sleep quality.
