Do you sleep train during a regression?
Spoiler alert: Sleep training is often how you get through a sleep regression!
What is a sleep regression?
A sleep regression is a disruption in your baby's normal sleep patterns. A baby typically goes through a regression due to developmental milestones, physical milestones, growth spurts, or other factors. This can result in increased night waking, shorter naps, or difficulty falling asleep.
During a sleep regression, a baby or toddler's sleep patterns may temporarily change (or permanently change like it does during the 4 month sleep regression.
Curious about all the sleep regressions? Check out our other blogs!
What if your baby is already sleep trained and is going through a regression?
Let's reframe how you think about sleep training for a second: A lot of families think that sleep training is one and done. This is often why families struggle with using extinction type methods because after you've done it for the initial sleep training period, it can feel daunting doing it again if sleep habits change or a sleep disruption occurs.
At Heaven Sent Sleep, we want sleep training to be a lifestyle change-- meaning, we want you to have a way to respond to your child through any disruption so that it doesn't change your child's sleep habits. In that case, you need a sleep training method you feel comfortable implementing; a method that allows you to respond to your child without creating new, unsustainable habits.
If you have already established a sleep training method and your child responds well to it, you can continue with the same approach during a sleep regression. However, you may need to make some adjustments to accommodate the changes in your child's sleep patterns.
Here are some tips for sleep training during a sleep regression:
1. Stick to a consistent bedtime routine: A consistent bedtime routine can help signal to your child that it is time to sleep. Stick to the same routine even during a sleep regression to provide a sense of familiarity and comfort.
2. Be flexible with sleep training methods: During a sleep regression, your child may need extra comfort and reassurance. Be flexible with your sleep training methods and provide the support your child needs. This may mean offering extra cuddles, soothing, or adjusting your approach temporarily.
3. Offer comfort during night waking: If your child is waking up more frequently during a sleep regression, offer comfort and reassurance when needed. This can help them feel secure and may help them settle back to sleep more easily. However, I always suggest after comforting, leave the room once your child is calm and awake NOT asleep.
4. Be patient and consistent: Sleep regressions can be challenging for both parents and children. It is important to remain patient and consistent with your sleep training approach. Remember that this is a temporary phase and your child's sleep patterns will likely return to normal in time.
If your child is going through a sleep regression and he or she is currently NOT an independent sleeper, this is a great time to start the sleep training process. Sleep training is often how you get through a sleep regression! As a private sleep consultant, I would suggest a gradual method that would support your little one during the time! Need support through this time? Check out my 1:1 packages.
