Suddenly, your baby who was sleeping soundly through the night is waking up every few hours? Or maybe naps have become a battle, and bedtime is a nightmare. Welcome to the world of sleep regressions!
Sleep regressions are periods when babies or toddlers who were previously good sleepers suddenly experience disrupted sleep patterns. This can manifest as difficulty falling asleep, frequent night wakings, and shortened naps.
If your baby is between 8 and 10 months old and suddenly struggling with sleep, you’re not alone. The 10-month sleep regression is a common experience for many families. It’s important to remember that this is a normal part of development and doesn’t necessarily indicate a problem.
In this article, we’ll dive into the causes of the 10-month sleep regression, how to recognize it, and practical strategies to help your baby—and you!—get back to sleeping soundly.
What is a Sleep Regression?
So, what exactly is a sleep regression? It’s when a baby who’s been sleeping soundly suddenly starts waking up more often at night or skipping naps altogether. It can be frustrating, but try to remember that sleep regressions are often a sign of exciting developmental leaps! Your baby’s brain is working overtime.
This article focuses on the 10-month sleep regression, but you might also hear about regressions happening around 4 months, 6 months, and 18 months.
Decoding the 10-Month Sleep Regression: What’s Causing the Fuss?
So, what’s behind this sudden sleep disruption? Here are some common culprits:
Developmental Milestones
Around 10 months, babies are often working on some pretty impressive physical skills, like crawling, pulling themselves up, or even taking a few wobbly steps. The excitement of these new abilities can be so intense that they want to practice them all the time – even when they should be sleeping!
There’s also a big cognitive leap happening around this time: object permanence. This is when babies start to understand that things still exist even when they can’t see them. While this is a crucial step in their development, it can also contribute to separation anxiety.
Separation Anxiety
Now that your baby understands you’re still around even when you leave the room, they might get more upset when you’re not there. This can show up as crying or fussiness at bedtime or during the night. It’s tough, but it’s a normal part of development, usually peaking between 8 and 10 months.
Teething
Ah, teething. It seems like it never ends, right? Teething can definitely cause discomfort and pain, which can lead to more wakefulness at night. Try offering a chilled teething ring or gently massaging those sore gums to provide some relief.
Spotting the signs: Is it really a sleep regression?
How do you know if your baby is going through a sleep regression? Here are some common signs that parents report at 10 months:
- More night wakings: Your baby wakes up more often during the night than they used to.
- Trouble falling asleep: Your baby fusses and fusses at bedtime.
- Shorter naps: Your baby’s naps don’t last as long as they used to, and they may seem less restful.
- Fussiness or crying: Your baby seems irritable and cries more often, particularly at night.
- Changes in appetite: Your baby may suddenly want to eat more or less than usual.
- Clinginess: Your baby wants to be held and near you constantly.
Navigating the Regression: Practical Strategies for Parents
Sleep regressions can be challenging, but there are a few things you can do to help your little one (and yourself!) get through this stage.
Maintaining a Consistent Bedtime Routine
Babies thrive on routine. A predictable bedtime routine helps signal to your baby that it’s time to wind down and prepare for sleep.
A calming bedtime routine could include a warm bath, reading a favorite book, singing a lullaby, or giving your baby a gentle massage.
Optimizing Wake Windows and Naps
Wake windows are the amount of time your baby can comfortably stay awake between naps or before bedtime. Knowing your baby’s ideal wake window can help you time naps and bedtime just right.
For a 10-month-old, a typical wake window is around 3 to 4 hours. Pay attention to your baby’s cues – rubbing their eyes, yawning, or getting fussy – to know when it’s time for a nap.
If your baby is still taking more than two naps a day, this might be a good time to think about transitioning to a two-nap schedule. Too much daytime sleep can definitely disrupt nighttime sleep.
Addressing Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety is a common culprit behind sleep regressions. To ease your baby’s anxiety, practice brief separations during the day. For example, leave your baby in a safe space for a few minutes while you’re in another room. Play peek-a-boo to reinforce the idea that you always come back.
You might also offer a comfort item, like a small blanket or stuffed animal, to provide a sense of security.
Practicing New Skills During the Day
Babies often practice new skills, like crawling or pulling up, during sleep regressions. To minimize nighttime disruptions, encourage ample opportunities for movement and exploration during the day. Provide a safe space for your baby to crawl, pull up, and explore their surroundings.
Responding to Night Wakings
When your baby wakes up at night, respond calmly and consistently. Avoid turning on bright lights or engaging in stimulating activities. Try gentle soothing techniques, like gentle rocking, shushing, or singing.
Should you sleep train during a regression?
If you’re in the middle of a sleep regression, should you start sleep training? Some experts advise against it. Your baby is already dealing with a lot of stress, so it might not be the best time to introduce a new sleep strategy.
If you’re already sleep training, try to stay consistent with your chosen method. Gentle methods might be best during this period.
If you’re not sure what to do, a sleep consultant or your pediatrician can offer personalized advice.
How long will this last?
Good news: sleep regressions are temporary.
Most regressions only last a few days or a few weeks. It’s important to be patient with your baby and consistent with your responses. Sticking to your routine will help them get back on track.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you break a 10-month sleep regression?
Patience and consistency are key! Stick to your regular bedtime routine, ensure a comfortable sleep environment, and avoid creating new sleep crutches (like rocking to sleep every night). Offer comfort, but try to avoid picking them up immediately if they fuss. It’s about helping them re-learn to self-soothe.
Why is a 10-month-old waking up crying?
There are several possibilities! The 10-month sleep regression often coincides with developmental leaps like crawling or pulling up. They might also be teething, experiencing separation anxiety, or simply be uncomfortable. Rule out physical discomfort first, then focus on consistent sleep habits.
Why is my 10-month-old all of a sudden not sleeping?
Sudden sleep disruptions at 10 months are usually related to a sleep regression. This phase often connects with increased cognitive and motor development. This surge in development can temporarily disrupt their sleep patterns. Maintaining a consistent routine and a calming bedtime environment can help them get back on track.
In Closing
The 10-month sleep regression is a completely normal developmental phase that many babies experience. It’s often triggered by exciting new milestones, the discomfort of teething, and the ever-present separation anxiety.
During this time, it’s helpful to maintain a consistent bedtime routine, get your baby’s wake windows dialed in, and respond calmly and predictably to any night wakings.
Remember to be patient with your little one—and with yourself. This is a challenging time, so don’t hesitate to ask for help from your partner, family, or friends. Taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your baby.
This phase will pass. With love, support, and consistency, you and your baby will get through this sleep regression, and more restful nights are on the horizon.