ALL THINGS NEWBORN, BABY, & TODDLER SLEEP
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Getting your baby back to sleep: Handling post-illness sleep regressions
If your baby has recently been sick, you might find yourself dealing with more than just their recovery—you’re also facing disrupted sleep patterns that feel like a full-blown regression. It’s common for babies and toddlers to struggle with sleep after illness, as their routines and comfort levels have been temporarily upended. Whether it’s waking more often at night, refusing naps, or needing extra comfort to settle, these regressions can leave parents feeling frustrated and exhausted.
The good news is that you don’t have to stay stuck here forever. You can help your baby return to healthy sleep habits- you just need to know how! In this guide, we’ll discuss why sleep regressions happen after illness and share practical tips to help your little one get back on track.
Understanding the 12 month sleep regression
Is your once peaceful sleeper suddenly waking at all hours of the night and refusing their naps? Welcome to the 12-month baby sleep regression, a phase that can leave even the most experienced parents feeling frazzled. You're not alone in this sleep chaos but understanding what’s happening can make all the difference.
In this post, I’ll explore the telltale signs of the 12-month sleep regression, how long you can expect it to last, and the reasons behind this perplexing phase. Plus, I’ll share two quick and effective tips to help you and your little one navigate this challenging time. Keep reading if you’re ready to reclaim your sleep and help your baby through this sleep regression.
How to manage your baby’s sleep regressions like a pro
As a pediatric sleep consultant, it’s not uncommon for me to receive messages like this: “My baby suddenly isn’t sleeping! Is there a sleep regression at 12 months?” In fact, I get this question all the time, for every different age imaginable. Sleep disruptions can be so frustrating and confusing and it often makes us feel just a little better if we can blame it on a sleep regression!
So let’s jump into this topic of sleep regressions. We’ll tackle what a sleep regression is, how long it can last, and what ages you should expect sleep regressions to happen.