This is a YouTube video titled "Regressions and Baby Sleep" containing a discussion about sleep regressions in babies. The content features Cara Dumaplin and another speaker explaining the nature of sleep regressions as developmental progressions, typical timing of regressions, and strategies for managing them effectively to support better sleep habits in infants. The video was created on November 12, 2021.
Two words. Sleep regressions. Oh, I know they're not great words, but I want to remind you, if you followed me for any length of time, you know this. A sleep regression is actually a developmental progression. That means your baby is learning so much. So how is sleep impacted? When we have a regression, you can see bedtime battles, shorter naps, more frequent night wakings. Sometimes just sleep feels off. That is kind of what you see during a regression.
Keep in mind that babies develop at their own individual pace, but typically we see five regressions in the first two years. We typically see them 4 months, 8 to 10 months, 12 months, 18 months and 24 months. But again, understand it can be a little bit early or a little bit late. It's just kind of when your baby hits it. These developmental strides can last for a few days, up to several weeks, like six weeks. But as far as sleep being impacted, it's all dependent upon what you do during these regressions with a strong sleep foundation. If you have a good sleeper before you head into this regression, it will help you move through that regression so much faster. Two, make sure that your daytime is on point. You want appropriate wake windows for your baby's age. And lots of times as they're learning these new SK skills, they're also widening those wake windows. Number three, have a plan to follow when you know exactly what you're going to do at bedtime, at nap time, all the night wakings, it just helps you. Like, okay, I'm not going to question myself. I know what needs to happen. I'm going to follow the plan. And that you guys, that's what I try to provide you in the classes. You're going to find like very clear plans to follow so that, that when you hit these regressions, you know exactly what to do. Number four, be consistent. Consistency is the key to your success. You are going to give your baby the same message over and over and over again. And what is that message? That message is bedtime, nap time, nighttime. It's for sleeping. It is not optional. Sleep. Sleep is not optional. Here's your message. I love you. I'm here for you. It's time to go to sleep over and over and over again.
