The 12-month sleep regression is one enigma that baffles parents frequently.
As your baby gets older, new learning opportunities, particularly those about sleeping habits, may present themselves.
There is a significant probability that you are already familiar with sleep regression if your child is 12 months old.
It’s a rather normal occurrence for babies who were previously sound sleepers to start waking up often and without warning.
The 12-month sleep regression may be taking place if you notice that your usually well-rested baby is suddenly having problems sleeping.
Definition Of Sleep Regression
A baby who was previously sleeping well enters the 12-month sleep regression period when they start waking up often at night and having trouble falling back asleep.
Any age, including 4 months, 6 months, 8 months, 18 months, and 2 years, might have sleep regressions.
These sleepless nights coincide with developmental stages.
These sleep regressions are brief; your 12-month sleep regression will only last a few weeks.
As the baby’s mood and the parents’ own might be affected by the baby’s sleep disruption, regression can be a difficult time for parents.
Causes of Sleep Regression
The doctor claims that the disturbance typically occurs around a developmental turning point.
Doctors say that babies frequently have sleep regressions just before a time of rapid brain growth.
Babies who had previously experienced regular sleep habits may suddenly encounter disturbances in their sleep at this time, leaving parents perplexed and worn out.
We believe that the 12-month sleep regression is related to linguistic and social development as well as learning to cruise.
Parents may navigate through this brief time with patience and care if they are aware of the probable factors that may be causing this regression, which can offer insightful information.
A newborn may experience discomfort, anxiety, or restlessness due to several circumstances, which may result in sleep regression, such as:
1. Separation Phobia
- Babies begin to grasp the idea of object permanence at the 12-month mark, recognizing that objects persist even when they are hidden from view.
- Due to separation anxiety, kids may have 12-month sleep regression and become unhappy when removed from their parents, especially before night.
2. Change To One Nap
- Many infants switch from two daily naps to one around their first birthday.
- This considerable alteration to their sleep cycle may momentarily interfere with evening sleep.
3. Greater Mobility
- Most infants are mobile by the time they are 12 months old. They may be crawling, walking, or even beginning to climb.
- Babies find this new movement thrilling, and they may stir up during the night to practice it, disrupting sleep.
4. Progressive Landmarks
- Babies accomplish major cognitive and motor milestones at approximately the age of 12 months.
- As their minds become preoccupied with absorbing new knowledge, these advancements may interfere with their ability to sleep.
5. Illness
- Babies who are unwell with a cold or an infection in their ears may have complications falling asleep.
- If your baby’s slumber unexpectedly changes, you ought to watch for symptoms of sickness.
6. Routine Modifications
- A 12-month sleep relapse could happen if the baby’s daily schedule undergoes any modifications, such as entering the nursery or vacationing.
7. Teething
- A baby’s sleep may also be disturbed by the teething process.
- Around their first birthday, many infants get their first molars, which can be quite uncomfortable and cause nocturnal awakenings.
Signs of Sleep Regression
Additionally, your kid may exhibit signs of increased hunger, but this is most likely the result of the growth spurt that occurs at this age.
Hunger on its own is not a symptom of sleep regression, even if growth spurts are unquestionably a part of the developmental milestones that occur around 12 months.
Your child’s current growth is what is directly resulting in the shift in sleeping patterns.
Here are five common signs:
- Increased awakenings during the night
- Having trouble getting to sleep at night
- Taking fewer naps or skipping them
- Daytime fussiness or clinginess that is more intense
- Alterations in appetite or eating patterns.
Preparing for the 12-Month Sleep Regression
1. Follow Your Timetable And Your Sleep Rituals
- Consistency is a virtue for kids. Regressions can endure longer and transitions might be tougher when there are deviations from “the norm”.
2. Provide Comfort for Teething
- Try giving them a cool washcloth or teething ring if you suspect they might be teething.
3. Talk about the fear of separation
- Reassurance-inspiring bedtime practices might aid a baby who is suffering separation anxiety due to the 12-month sleep regression.
- Playing peek-a-boo games with your kid during the day will help them learn that you always come back after you leave.
4. Be calm and patient
- Your infant could want additional comfort and assurance from you at this time.
- Though it could be difficult, keep in mind that this stage is just passing.
5. Give your infant a few minutes to fuss if she starts crying in the middle of the night.
- If she doesn’t, verify that she’s okay by going into the room.
- Also, giving her a touch on the head or belly, whispering a comforting phrase, and then softly leaving.
- Avoid rocking, caressing, or feeding your infant because doing so can cause her to wake up more frequently to get your attention.
- If she keeps sobbing, you might try to console her a little while from the door before leaving her again.
- Repeat as required at longer and longer intervals.
6. Ensure that your youngster remains active throughout the day
- Toddlers require time to burn off their excess energy and practice their newly acquired abilities.
Sleep Needs For 12-Month Olds
By the American Academy of Paediatrics, generally, 12-month-olds sleep 11 to 14 hours on average every 24 hours.
However, time for bed and sleep demands differ from household to household and kid to child.
Your youngster might fall asleep at an alternate time than other children.
Others wake up around 5 a.m. and take several lengthy naps, while certain kids rest throughout the whole night but won’t take a break during the day.
Just keep in mind that the quantity of slumber kids receives overall, not when, is more important.
How Can You Prevent It?
Unfortunately, there is no way to stop sleep regression, which is bad news for many groggy new parents who have battled with a restless child.
It is a typical aspect of infancy and toddlerhood.
In the meanwhile, adhering to a nightly ritual and sleep regimen can aid in lowering the chance of sleep issues.
Stay strong and remember that this will pass as well.
Summary!
The 12-month sleep regression is no exception to the rule that sleep regressions can be challenging.
You and your toddler will be worn out, irritable, fatigued, and tired for a few weeks. However, this time frame is crucial.
The developmental stages that may cause sleep regressions are completely normal and crucial for your child’s social, emotional, and physical growth.
Additionally, this time frame is transient and will end. Be patient with yourself and your child in the interim.
Ask for assistance and try to be consistent. You do not need to struggle alone.
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Disclaimer: This is not medical advice. It is always advised to take the help of a medical professional if you have any health concerns. This is just for informational purposes only.