As your little one approaches their first birthday, you may notice them resembling a miniature adult rather than a tiny infant. While this transition can evoke bittersweet feelings, it often brings excitement about milestones such as walking and talking — and hopefully improved sleep for everyone involved. However, even as your baby reaches the ages of 10, 11 months, or their first year, sleep regressions can still occur. By now, you may have experienced a few of these episodes, so you’re familiar with the routine and know they won’t last forever. Here’s what to understand about sleep regression around 10 to 12 months and some tips on managing it.
What is Sleep Regression?
In general, sleep regression refers to periods (typically lasting between two to six weeks) when a previously well-sleeping baby or toddler suddenly starts waking frequently at night or resisting naps. This can be incredibly frustrating for tired parents who thought they were finally getting back on a normal sleep schedule.
Since the 1940s, developmental psychologists have studied sleep regression in babies. While we know it happens, the specifics of why and when remain unclear, as reported by the New York Times. Despite the absence of a firm timeline, many books and websites outline specific “stages” of sleep regression, which can be reassuring for parents but may also lead to additional concerns about whether their child is developing as expected. Remember, every baby is unique, and variations in sleep regression timelines are typically not a cause for alarm. Always consult your pediatrician if you have concerns.
What Occurs During a 10 to 12-Month Sleep Regression?
Each baby has their own developmental timeline, which means that some may experience sleep regression at 10 months, while others might at 11 or even 12 months. The precise causes of these regressions remain unknown, but they may correlate with significant cognitive and physical advancements in your baby. At this age, babies become more aware of their environment and may not want to miss any action. Instead of sleeping, they might prefer to eat, play, or cuddle, which seems far more engaging.
Signs that your baby may be going through a 10 to 12-month sleep regression include:
- Frequent night awakenings and prolonged time to settle back to sleep.
- Increased fussiness or irritability.
- Shorter naps or outright refusal to nap.
- Resistance to sleep.
Tips for Managing Your Baby’s Sleep Regression
Start by checking if your baby has a fever, as this can affect their sleep patterns. If they do have a fever, consult your pediatrician. If they’re not teething and their sleep schedule is off, they may be experiencing sleep regression. Here are some strategies to help handle this phase:
- Maintain a consistent bedtime routine and sleep schedule, including for naps. It may be tempting to keep them awake all day in hopes of a full night’s sleep, but this often backfires.
- Consider trying the Ferber method, also known as “cry it out,” to encourage your baby to self-soothe. If this isn’t right for your family, explore other sleep training methods.
- Remove distractions from their crib, including gadgets or toys that may keep them awake.
- Ensure your baby is active during the day to help tire them out for the night.
- Check for teething discomfort and provide appropriate relief.
- Stay calm and be flexible during this challenging time.
While it’s uncertain if this will be your baby’s last sleep regression, you have likely navigated similar challenges before. Remember, this phase is temporary and doesn’t negate the sleep training efforts you’ve made. Your baby will eventually return to a more regular sleep pattern, allowing you to do the same.
How to Sleep Train a 10-Month-Old
While most babies are sleep trained between four to six months, starting later is still possible. However, the longer you wait, the more challenging it might be to establish a consistent sleep schedule. But don’t worry, you can do it! Here are some suggestions:
- Offering a lovey, like a blanket or stuffed animal, can help ease separation anxiety and assist your baby in self-soothing.
- Incorporate a morning nap into their daily routine, as babies typically need around two good naps a day.
Sample Sleep Schedule for a 10-Month-Old
A structured schedule can be beneficial. Here’s a sample:
- 8:00 a.m. — Wake up
- 10:00 a.m. — Breakfast
- 11:00 a.m. — Nap
- 12:00 p.m. — Snack
- 1:00 p.m. — Lunch
- 2:00 p.m. — Nap
- 3:00 p.m. — Snack
- 5:00 p.m. — Dinner
- 6:15 p.m. — Begin bedtime routine
- 7:00 p.m. — Bedtime
For more information on related topics, check out our other blog post on home insemination.
If you’re looking for expert resources, CDC’s page on ART is an excellent reference for pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary
Navigating sleep regression with your baby can be a challenging experience, but understanding it can make the journey easier. By maintaining routines, being flexible, and allowing for developmental changes, you can support your baby through this phase.
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