One moment you’re cradling your tiny newborn, and before you know it, your baby is already over six months old. By around seven months, your little one is likely giggling, babbling, and mastering the concept of object permanence. However, alongside these developmental milestones, you may also find that your seven-month-old isn’t sleeping as soundly as before. If this sounds familiar, your baby might be experiencing a sleep regression at this age. While you may face sleepless nights for a couple of weeks, rest assured that this is a common phase many infants go through. Here’s everything you need to know about the seven-month sleep regression and how to navigate it.
What is Sleep Regression?
In simple terms, sleep regression refers to periods (typically lasting two to six weeks) when a previously well-sleeping baby or toddler suddenly develops irregular sleep patterns. This might manifest as frequent night wakings, difficulty falling back asleep, shorter naps, or outright refusal to nap—leading to frustration for parents who thought they were finally getting a handle on sleep.
Since the 1940s, researchers in developmental psychology have explored the phenomenon of sleep regression in babies. However, even after 70 years, the exact reasons and timing of these regressions remain largely a mystery, as reported by the New York Times. While various books and websites outline specific “stages” of sleep regression, it’s essential for parents to remember that each child develops at their own pace. If your baby doesn’t adhere to these timelines, it’s usually nothing to be concerned about. Always consult your pediatrician if you have questions about your child’s sleep patterns.
How Many Times Should a 7-Month-Old Wake Up at Night?
If your baby is going through a sleep regression, it may feel like they’re waking up endlessly throughout the night. Ideally, your seven-month-old should be getting around 14 to 16 hours of sleep daily, which typically includes one to three daytime naps and about nine to 11 hours of nighttime sleep. While nighttime awakenings can be normal, excessive interruptions that prevent your baby from getting adequate rest could indicate an issue.
What Happens During a Baby’s 7-Month Sleep Regression?
By the time your baby reaches the seven-month mark, chances are you’ve already navigated at least one sleep regression. Although most discussions center around six- and eight-month regressions, a sleep regression can certainly occur at seven months. There are no strict timelines for sleep progressions and regressions, and each child is unique.
Signs that your baby may be experiencing a sleep regression include:
- Increased fussiness
- More frequent night wakings, taking longer to settle back to sleep
- Changes in appetite
- Shorter naps or “disaster naps” (naps lasting less than 45 minutes)
How to Handle a Baby’s 7-Month Sleep Regression
While it can be frustrating when your baby disrupts their usual sleep routine, remember that this phase is temporary, and there are strategies to ease the transition. When your baby exhibits signs of regression, it’s wise to check their temperature or look for other signs of illness that could affect their sleep. If they seem unwell or have a fever, consult your pediatrician for guidance.
Here are additional tips to help manage your baby’s seven-month sleep regression:
- Provide extra comfort and reassurance.
- Wake them at the same time each morning.
- Consider more frequent feedings, especially during growth spurts.
- Stick to their usual nap schedule, and put them down earlier if they seem fussy in the evenings.
Keep in mind that, as tiring as this phase may be, it won’t last forever, and both you and your baby will return to regular sleep patterns.
What Does a 7-Month-Old Sleep Schedule Look Like?
Creating a structured sleep routine can help combat sleep regression. Here’s an example of a daily schedule, though remember that every baby is different, so feel free to modify it to fit your little one’s needs:
- 7:15 a.m. – Wake up
- 8:15 a.m. – Breakfast
- 9:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. – Nap
- 11:15 a.m. – Snack
- 12:45 p.m. – Lunch
- 1:15 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. – Nap
- 3:15 p.m. – Light lunch
- 5:45 p.m. – Dinner
- 6:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. – Begin bedtime routine
- 8:15 p.m. – Bedtime
This article was initially published on November 23, 2020.
For more insights, check out our other articles on sleep regression and parenting strategies, and don’t miss this excellent resource about the IVF process, which can provide additional context for your journey.
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Summary:
The seven-month sleep regression is a common phase where babies may experience disrupted sleep patterns, resulting in increased fussiness and night awakenings. While it can be challenging for parents, it’s crucial to remember that this phase is temporary. Establishing a consistent sleep schedule and providing comfort can help ease your baby through this regression. Each child is unique, so it’s essential to adapt strategies to fit your little one’s specific needs.