How to Survive Your Baby’s Six Month Sleep Regression: Tips and Advice

Congratulations on making it to the six month sleep regression with your baby! You’ve been doing well up until this point. But then, all of a sudden, your baby starts waking up in the middle of the night and you’re not sure what to do. Welcome to the world of sleep regressions. Just when you thought you were getting things figured out, your baby goes and changes the game on you again! In this blog post, we will explore how to survive this tough time. 

From identifying regression symptoms to developing a strategy for dealing with them, read on for everything you need to know about surviving a six-month sleep regression.

Signs of the six month sleep regression

If you’re a parent of a six-month-old, you may have noticed some changes in your baby’s sleep pattern. This is due to the six month sleep regression, which babies experience around this age. Here are some signs that your baby may be experiencing this phase:

• You want your baby to sleep better at night

• Some babies develop the ability to nap for shorter periods during the day.

• Your baby has been fussier than usual and is more irritable

• Sometimes it’s difficult for your baby to fall asleep at bedtime.

If you notice any changes in your baby’s sleep during this time, don’t worry! This is normal for six-month olds. The good news is that there are things you can do to help your baby (and yourself) get through it. Awesome read on for our top tips and advice on how to survive your six-month old’s sleep regression.

Causes of the six month sleep regression

When your child is in that six month sleep regression, it can be tough to figure out what caused it. But most experts seem to agree on three primary causes: teething, Separation Anxiety, and developmental milestones. If you notice your child is having trouble sleeping or waking up more often than usual, it could be due to teething. 

This can cause pain and discomfort for the baby which can lead to disruption in their sleep patterns. Separation Anxiety is a common cause of sleep disruptions in infants. As your baby becomes more aware of their surroundings and the people around them, they may become anxious if you’re not there. 

This can lead to difficulty falling asleep or night wakings. Sleep patterns can be disrupted as your baby master’s different skills. If they roll to their stomach before they can roll to their back, for example, it will take them a little longer to get comfortable and fall asleep. 

If you notice your baby is suddenly waking up more often or having a hard time falling asleep, developmental milestones may be the culprit.

Strategies to help your baby adjust to the six month sleep regression

If your six-month old is experiencing baby sleep regression, it may help to try these strategies. First, have a consistent bedtime routine. This will create new habits for your child and make it easier for them to fall asleep. 

Second, create a calm environment in their room by keeping noise and light levels low. You may also want to use a white noise machine. Finally, make sure they get enough naps during the day so they’re not too tired at night.

If they still have trouble sleeping through the night, consult with a pediatrician for more advice.

Tips for getting your baby to sleep through the night

Consider sleep training. If your baby is still having trouble sleeping through the night despite your efforts, it may be time to consider sleep training. There are a few different approaches to sleep training, so you can choose the one that feels most comfortable for you and your family. 

Some common methods include the cry-it-out method, the gradual retreat method, and the pick-up/put-down method. Before starting any sleep training method, it’s a good idea to talk to your pediatrician and make sure it’s appropriate for your baby’s age and development.

Take care of yourself. The six month sleep regression can be tough on parents, so make sure to take care of yourself too. Get as much rest as you can, and don’t be afraid to ask for help from friends and family when you need it. 

The more rested and supported you are, the better you’ll be able to cope with the challenges of the six month sleep regression.

Ways to create a calming sleep environment for your baby

Here are a few ways to create a healthy sleeping environment for your baby: 

1. Keep the room dark and quiet. You could consider using a white noise machine or app to help drown out any outside sounds. 

2. Make sure the temperature in the room is between 68-72 degrees (F). 

3. Consider using a diffusing essential oil like lavender or chamomile. 

4. Finally, keep anything that may present a choking hazard out of sight, including toys, stuffed animals, or blankets.

When to talk to your doctor about the six month sleep regression

You might notice that your six-month-old baby is taking shorter, less frequent naps, waking more often at night, or taking a long time to fall asleep. This is normal. It’s just a phase that babies start going through around six months of age and are more likely to wake more often and have difficulty sleeping.

If you or your baby are waking up a lot in the night and they seem to be in pain, talk to your doctor. They can help estimate if the six month sleep regression triggered your baby’s disturbed sleep, and offer advice on how to soothe your baby all night long.

Resources for further help with the six month sleep regression

If you’re struggling to get through your baby’s six month sleep regression, there are plenty of resources out there to help you. Here are a few of our favorites:

1. Cubo Ai

This website offers a wealth of articles and resources on everything from establishing good sleep habits to dealing with common sleep issues.

2. The Sleep Lady

Kim West is a certified sleep consultant who has helped countless families get a good night’s sleep. 

3. Taking Cara Babies

Cara Dumaplin is a certified infant and toddler sleep consultant who offers individualized help for families. 

4. Sleepy Planet

This website offers an online course called “Surviving the 6-Month Sleep Regression” that is specifically designed to help parents get through this tough time.

How to get more sleep as a parent during the six month sleep regression

During the six month sleep regression, it can be challenging for parents to get a good night’s sleep. Here are some ways to try to improve your sleep:

1. Create a sleep-friendly environment in your bedroom by making it dark and quiet.
2. Follow a consistent bedtime routine to signal to your body that it’s time to wind down for the night.
3. Take breaks during the day to rest and recharge.
4. Avoid using screens before bedtime, as the blue light can disrupt your sleep cycle.
5. Don’t worry too much about your baby’s sleep patterns – it’s normal for them to wake up multiple times at night and they will eventually sleep through the night again on their schedule. Just try to get as much rest as you can and remember that this phase won’t last forever.