8 Week  Sleep Regression

As a Baby Sleep Coach, one thing I find parents quickly learn about feeling you are getting the hang of having a newborn and navigating their sleep patterns is that you shouldn’t get too comfortable. Over the first few years of their life, your child will go through many regressions in their sleep.

The best way to tackle this sleep turmoil is to be prepared and not to be blindsided when your good sleeper is suddenly a sleep avoider.

But let me reassure you, it will not last forever and will eventually pass. It is important not to create new ‘bad habits’, so check out the advice below on what you can do to survive the 8 week sleep regression.

So What is Sleep Regression?

A sleep regression is a period of time, usually lasting a few weeks, during which a baby or young child who previously slept well suddenly begins to wake up frequently during the night and have difficulty falling or staying asleep. Sleep regressions can occur at several ages.

There is no scientific evidence to suggest that there is a specific 8 week sleep regression. However, many parents report that their babies go through a period of disrupted sleep patterns around the 8 week mark.

During this time, babies may have trouble settling down to sleep, may wake up more frequently during the night, and may be more fussy or irritable during the day. This can be a challenging time for both parents and babies, as disrupted sleep can lead to exhaustion and stress.

Some possible reasons why babies may experience disrupted sleep around 8 weeks of age include growth spurts, developmental changes, or a shift in their circadian rhythms. However, every baby is different, and the exact cause of disrupted sleep patterns may vary from one baby to the next.

At what age will my child go through a sleep regression?

8 weeks

4 months

8 – 10 Months

12 – 15 Months

2 years

How long does 8 week sleep regression last

The length of 8 week sleep regression can vary depending on the individual child and the cause of the regression. Some sleep regressions may only last a few days or a week, while others may last for several weeks. But let me reassure you, it will not last forever and will eventually pass. It is important not to create new ‘bad habits’, so check the advice below on what you can do to survive the 8 week sleep regressio

Why is the 8 week sleep regression happening?

It is roughly around the two month mark that your baby undergoes both physiological and hormonal changes because that is just a part of them growing up!

This first one is due to the fact that all of the melatonin they had stored up from their mothers while in the womb is now switching to their own system where they begin to produce their own! You would probably think it was pretty amazing if you weren’t so tired. You know the term ‘sleepy newborn’? Well that is all about to change as they become more aware of their environment and the people in it and will become more alert to their surroundings.

Now the world is becoming a much bigger place for them as their sight improves too, who wouldn’t want to take all of that in as much as they could?

Is this going to be the new normal?

All those changes happening to your baby right now are part of their development. The frustration of having a baby who won’t go back to sleep will ease. Your baby will start producing their own melatonin, learn to settle themselves and go back to sleep between periods of rest. Additionally, nap times will increase, giving you a much-needed break.

What can I Do to Help my Baby During 8 Week Sleep Regression?

As difficult as things may seem right now, I am here to tell you it isn’t all as depressing as it seems and to give you my top 10 survival tips.

1. Make changes to where they sleep.

Make sure you are making the night sleep vs day sleep very black and white. Keep your daytime interactions in brightly lit rooms. Make the awake time fun – lots to do, lots to see. Nap time and bedtime are for settling down relaxing and ultimately aiming for a much deeper sleep with no distractions. The darkness will help the melatonin I mentioned your baby is trying their best to produce. A blackout blind may help.

2. Avoid making changes to routine

Set your routine and stick with it. It isn’t going to instantly make things better because it’s an 8 week sleep regression, but making changes or adding gadgets will mean your baby has too many things going on and will be more difficult to settle. Be strong, be consistent, and your reward will come in the long run.

3. Create a calm sleeping environment

Make sure your baby’s sleep environment is ideal. Keep the room dark, quiet, and at a comfortable temperature. Use white noise or soothing sounds for relaxation. Here’s how to create a sleep friendly bedroom

4. Comfort your baby

When your baby wakes at night, provide comfort with soothing words and gentle touches. Consider using Dr. Harvey Karp’s 5 S’s soothing techniques to help them relax and return to sleep. Explore more in the 0-3 months sleep guide here

5. Practice safe sleep

Make sure your baby is sleeping in a safe environment, such as on their back in a crib with a firm mattress and fitted sheet.

6. Get support

Reach out to friends and family members for support during this challenging time. Consider hiring a childcare provider such as a nanny, maternity nurse or a sleep consultant or asking a family member to watch your baby for a few hours so you can rest.

7. Take care of yourself

Strive to prioritise your own rest by napping when your baby sleeps, maintaining a balanced diet, and engaging in regular exercise. Consider taking a stroll outdoors with the pram for some fresh air, as Vitamin D is essential for better sleep.Remember, self-care is vital for being the best parent you can be.

8. Be patient

Remember that the 8 week sleep regression is a phase that will eventually pass. Be patient and keep trying different techniques to help your baby sleep better.

9. The bigger the baby bigger the feed

Your baby has a growing belly, but it doesn’t mean they have recognised that. If they are still taking the small feeds that their few-day-old self was eating, then it makes sense that they will wake up sooner, hungry because they weren’t full in the first place.

This might mean a feed now will easily send them back to sleep, but if you are not practicing feed on demand, then encouraging a bigger feed rather than small snack feeds will help them settle for longer. Feeding every 2-3 hours with full feeds during the daytime is more likely to achieve longer stretches at night.

10. Well timed and placed naps

As previously noted, the sleepy newborn phase is gradually fading away, and your baby’s periods of wakefulness are becoming more frequent. During the 8-week sleep regression, extending your baby’s awake times gradually can help prevent them from being under-tired, which can lead to waking up too soon or difficulty resettling. However, be cautious not to push them too far, as over-tiredness may make it challenging to get them to sleep.