Sleep Training Extinction Burst: Why Did Sleep Training Suddenly Stop Working?

Sleep Training Extinction Burst: Why Did Sleep Training Suddenly Stop Working?

by Iva Faulknerova | Sep 22, 2023 | mouthbreathing, early rising, twins, bursts

TABLE OF CONTENT:

WHY ISN'T SLEEP TRAINING WORKING ANYMORE?

what is sleep training extinction burst and why it happens?

Does sleep training exticnction burst always accur and when?

7 tips on how to deal with sleep training extinction burst

How Sleep training Extinction Burst Affect Sleep Training for Your child?

As a holistic sleep consultant from London, I’ve worked with hundreds of parents facing sleep challenges, and one term that often causes concern is the dreaded “sleep training extinction burst.” In this blog, we’ll demystify this term, explain what it means, and provide guidance on navigating it successfully.

Why isn’t Sleep Training Working Anymore?

Sleep training often begins well, with noticeable and quick improvements in your child’s sleep. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, things take a turn for the worse. This sudden regression is precisely what we call a “sleep training extinction burst.” It occurs when your child, who had been adjusting to the new routine and sleeping well, suddenly reverts and intensifies their old sleep-related behavior.

What is a Sleep Training Extinction Burst?

Picture this: Sleep training is on the right track, progress is being made, and then boom, it feels like you’re back at square one. What you’re experiencing is known as an “sleep training extinction burst” a brief spike in unwanted behavior before improvement. It’s a challenge encountered not only in sleep training but also in different aspects of a child’s behavior. Think of it as their last-ditch effort to return to the old habits when you’re making changes to their sleep routine.

Example: The Snack Monster Meltdown – Imagine your child is used to having a bedtime snack every night, and you’ve decided to eliminate it. At first, they may react with resistance, but as you remain steadfast, they gradually adapt to the new routine. Then, suddenly, they remember their beloved bedtime snack, leading to an intense emotional outburst. This is a classic extinction burst – a last-ditch effort to regain the comfort they miss.

Why Does Sleep Training Extinction Burst Occur?

Whether you choose the Ferber Method, Controlled Crying, CIO (Cry It Out), or opt for a gentle no-cry sleep training method, extinction bursts can still occur. For instance, you may have removed the pacifier or nighttime feed, and initially, there was progress in your baby’s sleep routine. However, at some point, you might notice your baby resisting again, demanding what they used to have. This phenomenon is the “sleep training extinction burst” , and it can manifest with all these methods.

Does Sleep Training Extinction Burst Always Occur?

Sleep training extinction burst is common during sleep training, regardless of the method chosen, but can be short-lived if you remain consistent with your plan. Giving in to your child’s demands during a sleep training extinction burst sends the message that they can regain their old habits through protest. Stay firm and remember that consistency is key to success.

When May These Bursts Occur?

Extinction bursts typically occur between nights 3-5 of sleep training but may extend to nights 7-10. Every child is unique, and not all will experience a burst. Stay confident in your chosen method, whether it’s the Ferber Method, Controlled Crying, or CIO, and persevere, knowing that better sleep for your child and your family is the ultimate goal. These can happen so be prepared for them, see in this poll what others experienced.

How Long do they last?

The duration of a sleep training extinction burst can vary from a few days to a couple of weeks. It depends on factors such as the child’s temperament, the effectiveness of the sleep training method, and the consistency of the approach. While some children may experience a brief and intense burst that resolves quickly, others might have a more prolonged adjustment period. Staying patient, and consistent, and providing reassurance during this time is crucial for a successful outcome.

7 Tips on How to Deal with Sleep Training Extinction Bursts

1. Stay Consistent: Stick to the established sleep plan and routine despite the temporary setback.

2. Stay Patient: Understand that the burst is a normal part of the adjustment process. Be patient and stay committed.

3. Reassure Your Child: Offer comfort and reassurance to help your child through the challenging period.

4. Evaluate Changes: Reflect on recent changes in routine or environment that might have triggered the burst.

5. Adjust Gradually: If needed, make adjustments to the sleep training plan gradually to ease the transition.

6. Seek Support: Connect with other parents or professionals such as a sleep coach for advice and emotional support.

7. Celebrate Progress: Acknowledge and celebrate small victories, reinforcing positive sleep habits.

Remember, each child is unique, and finding the right approach may take time. Be consistent, and patient, and provide the comfort your child needs during this phase.

Seeking Help from a Sleep Consultant:

In challenging moments like these, hiring a sleep consultant can provide invaluable support and guidance. They can help you navigate these tricky situations, tailor the approach to your preferences, and maintain your sleep plan.

Conclusion: Understanding extinction bursts is crucial for parents embarking on the journey of sleep training, whether they opt for methods like the Ferber Method, Controlled Crying, or CIO. Regardless of your choice, remember that it’s a temporary setback that often precedes lasting progress. Stay consistent, stay strong, and keep your eye on the goal of healthier sleep for your child and your entire family.

Dress Baby for Sleep Safely and Comfortably

Dress Baby for Sleep Safely and Comfortably

by Iva Faulknerova | Jul 21, 2023 | dress baby, baby room, safety sleep, how much sleep

TABLE OF CONTENT:

Dress Baby to Sleep: Tips for Different Temperatures

CHART OF SLEEP CLOTHES PER TEMPERATURES TO HELP YOU CHOOSE THE RIGHT OUTFIT FOR YOUR BABY:

Other Factors to Consider When You Dress Baby for Sleep

Tips on How to Dress Baby to Sleep Comfortably During Warm Weather

Dress Baby to Sleep: Tips for Different Temperatures

When it comes to how to dress baby to sleep, ensuring their comfort and safety is paramount. This is especially true when faced with fluctuating temperatures. Here are essential tips on how to dress baby for sleep in various temperature conditions:

Choosing the Right Fabrics: To dress baby for sleep, prioritise breathable fabrics like cotton. This helps regulate body temperature and reduces the risk of overheating. Ensure there are no scratchy tags, embroidery, or buttons that could cause discomfort to your baby.

Room Temperature: Finding the Balance: Maintaining an appropriate room temperature is crucial for your baby’s sleep comfort. Aim for 16-20°C (61-68°F) to prevent overheating or chilling. Follow the advice of Lullaby trust!

The Right Fit Matters: Ensure your baby’s sleepwear fits snugly yet comfortably. Avoid clothing that’s too tight, as it can restrict movement and disrupt sleep.

CHART OF SLEEP CLOTHES PER TEMPERATURES TO HELP YOU CHOOSE THE RIGHT OUTFIT FOR YOUR BABY

how to dress baby to sleep - chart

Other Factors to Consider When You Dress Baby for Sleep

In addition to temperature, several other factors influence how you should dress baby for sleep:

Your Baby’s Age: Younger babies may be more sensitive to temperature changes and may require more layers. As they grow older, they become better at regulating their body temperature.

Your Baby’s Activity Level: Babies who are very active sleepers may generate more heat and may need fewer layers to avoid overheating.

Your Baby’s Skin Type: If your baby has sensitive skin, opt for gentle fabrics to minimize irritation.

Sleep Sack Togs: Sleep sacks come in various tog ratings, indicating their warmth level. Check with the sleep sack manufacturer for their recommended tog rating.

Nursery Setup: Ensure the nursery is conducive to sleep for babies of all ages. A sleep-friendly environment can aid in comfortable rest. More on nursery setup in our blog: How to Create a Sleep-Friendly Bedroom.

Nursery Room Temperature: Maintain a cool temperature in the nursery, especially during the summer months. Follow recommendations for keeping babies comfortable in warm weather.

Tips for Dressing Your Baby for Sleep

Choose loose-fitting clothing made from breathable fabrics like cotton or linen to keep your baby cool and comfortable.

Dress your baby in one more layer than you would wear at night to provide adequate warmth without overheating.

Avoid hats and beanies that may restrict your baby’s breathing during sleep.

Consider using a sleep sack, a wearable blanket that provides warmth without the risk of entanglement.

Regularly check your baby’s temperature to ensure they are not too hot or too cold.

Maintain a comfortable room temperature in the nursery, adhering to recommendations (16-20°C) for optimal sleep conditions.

Tips on How to Dress Baby to Sleep Comfortably During Warm Weather

During warmer weather, it’s essential to consider how to dress baby to sleep comfortably, especially to ensure they don’t overheat.

Opt for lightweight, breathable fabrics such as cotton or bamboo, which can help regulate your baby’s body temperature effectively. These materials allow for airflow and prevent your baby from feeling too hot during the night.

A short-sleeved onesie or a lightweight sleep sack are excellent choices for bedtime attire in hot weather, as they provide coverage without causing overheating.

Avoid using heavy blankets or multiple layers, as they can trap heat and lead to discomfort.

Additionally, ensure the sleeping environment is cool and well-ventilated, using fans or air conditioning if necessary. By dressing your baby appropriately for sleep in warm weather, you can help ensure they have a comfortable and restful night’s sleep.

For more tips and insights on how to help your baby sleep in hot weather, check out our blog: How to Help Baby Sleep in Hot Weather.

Dressing your baby well for sleep will help them sleep better. By following these tips, ensure you dress baby for sleep comfortably and safely.

4 Month Sleep Regression: Causes, Symptoms, and Tips for Helping Your Baby Sleep Better

4 Month Sleep Regression: Causes, Symptoms, and Tips for Helping Your Baby Sleep Better

by Iva Faulknerova | Apr 12, 2023 | Sleep Regression

TABLE OF CONTENT:

What is 4 month sleep regression?

What other ages will my child go through a sleep regression?

How long does the 4 month sleep regression last?

tips on how to survive 4 months sleep regression:

download baby sleep guide

4 Month Sleep Regression:

As a Baby Sleep Coach, I understand that parents may feel like they are getting the hang of having a baby and navigating their sleep patterns, but you shouldn’t get too comfortable. Your child will go through many regressions in their sleep over the first few years of their life. Being prepared and not being blindsided when your good sleeper is suddenly a sleep avoider is the best way to tackle this sleep turmoil.

What is 4 month sleep regression?

Your baby may have gone through their first sleep regression at around 8 weeks old, but now, only two months later, they may be going through it all over again. The 4 month sleep regression can be the most challenging one for parents because it is a significant milestone in your baby’s sleep development.

Sleep regressions are a significant topic when it comes to your baby’s sleep routine, especially during the first couple of years of their life. The 4 month sleep regression is a developmental stage that many babies go through, leading to disrupted sleep. At around 4 months of age, babies go through significant changes in their sleep cycles and begin to develop more adult-like sleep patterns. This can result in a disruption to their previously established sleep patterns, including more frequent night wakings, shorter naps, and difficulty settling to sleep.

During this stage, babies may also experience other developmental changes, such as increased motor skills, teething, or starting to roll over, which can also affect their sleep.

The 4 month sleep regression can be challenging for both babies and parents, but it usually resolves on its own within a few weeks to a few months.

Parents can help their babies through this stage by establishing consistent sleep routines, providing a comfortable sleep environment, and responding promptly to their baby’s needs.

What ages will my child go through a sleep regression?

Babies may go through several sleep regressions throughout their first year of life, but there are five significant sleep regressions parents should be aware of, including:

8 weeks – see 8 weeks sleep regression blog

4 months

8-10 months

12-15 months

2 years

How long does the 4 month sleep regression last?

The 4-month sleep regression is a common developmental milestone that typically occurs around 3-4 months of age and can last for a few weeks to a few months.

The duration of the 4-month sleep regression can vary from baby to baby, but on average, it can last between 2-6 weeks. During this time, your baby’s sleep patterns may be disrupted, and they may have more trouble falling asleep or staying asleep.

This can be frustrating for both you and your baby, but it’s important to remember that this is a normal part of their development. If you’re concerned about your baby’s sleep patterns or have any questions, a sleep consultant can help you develop effective self-settling methods and create a comfortable sleep environment.

Tired of Sleepless Nights? Get Instant Access to Our Baby Sleep Guide!

Download Your Guide Now!

How does a 4 month sleep regression affect your child’s sleep?

By your baby’s second sleep regression, known as the 4 month sleep regression, they are developing a sleep pattern more akin to what they’ll have for life. This involves fluctuating between light and deep sleep stages. It’s also the phase where your baby starts needing you less, allowing you to encourage self-soothing.

Top Tips on How to Survive 4 Months Sleep Regression:

Stick to a consistent bedtime routine:

Establishing a consistent bedtime routine can help your baby learn when it’s time to sleep, making it easier to fall asleep during a sleep regression. Try to keep the routine simple (around 30 minutes long) and consistent every night, so your baby knows what to expect. This may include things like a bath, reading a book, singing a lullaby, and snuggling.

Try to establish a nap schedule:

Naps can be especially important during a 4 month sleep regression, so try to establish a nap schedule that works for your baby. This may involve paying attention to your baby’s sleepy cues and creating a nap-time routine to signal that it’s time to rest.

Stick to a consistent wake-up time: Even if your baby has had a rough night of sleep, try to wake them up at the same time every morning. This will help regulate their body clock and make it easier for them to fall asleep at night. Make sure they have the right amount of sleep in 24 hours, use this sleep chart.

Chart of high and low sleep needs for a child.

Take care of yourself :

Remember to take care of yourself during a sleep regression. Get enough rest, eat healthy foods, and take breaks when you need them. Remember that taking care of yourself will help you better take care of your baby.

Stay calm and positive:

Your baby may sense your frustration or stress, which can make it harder for them to sleep. Try to stay calm and positive, even if you’re feeling exhausted. Remember that 4 month sleep regression is temporary, and things will eventually get better.

Keep the bedroom conducive to sleep:

Make sure your baby’s bedroom is dark, quiet, and at a comfortable temperature of 16 -20°C as recommended by Lullaby trust. Use blackout curtains to keep out light and white noise to mask any background noise that could disturb your baby’s sleep. More on bedroom set up here.

Be mindful of growth spurts:

Sleep regressions often coincide with growth spurts, which can make your baby extra hungry and fussy. Be prepared to offer extra feedings and comfort during these times.

Encourage self-settling and consider gentle sleep training options:

As your baby becomes more aware of established sleep cues and routines, consistency is key. Whether you feed or rock your baby to sleep, maintaining these routines is essential. However, during the 4 month sleep regression, it’s crucial to start transitioning away from these associations. This is where bedtime routines play a vital role in promoting self-settling. Find support and guidance through our digital and audiobook sleep guides, especially during this period of transition.

Refference:

https://www.sleepadvisor.org/sleep-regression/

https://www.lullabytrust.org.uk/safer-sleep-advice/baby-room-temperature/

Separation Anxiety in Children: Causes, Signs, and How to Help Them Through It

Separation Anxiety in Children: Causes, Signs, and How to Help Them Through It

by Iva Faulknerova | Mar 30, 2023 | vitamin D, sleepy food, Blue ligth, Separation anxiety

TABLE OF CONTENT:

What is Separation Anxiety in Children and when does it occur?

Why Does Separation Anxiety in Children Happen?

What Can You Do to Help Your Baby with Separation Anxiety?

Separation Anxiety in Children

Separation anxiety in children is a natural and common developmental stage that babies go through. While it can be challenging for both children and parents, understanding the causes and recognising the signs of separation anxiety can help you support your child through this stage. In this blog, we’ll discuss what separation anxiety in children is, why it happens, when it typically occurs, what you can do to help your anxious child, and how you can survive this phase as a parent.

What is Separation Anxiety in Children and when does it occur?

Separation anxiety in children is a normal and common developmental stage that babies go through, typically starting around 6 months of age. During this stage, babies can become distressed when separated from their primary caregivers, usually their parents. This can lead to crying, clinginess, and general fussiness when left with other caregivers, such as grandparents or babysitters. Separation anxiety in children is a sign that your baby is developing a healthy attachment to you and is starting to understand that you are a separate person from them.

Read more on separation anxiety in children on the NHS website here.

Why Does Separation Anxiety in Children Happen?

Separation anxiety in children happens because of emotional and cognitive development in babies. As babies grow and develop, they start to understand that they are separate from their caregivers and that their caregivers can leave them. This can lead to anxiety and distress when separated from their caregivers, as babies are unsure when their caregivers will return.

Separation anxiety is a normal part of a baby’s emotional and cognitive development and is a sign that your baby is developing a healthy attachment to you.

What Can You Do to Help Your Baby with Separation Anxiety?

Understanding what causes separation anxiety in children can help you support your baby through this stage. By starting small, creating a goodbye routine, staying calm and positive, and encouraging bonding with other caregivers, you can help your baby develop a sense of security and independence that will benefit them throughout their life.

Start Small:

Practice leaving your baby with other caregivers for short periods, gradually increasing the amount of time you spend apart. This will help your baby get used to being away from you and will build their confidence and independence.

Create a Goodbye Routine:

Develop a predictable and consistent goodbye routine that helps your baby understand that you will always come back. This can include saying goodbye with a hug and a kiss or leaving a special item, such as a blanket or a toy, with your baby. Learn more about routines in our detailed age-specific sleep guides here.

Stay Calm and Positive:

Your baby can sense when you’re anxious or upset, which can make separation anxiety worse. Stay calm and positive when leaving your baby with other caregivers, and reassure your baby that you will return.

Encourage Bonding with Other Caregivers:

Encouraging your baby to bond with other caregivers, such as grandparents or babysitters, can help them feel more secure when you’re not around. This can include spending time with other caregivers while you’re present, so your baby can get used to being with them.

Use Distractions:

Before leaving your baby, provide them with a fun activity or toy that will keep them occupied and distracted while you’re away. This can help your baby associate your absence with positive experiences and can make the separation easier for both of you.

Stick to a Routine:

Establishing a consistent routine can help your baby.

Draw or Lipstick Kiss on Their Hand:

Before your baby goes to sleep, draw or put a lipstick kiss on their hand and tell them to kiss it when they feel lonely. This will help your child feel connected to you even when you’re not around.

Give Them a Soft Toy to look after:

Giving your baby a soft toy to look after can be a great distraction when you’re not around. Your baby will feel less lonely and more responsible for looking after their toy.

Give Them an Item of Your Clothing:

Giving your baby an item of your clothing to sleep with can provide comfort and familiarity, as it will smell like you. This can help your baby feel more secure and less anxious when you’re not around. Make sure to follow safe sleep advice and don’t leave any loose items in the cot for babies under one.

Create a Social Story Book:

Make a book with pictures of your baby, their caregivers, and family members to create a story about your baby’s day. Include their activities, the people they interact with, and their bedtime routine. You can also add comforting phrases or messages that can help them feel loved and cared for even when you’re not around.

Establish a Bedtime Routine:

A consistent bedtime routine can help your baby feel more relaxed and comfortable at bedtime. Incorporate activities such as reading the social storybook together, singing lullabies, or playing calming music. Additionally, you can create a relaxing environment by dimming the lights and using a white noise machine. This routine can also help your baby feel more connected and secure, making it easier for them to fall asleep.

Play Peekaboo Games:

Peekaboo games can help your baby understand that even when you’re not visible, you’re still there. You can play peekaboo by covering your face with your hands or a blanket and then revealing yourself, saying “Peekaboo!” This can help your baby learn that people can disappear and reappear, but they always come back.

Love Bombing:

Spend quality time with your baby and give them lots of attention and affection when you’re together. This can help them feel loved and secure, even when you’re not physically present. Some ways to love bomb your baby include playing with them, reading to them, cuddling, and singing to them.

Use Comfort Objects Safely:

While comfort objects can provide your baby with a sense of security, it’s important to use them safely. If your baby is under one year old and still sleeping in a cot, avoid leaving any loose objects such as blankets or soft toys in the cot with them. Instead, you can place the comfort object near the cot or use a sleep sack that doesn’t have any loose fabric. This can reduce the risk of suffocation and other sleep-related accidents. Check here for safe sleep advice to prevent SIDs.

I hope these tips help you support your child through separation anxiety and provide them with comfort and security. Remember, every child is unique, and it may take some trial and error to find what works best. Be patient, consistent, and show them lots of love and attention, they’ll soon learn that they are safe and cared for.

For tailored support in building calm, predictable routines and easing separation anxiety, explore our tailored one-on-one services.

Want strategies for younger children too? Check out our guide on how to prevent separation anxiety in babies.

Surviving 8 Week Sleep Regression with Your Baby

Surviving 8 Week Sleep Regression with Your Baby

by Iva Faulknerova | Mar 6, 2023 | Sleep Regression

TABLE OF CONTENT:

What is sleep regression, what ages will my child go though a sleep regression and how long will it last?

So why is 8 week sleep regression happening and is this normal?

What can I do to help my baby during 8 week sleep regression?

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

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.

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