Life was sweet. You and your baby survived the 4 month sleep regression. Your baby was sleeping like a boss. Then, like a recurring nightmare, it is back!
The Rolling Sleep Regression: 4 – 6 months:
From 4 to 6 months old, infants often prefer to sleep on their stomachs as they instinctively feel safer and more protected with their vital organs covered. Since they are always put to sleep on their back, they need to figure out how to get themselves belly-down in the crib. This transition doesn't occur overnight. Babies must first build the necessary strength and acquire the skills to roll over. During this period, as their desire to roll grows but their abilities lag, this can lead to considerable frustration in the crib during sleep time.
Why do they call it a Sleep Regression?
Sleep regression presents a tough period for both infants and their parents. It usually manifests when an infant, who used to sleep soundly through the night, begins to wake up and cry frequently. These periods of regression are generally short-lived, spanning about 2 to 4 weeks, though this can differ based on the individual child and specific developmental stages. Common triggers for these disruptions include physical growth spurts, reaching new developmental stages, alterations in daily routines, health issues, or adapting to new surroundings.
What you can do to help your Baby to transition out of the Rolling Sleep Regression:
Help your baby gain the strength needed and practice the skills helpful to rolling back to belly, and belly to back. The sooner they are able to do this on their own, the happier they will be when it’s time to sleep. Always put your baby down on their back to sleep, but remember, if they’re able to roll to their front then you can let them stay that way, as long as you’re following the American Academy of Pediatrics safe sleep environment guidelines.
6 Exercises that will help your Baby build the Strength & Skills to Roll Over from Back to Front & Back Again:
Babies learn to roll from their back to their front between 3 to 6 months. But they cannot do it until they have built sufficient core muscles and coordination skills. How can you help your baby acheive this milestone? Fledglings' Flight has your back or your baby's back with these 5 play-based exercises that will get your baby rolling. Step one is to create your free Fledglings' Flight account by CLICKING HERE. After you have entered your baby's details, click the name of the exercises below.
You will see information about each of the exercises such as the recommended age, frequency, amount of time to spend on each exercise, development skills to be built, supplies list, and step by step instructions. Begin with the first exercise, "Turn Heads". Once your baby has mastered this skill by working on the exercise everyday for at least 14 days, move onto the next one.
#1 Turn heads: Tummy Time Exericise - Strengthen core muscles
#2 Time on the Side Exercise - Strengthen neck muscles, as well as rolling over preparation
#5 Sunny Side Up Exercise - Roll from back to stomach
Best Long Term Practices to maintain your Baby's Sleep Hygiene:
Establish Consistent Bedtime Routine:
Create a soothing bedtime routine with activities like bath time, reading, and cuddling to signal sleep time.
2. More Crib Time:
Offer more crib time, even if your child seems like they aren’t tired and all they want to do is play. Being out of the crib means they won’t have a chance to sleep, so if you end a nap early, you won’t know if your child would have ever fallen back to sleep. Once the regression is over they’ll go back to sleeping normally, so keeping to the regular schedule is important.
3. Provide Connection:
Offer extra connection time during periods of anxiety or separation anxiety to help your baby feel secure. Play games like peekaboo to get them laughing with you and feeling your warm energy, helping them feel like all is well.
4. Minimize Changes:
Avoid introducing new habits during a regression that could become long-term expectations for your baby, especially if these expectations are not sustainable for you. It’s ok to offer a bit more reassurance than usual when needed, as long as you gradually pull back when the skill or milestone has been mastered, or else we risk the regression becoming permanent.
5. Optimize Sleep Environment:
Ensure the sleeping area is conducive to rest—quiet, dark, and cool. Re-evaluate if the room is actually dark enough. Sleep is easiest in a pitch black room where your child can’t see any light and become distracted. Light also decreases the release of melatonin which we want during sleep periods.
If your child's sleep regression persists beyond 6 weeks or if you have concerns, consult a sleep expert. Remember, while sleep regressions can be challenging, they are a normal part of your baby's development and will eventually pass if you’re following our tips above.
About the Author:
Alison Macklin | Mom & Founder CEO - Sleep of Mind: Certified Child Sleep Expert, a Certified Hand in Hand Parenting Instructor, and mother from Toronto, Canada
She came up with the idea for Sleep of Mind's reflective infant sleepwear. The one-of-a-kind patent pending design on their swaddles and sleep sacks lets you see your little one's chest rising and falling, giving you peace of mind with a glance at your night vision baby monitor. No wires, batteries, or electronics are needed, as the swaddle design uses the light being reflected from your baby monitor. They believe in good sleep being accessible to all without the need to buy expensive gadgets that also aren’t recommended by the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics).
Their sleepwear is specially designed to give parents more visual input on their child’s movements via any video monitor with night vision. This makes it easier to see your child's chest rising and falling. And easier for you to breathe a sigh of relief.
Read more about how they have chosen the best fabrics, suppliers, and closures for their sleepwear.
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