Curious about sleep issues? Explore our comprehensive sleep regression guide for your baby’s first year, covering regressions from three to nine months.
What is Sleep Regression?
In general terms, sleep regression refers to periods—typically lasting from two to six weeks—when a baby or toddler who had been following a regular sleep pattern suddenly experiences disruptions. This may manifest as frequent nighttime awakenings, difficulty falling back asleep, shorter nap durations, or outright refusal to nap. For parents hoping for a return to a consistent sleep routine, it can be incredibly frustrating.
Since the 1940s, developmental psychologists have studied the phenomenon of sleep regression. Despite decades of research, the exact timing and reasons behind these regressions remain unclear, as reported by the New York Times. While there are many books and websites outlining specific milestones for sleep regression, it’s important for parents to remember that every child’s sleep patterns are unique. If your baby doesn’t follow the suggested timeline, it’s usually not a cause for concern. As always, consult your pediatrician with any questions.
What Happens During a Baby’s 9-Month Sleep Regression?
If you’ve followed parenting advice, you may have encountered a timeline for sleep regressions that doesn’t always include the nine-month mark. However, there are no strict rules about when these disruptions will occur. Although the causes of sleep regression are not fully understood, they often coincide with significant cognitive and physical developments that can affect sleep.
Signs that your baby may be experiencing a nine-month sleep regression can include:
- More frequent nighttime awakenings and longer periods to return to sleep.
- Increased fussiness or crankiness.
- Difficulty falling asleep.
- Shorter naps or refusing to nap altogether.
- Fighting sleep.
- Crying more than usual.
How to Handle Your Baby’s 9-Month Sleep Regression
First, check your baby’s temperature to rule out fever, which can also disrupt sleep. If there’s no fever and they aren’t teething, then your baby might just be going through a sleep regression. Here are some strategies to help manage this phase:
- Maintain a consistent bedtime routine and sleep schedule, including naps. It might be tempting to keep them awake all day in hopes of a good night’s sleep, but well-rested babies tend to sleep better at night.
- Ensure your baby is fed and has a clean diaper before bedtime.
- Remove any distracting toys or gadgets from the crib.
- Encourage your baby to fall asleep in their crib whenever possible instead of in a swing or being held.
- Encourage plenty of daytime activity to help tire them out for nighttime.
Remember, even after months of sleep training, it’s natural for your baby to experience another sleep regression. This phase is temporary and doesn’t reflect your parenting skills.
What Should My 9-Month-Old’s Sleep Schedule Look Like?
Babies have their quirks, and their sleep patterns can be unpredictable. However, a typical nine-month-old should get about 12 to 16 hours of sleep daily. While this may not happen in one continuous block, they should ideally get at least 10 hours of sleep at night. Frequent awakenings are common.
For a structured sleep schedule, consider this sample routine:
- 7:00 a.m. – Awake
- 9:30 a.m. – Nap
- 11:30 a.m. – Awake
- 2:00 p.m. – Nap
- 3:30 p.m. – Awake
- 7:00 p.m. – Bedtime routine
- 7:30 p.m. – Bedtime
Tips to Help a 9-Month-Old Sleep Through the Night
Managing the energy of a nine-month-old can be a challenge, but certain activities can help prepare them for sleep. For instance, play rolling games with a big plastic ball, encouraging them to chase it down. This not only provides physical activity but also teaches them about motion and taking turns. You can also engage in music-making sessions with household items, which can enhance their hand-eye coordination while allowing them to expend some energy.
For more information, check out our other blog post on sleep guidance and explore helpful resources like Make a Mom and Rmany for additional tips.
Summary
The nine-month sleep regression can be a challenging time for parents, but it is a normal phase of development. By understanding the signs and implementing a consistent routine, parents can navigate this period more effectively. Remember, every baby is different, and what works for one may not work for another.