In early infancy, sleep is one of the most coveted activities for a baby. Caregivers work tirelessly to protect those few, precious hours of shut-eye in between frequent feedings. Sleep is safeguarded during infancy because a baby’s brain makes exponential strides in its maturation during this time. As a child grows, their sleep habits change in accordance to what their body and mind needs.

Sleep Milestones During the First 2 Years of Life

• Newborn- Infants sleep 16-17 hours a day and may only sleep for 1-2 hours at a time.
• 2 months- Babies may have more predictable naps and 1-2 hours of awake time.
• 4 months- Known for the infamous sleep regression due to maturing sleep cycles. As infants transition between each stage of sleep, they awaken slightly and have difficulty transitioning to the next stage of sleep.
• 6 months- Babies develop a more predictable sleep pattern and are capable of sleeping through the night on a regular basis.
• 12 months- Children may sleep 11-14 hours a day, including one to two naps.
• 24 months- Children may sleep 11-14 hours a day, including one nap.

No sooner does a caregiver get comfortable in their newfound rest, does a child start to: nap less, rise early, and wake frequently in the middle of the night. These signs of sleep regressions are most likely occurring because the child is on the brink of mastering a new developmental milestone. While sleep might be affected or “regressed”, this tends to be an exciting time for the child with new abilities on the horizon. A growing brain is constantly making small strides toward maturation. 

Why Certain Developmental Milestones Might Affect Sleep

• Rolling (4-7 months)- An infant might roll over and become stuck or uncomfortable. This milestone also requires that infants no longer sleep with their arms swaddled, according to Safe Sleep Guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics. 
• Object permanence (6-8 months)- A child learns that objects continue to exist when they can’t be seen. Most notably, this milestone can be recognized through separation anxiety.
• Sitting and crawling (6-12 months)- Experiencing the new vantage point of sitting in the crib might be more exciting than laying down, thus making transitioning to sleep more difficult.
• Standing and Walking (9-18 months)- Just like sitting and crawling, standing offers a new sensory experience for the child which might be more appealing than sleep. 
• Babbling/Talking (4 months and beyond)- A child might have difficulty settling down and relaxing when they’re able to speak their mind and make new sounds. 
• Potty training (2-3 years) - Recognizing new sensations and urges may cause sleep disturbances.
• Moving from crib to bed (18 months and beyond) - Newfound independence can cause bedtime distractions.

Each child’s growth and development is unique and so are their sleep experiences. While there’s no “one size fits all” answer to solve a child’s sleep challenges, there are methods to help a caregiver and child navigate this trying time. 

How to Encourage Sleep and Growth

• Continue a very predictable and consistent bedtime routine, do not add new experiences to an already established routine.
• Understand the sleep regression as a “phase”, be patient.
• Facilitate extra playtime or skill practice during the day.
• Keep the child’s sleep environment comfortable, quiet and calm.
• Maintain a safe sleep environment by placing an infant on their backs and on a firm, non-inclined sleep surface. Also refrain from putting any soft objects or loose bedding in the baby’s sleep area. 

If you are concerned about your child’s sleeping habits or still have questions, please know that you are not alone! Click here to book a free 15 minute consultation with one of our providers. 

References:

healthychildren.org

cdc.gov 

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