Do you have a seven-month-old baby at home? If so, then you may be experiencing the 7 month sleep regression. This is a common occurrence during this stage of development in babies, and it can be difficult for both babies and parents alike. In this blog post, we will discuss the 7-month sleep regression in detail and offer some tips on how to make it through this challenging time.
What Is Sleep Regression?
Sleep regression is a common challenge for both babies and parents alike. It is the term used when a baby or toddler who has previously been sleeping through the night begins to wake up more frequently, or even won’t go to sleep in the first place. Typically, this happens around 4 months, 8 months, and 18 months of age as the baby undergoes physiological and developmental growth spurts.
Read more: 3 Month-Old Sleep Regression
During this time they may require more up-time during their awake hours to process the rapid changes happening in their lives. It can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks and usually resolves itself on its own; however, it can be quite an exhausting process for those who are parenting and nurturing little ones during these times.
7 Month Sleep Regression
It’s an age at which babies begin experiencing interruptions to their sleep habits. Many parents, especially first-time parents, can find themselves exhausted and feeling helpless when it comes to comforting their babies and encouraging them to go back to sleep. Common symptoms of 7 Month Sleep Regression include:
- shorter naps
- waking up multiple times during the night
- changes in bedtime routines
During this regression, sleep coaching and consistent night and daytime sleep habits can be really helpful for teaching your baby healthy sleeping patterns and helping you both get the rest you need. Not all babies experience this type of regression but it’s important for parents to know about it in order to ensure their child gets the very best care possible!
Read more: 4 Month Sleep Regression Or Teething
What Causes 7-Month Sleep Regression?
7-month sleep regression is a normal phase of development in children, but it can be incredibly stressful for both the child and their parents. It is usually caused by a number of factors.
Developmental Leaps
There can be developmental leaps that cause anxiety or disrupt a baby’s normal routine, as well as changes in the sleeping environment and an increasing number of awakenings during sleep cycles due to more frequent sleep cycle reversals.
Also, when children transition from one developmental milestone to another, such as from crawling to walking, it can cause them distress which affects their sleep.
Poor Eating & Sleeping Habits
Additionally, it could be a sign that your baby is ready for more solid foods, less milk at night, or an earlier bedtime. Some babies also experience physical growth spurts around this age which can lead to poor sleep habits.
Read more: 5 Month Old Sleep Schedule
External Distractions
Babies are naturally curious so any kind of external distractions like noise from outside their bedrooms such as loud music or vehicles driving by will disrupt the flow of the regular nighttime routine.
Illnesses
Additionally, illnesses such as colds or ear infections are a key factor in sleep regression for both kids and adults alike; a certain amount of stress also contributes to this disruption in sleep patterns.
Life Changes
7-month sleep regressions are usually caused by life changes like starting daycare, teething, or even disruptions to the child’s routine. To help your child cope during times of night wakings or difficulty falling asleep, try sticking to the same bedtime routine each night and make sure they have plenty of opportunities to get enough physical activity during the day since this will help them stay rested and calm at night.
Read more: 6 Month Sleep Regression
All these factors should be taken into consideration when figuring out if seven-month sleep regression is affecting your baby’s sleep patterns and disrupting their overall quality of restful nights.
Symptoms of 7-Month Sleep Regression:
- This regression is marked by common signs like increased night wakings and longer sleep disturbances.
- During this time you may see your baby wake up more frequently throughout the night or have trouble falling asleep in the first place.
- Their nap schedule may become unpredictable or even cut down significantly.
- It’s also not uncommon for babies to seem fussy or clingy during the day, and have a hard time transitioning between activities.
But there is hope! Patience, consistency, and sleep training can help babies resettle back into a healthy sleep pattern.
How To Deal With A 7-Month Sleep Regression
Dealing with a seven-month sleep regression can be daunting for any parent and guardian. As babies start to grow and change, their sleep patterns are likely to shift as well. It is important, however, to stay patient during this stage of their development since it will not last forever. There are several ways to ensure that your baby continues to enjoy healthy amounts of restful shut-eye during this time.
Get A comfortable Bassinet
Getting a comfortable bassinet or crib that can provide support and comfort throughout the night for deep sleep is an important factor. It will help your baby get back into his/her regular sleep patterns.
Create A Regular Bedtime Routine
Create a regular routine for night sleep which should include basic steps such as making the atmosphere calming in their nursery by turning off devices or having a warm bath to help ease them to fall asleep.
Read more: How To Keep A Baby Warm At Night
Reduce Stimulation Before Sleep
It’s also important to ensure that babies are in a quiet, dark environment whether it’s daytime sleep or nighttime sleep. Taking the time to provide your baby with calm and soothing activities like reading or listening to soft music will help them relax and drift off to dreamland.
Look Out For Signs Of Overtiredness
Finally, look out for signs of overtiredness and adjust the bedtime accordingly by bringing it forward accordingly without interfering too much with their existing routine; slightly reducing sleep times often helps newborns towards continuing an uninterrupted night’s sleep.
The key take away here is that dealing with a seven-month sleep regression does not have to be overwhelming – just take one positive step at a time and you and your little one will soon be sleeping soundly in no time!
When To Seek Help From A Specialist?
If you are concerned about your baby’s sleep pattern or have any specific questions, it is always best to consult your doctor or a specialist. They can provide helpful advice and tips to ensure that your baby is getting the proper rest they need for development. With the right care and attention, seven-month sleep regression should pass in no time and your little one can enjoy peaceful nights of restful sleep.
Conclusion:
The seven-month sleep regression is a common and normal stage in infant development, but it doesn’t have to be difficult. With a proper sleep train, you can help your baby get back on track with healthy sleep patterns. From providing comfortable sleeping arrangements to establishing a regular bedtime routine and reducing stimulation before sleep, you can ensure that your baby gets the quality rest they need to grow and thrive.
By following healthy sleep habits, you will be able to successfully navigate this common stage of sleep regression, and soon you and your little one will be back on track with peaceful nights of restful sleep.
