Twinkle Twinkle

Despite common belief, there’s no reliable scientific evidence to support the idea that every baby undergoes a regression in sleep at a given age. That said, we do see certain patterns within particular age ranges that tend to negatively impact sleep for many children. While these are referred to as “regressions”, I tend to think of them as predictable shifts in sleep patterns.

When sleep suddenly gets worse, these are the most common contributing factors: 🧠 Neurodevelopmental maturation (e.g. the “4 month sleep regression”); 💤 Sleep onset associations; ⏰ The need for a schedule adjustment; 😷 Illness; 🦷 Teething; 🛫 Travel or other changes in routine 📆 Milestone mastery (such as rolling, crawling, sitting up, and standing).

A “sleep regression” is often defined as a sudden and significant decline in sleep patterns. For example, a toddler who starts waking a lot during the night after previously sleeping well on their own could be going through a sleep regression. Some resources suggest that sleep regressions happen at predetermined ages, but sleep is impacted by so many factors that it’s a bit more complicated than that. The only sleep regression caused by internal, biological changes is the ‘4 month sleep regression’. Others are caused by ‘external factors’ such as: illness, teething, childcare moves, transition in sleep needs, family changes.

Working with me... it's as easy as 1-2-3 💫

Struggling with the four month sleep regression, or just want to know more about it? I've written all about this interesting transition in a new blog post. Check it out: https://lnkd.in/gjt8wgYc

For shorter trips, try schedule flights or travel earlier in the day. Kids are usually better behaved, more patient and tolerant earlier in the day. Flights in the late afternoon can be hard as your little one is usually tired at that time of day and less tolerant to waiting or delays. For long haul trips, it may be best to book a night flight, when your little one is more likely to sleep through some of the journey.

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Depending on your little one’s age, consider using these items in your luggage for better sleep while you’re away from home: 💫 Favourite comforter;  💫 Swaddle, sleeping bag, PJs; 💫 White noise player; 💫 Toddler sleep clock; 💫 Travel blackout blinds; 💫 Snoozeshade for pram; 💫 Travel cot; 💫 Travel mattress (not the one that comes with the cot, as that can be hard); 💫 Inflatable bed rails.