If your baby is struggling with sleep issues, check out our comprehensive sleep regression guide, which covers everything from the three-month to the nine-month regression.
What is Sleep Regression?
Sleep regression typically refers to periods—lasting anywhere from two to six weeks—when a previously well-sleeping infant suddenly experiences disruptions in their sleep patterns. This might involve waking frequently during the night (and having a tough time settling them back down), taking shorter naps than usual, or even resisting sleep altogether. For parents who thought they had finally established a stable sleep routine, this can be incredibly frustrating.
The concept of sleep regression has been examined by developmental psychologists since the 1940s. However, after more than seven decades of research, the reasons behind these regressions remain unclear, as reported by the New York Times. While there’s an abundance of books and websites detailing specific “stages” of sleep regression, it’s important to remember that every baby is unique. If your child’s sleep patterns don’t align with these suggested timelines, it’s usually nothing to worry about. Always consult your pediatrician if you have concerns.
What to Expect During Your Baby’s 9-Month Sleep Regression
You may have encountered various timelines for baby sleep regressions in parenting literature, but there’s no set schedule for when these disruptions will occur. If your baby’s sleep regressions don’t follow a predictable pattern, that’s perfectly alright. Although the exact causes of sleep regression are still being studied, they often coincide with significant cognitive and physical developmental phases, which can affect sleep habits.
Signs that your baby is going through a nine-month sleep regression may include:
- More frequent nighttime awakenings and difficulty falling back asleep.
- Increased fussiness or irritability.
- Trouble initiating sleep.
- Shorter naps or outright refusal to nap.
- Fighting sleep.
- More crying than usual.
How to Navigate Your Baby’s 9-Month Sleep Regression
First, check your baby’s temperature to rule out a fever, which can also disrupt sleep. If they’re not feverish and show no signs of teething, chances are they’re experiencing a nine-month sleep regression. Here are some strategies to help manage this phase:
- Stick to a Routine: Establish a consistent bedtime and nap schedule. It may be tempting to keep them awake during the day to ensure they sleep well at night, but a well-rested baby tends to sleep better.
- Pre-bedtime Preparation: Ensure your baby’s belly is full and their diaper is clean before bedtime.
- Minimize Distractions: Remove toys or gadgets from the crib that might distract them and keep them awake.
- Encourage Independent Sleep: Try to get your baby used to falling asleep in their crib rather than in a swing or while being held.
- Daily Activity: Ensure they have plenty of physical activity during the day to help tire them out by nighttime.
It can be tough to accept that your baby is going through yet another sleep regression after all your hard work. But remember, this phase is temporary and not a reflection of your parenting abilities.
What Should a 9-Month-Old’s Sleep Schedule Look Like?
Babies can be unpredictable when it comes to sleep, but generally, they need about 12 to 16 hours of sleep each day. This may not all happen in one stretch, but they should be getting at least 10 hours at night. If they wake up frequently, don’t panic; this is common for babies.
For a more structured approach to your baby’s sleep schedule, consider the following example:
- 7:00 a.m. – Wake up
- 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
Activities to Help Your 9-Month-Old Sleep Through the Night
Managing the energy levels of a nine-month-old can be challenging. Here are a few activities that might help your baby wind down for sleep:
- Rolling Ball Game: Sit a few feet apart and roll a big plastic ball back and forth. This encourages movement and teaches your baby about taking turns.
- Music Time: You don’t need instruments; use pots and wooden spoons to make noise together. It’s fun and also boosts hand-eye coordination.
For more tips on navigating parenthood and sleep, check out this post from our blog.
Summary
The nine-month sleep regression is a common phase that many babies experience, characterized by disrupted sleep patterns and increased fussiness. While it can be exhausting for parents, understanding that this is a typical developmental stage can help alleviate some stress. Establishing a consistent routine and encouraging physical activity during the day can assist in managing this regression.
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