The 'dreaded' Sleep Regression: Tips and Tricks for Keeping Your Baby or Toddler Calm at Bedtime

With the busyness of life these days, it can be difficult to manage your baby or toddler's sleep schedule on a normal day, let alone with one of the many sleep regression phases is causing your little one to be unsettled. But don't worry—sleep regression doesn't have to mean sleepless nights! Here are some tips and tricks that can help you and your little one get back on track.

Establish a Bedtime Routine

It's important to establish a routine for your baby or toddler as early as possible. This will help them understand that bedtime is approaching and give them something to look forward to each night. Start with simple steps like brushing their teeth, changing into pyjamas, reading a book, and singing a lullaby. This helps signal the end of the day and allows your child to go to sleep feeling relaxed and secure.

Create a Calm Environment

Creating a calm environment is essential when it comes to helping your baby or toddler fall asleep. No matter what age they are, noise can be distracting and make it hard for them to drift off into dreamland. To ensure they stay asleep through the night, try keeping all lights off in their bedroom (including TV screens) as well as any electronics such as tablets or cell phones. You should also use blackout curtains if necessary so that even during daytime naps, there isn't too much light in the room. Additionally, white noise machines or sound machines can provide a calming effect that helps drown out any outside distractions throughout the night.

Pay Attention To Their Naps

It may seem counterintuitive but paying attention to your child's nap times throughout the day is crucial for establishing good nighttime sleep habits. If they're sleeping too much during naptime then they won't be tired when bedtime rolls around which can lead to difficulty falling asleep at night. Conversely, if they're not getting enough rest during naps then it could mean they're overtired when bedtime arrives which can lead to more frequent awakenings throughout the night. Paying attention to their sleep schedule during the day will help ensure they're getting an appropriate amount of restful sleep each night without becoming over-tired or under-rested in between naps/bedtimes.

Our parenting opinion - helping them sleep is the most important thing!

Here is the thing - our little ones are only young for such a short period of time, they grow so quickly before our eyes, before long they will be older, not wanting to sleep next to us, have us soothe them or help them like when they are young. 

If they need us to lay next to them to fall asleep, if they need to be next to us in the middle of the night (as long as it is safe to do so) or if they need us to be crashed out on their bedroom floor, we're all for it. We as parents should embrace it (yes, we hear you screaming 'I haven't slept in weeks') but it so much easier on you & them if we do whatever they need to sleep, just for this period of life.

It won't be long before you might be trying to climb into their beds for cuddles ;)

Sleep regressions are common in babies and toddlers as they grow up but that doesn't mean you have to suffer through sleepless nights! By establishing a consistent bedtime routine, creating a calm environment in their bedroom, and paying attention to their nap times throughout the day you can help keep your little one calm at bedtime so everyone gets some much needed restful sleep!

With these tips and tricks under your belt, you'll be ready for whatever sleepy surprises come tonight!