It might feel like your baby has just started sleeping well, and has finally gotten into a routine! But the 3-month-old sleep regression has hit, and it feels like you are starting all over again. Your baby has gone from soundly sleeping to waking up every few hours, and short naps are all that seem to work right now.
It can be particularly challenging when the 3 month sleep regression hits. You might be exhausted, frustrated, and feeling lost about what to do. Don’t worry – we have all the information you need for dealing with sleep regression.
What Are The Signs Of 3 Month Sleep Regression?
The first step to dealing with sleep regression is to spot the signs and understand what is going on. It can be confusing to recognize what is wrong when your baby wakes unexpectedly during the night. You’ve fed, bathed, and rocked your baby, but nothing is working – here are the signs that they might be going through a 3month sleep regression.
The three signs to look for are:
1. Waking Up A Lot At Night
It might seem obvious – but the most significant sign is that your baby is waking up throughout the night. During the 3-month-old sleep regression – babies tend to sleep for shorter times and wake up frequently. It can seem like your baby only takes short naps and wakes multiple times throughout the night.
2. Wants To Sleep Only In Your Arms
The second sign of 3-month-old sleep regression is that your baby only wants to sleep in your arms. Sleep regression is often due to problems related to age, such as teething pain, growing pains, or hunger linked to growth spurts. Your little one will crave comfort by sleeping in your arms for these reasons.
3. Fussiness
The third sign of 3-month sleep regression is fussiness. Sleep regression is a difficult time for both you and your little one and can result in a restless and fussy baby. If your baby is seeming restless, unsettled, and not happy when comforted, they might be going through the 3 month sleep regression.
How Long Does It Last?
You‘re probably wondering, “how long does sleep regression last?” 3-month sleep regression typically lasts 2 – 6 weeks. After the 3-month sleep regression, improving their sleep patterns depends on how quickly you recognize the symptoms and start practicing healthy sleep habits to promote a regular and consistent sleep cycle.
Here Are 7 Tips On How To Deal With Sleep Regression
1. Use Lightly Weighted Sleepwear
Weighted sleepwear is a proven method that promotes healthy sleep habits and relaxation. By purchasing a weighted onesie, your little one will feel calm and comfortable throughout the night. This will reduce fussiness and restlessness and help them stay asleep all night long. Weighted sleepwear eliminates restless legs and anxiety and makes your little one feel snug and cozy all night long.
2. Darken The Bedroom
A dark environment is essential for sleeping. A common mistake in nurseries is using too many bright lamp lights or night lights. To help your baby drift off to sleep quickly, use dim and gentle nightlights with warm tones to maintain a dark environment for sleeping. A dark room will make your baby feel at ease when drifting off to sleep and will stop them from waking during the night.
3. Feed As Much As Needed
A full baby is a happy baby! Make sure your little one has a full belly before sleeping to sleep soundly. This will ensure they can sleep all night long without waking for a feed. One of the main causes of the 3-month sleep regression is waking from hunger due to growth spurts and exerting energy from rolling around. Feed as much and as often as necessary to satisfy your little one for a full night’s sleep!
4. Slowly Break Sleep Associations
Slowly break sleep associations with your little one to improve their sleeping habits. Some sleep associations can hinder a good night’s sleep – when your baby becomes attached to associations, it can mean that they are unable to sleep without certain items or routines. Associations can include storytime before bed, strict bedtimes, certain blankets or toys, or music.
Try to break and limit these associations by phasing routines out and becoming more flexible. This will encourage your little one to sleep soundly on their own and teach them not to rely on certain routines, items, or behaviors.
5. Use White Noise
White noise is commonly used to soothe the mind and promote relaxation. Using a white noise machine can calm a fussy baby and help them drift off to sleep effortlessly.
By creating a calm environment, your baby will relax and be able to put themselves to sleep independently, which is a key factor in dealing with 3-month sleep regression.
Keep the white noise machine playing throughout the night to ensure your little one can sleep soundly throughout the night.
6. Put The Baby Down, Drowsy But Awake
One of the top tips for parents when dealing with 3-month sleep regression is putting your little one to bed when drowsy but awake. Comfort and rock your baby until they’re drowsy, then take them to bed before falling asleep.
This allows your little one to fall asleep independently and promotes healthy sleep habits, which will continue throughout the night. This technique eliminates waking multiple times throughout the night, as your little one will learn to drift in and out of sleep effortlessly.
7. Ask For Help
It can often become overwhelming for parents when you wonder how to deal with sleep regression, especially when you are sleep-deprived. Don’t hesitate to reach out to friends and family for help in these trying times. It’simportant to lean on your support system and let your loved ones help out.
When tackling 3-month sleep regression, we want it to be as straightforward for you as possible. Try one of our Cubo AI Smart baby monitors with sleep analysis to track your little one throughout the night and make sure they are sleeping soundly. This will give you peace of mind throughout the night as you put new sleep techniques and habits in place.
To learn more about sleep training and how to promote healthy sleep habits at home, click here!
Meta Description: 3-month-old sleep regression can be a challenging time for parents, don’t worry – we have helpful solutions on how to deal with sleep regression.
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