The 9-Month Sleep Regression: What to Expect

You have probably heard about the 9-month regression, and if you haven’t but want to know all about it because your little one is about to turn nine months, then you have come to the right place. We are about to discover what a sleep regression is, the possible causes, and how to make the most out of this natural stage of your little one.

First, we need to understand what a sleep regression is, and it basically refers to a stage in which your baby or small child who has been sleeping well suddenly starts to wake up in the middle of the night one or several times. For many parents, the sleeping routine with a nine-month-old might include sleeping during the entire night, so having these sleep disruptions could be overwhelming. A sleep regression can also include a change in the usual nap times and duration, which can cause changes in the daily routine for the entire family.

How does a sleep regression look?

If you are uncertain about your baby’s sleeping pattern changes and you want to know for sure if you are handling a sleep regression, here are some key characteristics for you to identify:

• Waking up at night: Increased nighttime awakenings and the need to comfort to fall asleep again, it can come with crying or simple discomfort.
• Difficulty falling asleep each night: Your little one who was falling asleep as soon as you turned off the lights or right after a bath suddenly gets cranky, wants to keep playing, or needs extra cuddles to sleep.
• Change in their naps: Nap time is precious for parents; that’s why you will notice this change soon. Perhaps your little one is taking fewer naps or they are shorter.
• Discomfort while sleeping: Your sweet little one was honoring the “sleeping like a baby” phrase and now you see him or her kicking, turning, and even making sounds at night? That’s another red flag.
• Cranky baby: Some days your nine-month baby will be fussy, but every day? Even after waking up, or while playing and singing their favorite song? That’s not normal and it could be related to a sleep regression.
• Appetite changes: This is a major sign because babies who are experiencing changes in their appetite, whether it’s increased or decreased, are most likely going through a developmental milestone. And growth can often change the sleeping patterns of a little one.

But let’s find out more about this natural stage. At nine months, a baby is an explorer; they have increased curiosity and a higher mobility range. This means they can already crawl, pull themselves to stand up, and they have a greater understanding of their surroundings. For example, they know all about object permanence, in other words, they know an object exists even if they cannot see it.

And this brand-new skill isn’t so loved by mom and dad because now the little one starts experiencing separation anxiety. Separation anxiety is noticeable when you leave the room and your baby instantly starts crying, they go after you if they can, or simply get grumpy when they don’t see you around. This newly developed skill could be one of the reasons a 9-month-old is not following the sleeping routine as before. Their need for independence and a new set of skills can also cause them to be more aware of the environment, making it hard for them to calm and sleep.

Another developmental cause often related to sleep regressions is growth spurts. These refer to periods where babies, infants, and even teenagers experience a change in their height, weight, and appetite. It is a moment of rapid physical changes and their body is getting used to it but it will take time, because their duration is unknown. If you see your baby growing out of its clothes and diapers while having changes in its sleeping patterns you could attribute the disruption to a growth spurt.

Teething is another developmental milestone often related to sleep pattern changes. While most babies start getting their first pair of teeth around the age of six months, this process can start before or after. And it is precisely at nine months when teething goes full-on, with many of the emerging at the same time your little one might be experiencing discomfort, irritability, and changes in their sleep and eating patterns.

Changes in a baby or family routine can also have an impact on your baby. Some of the most common changes are starting daycare, changing them to their own room, or moving. Whenever you change the overall routine, your baby will have some challenges. For example, if they are getting up earlier or having new nap times at daycare, or if you had some work schedule changes and nighttime routines are adjusting then it is possible their sleep patterns will suffer for a while.

Now let’s summarize the most common causes of sleep regression:

• Developmental milestones (crawling, gagging, standing up)
• Separation anxiety.
• Growth spurts.
• Teething.
• Routine changes.

So far, we have explored some of the most common causes of sleep regression at 9 months of age, but you might be asking yourself how you can handle this challenging moment. We know sleep deprivation doesn’t feel good for any of your family members; that’s why we have a couple of tips for you to handle it like a professional.

Consistency.

This is the most important tip we can provide to you, and we know it won’t be easy because sticking to a routine is challenging when you are sleeping less than usual or when your nine-month-old is grumpy and restless all the time. But trust us, when you keep your routine from morning to night, your little one will soon adjust. It is especially crucial to maintain a bedtime routine even when your baby is fully awake and shows no signs of being tired.

Patience.

We know it is too much to ask for a parent to be more patient with a baby who is not sleeping well during the night or having short naps. We know you are probably not getting things done during the day and you are one cry away from losing it, but every time you are in that spot remind yourself your baby needs you. Your baby didn’t ask for that growth spurt or a new set of teeth, so be patient and loving, provide extra cuddles and cut back a bit on the productive tasks if possible so your frustration levels stay as low as possible.

Proper sleeping environment.

Perhaps before a sleeping regression your baby was able to sleep even if a train passed by your house, but when they start to struggle to sleep it is time to pay attention to the little details. Things like bright lights, loud noises, or siblings running around could trigger your baby and prevent a nap from happening. Try to get your baby to sleep in the same room even for naps, close the blinds or lower the lights, and get some background noise or white noise. Those signs can let your baby know it is time to sleep and even when they struggle those key signs will slowly kick in and get your baby into a relaxed state.

Seek support.

Dealing with a 9-month sleep regression can be emotionally and physically difficult for parents. It’s essential not to underestimate the power of seeking support from your family members, friends, and support groups. They can offer invaluable emotional support, practical advice, and sometimes much-needed rest. Discussing your experiences with others who have gone through similar challenges can provide reassurance and perspective. Simply having someone to talk to who understands what you’re going through can alleviate feelings of isolation and overwhelm. Whether it’s a listening ear, a helping hand with household chores, or just a comforting presence, don’t hesitate to reach out for support when you need it.

Talk to your pediatrician.

While sleep regressions are a normal part of infant development, if your baby’s sleep disturbances persist for an extended period or if you have concerns about their sleep patterns or overall development, it’s essential to consult with a pediatrician. Pediatricians are trained to assess your baby’s health and development and can provide personalized advice and support tailored to your specific situation.

They can help rule out any underlying medical issues contributing to sleep difficulties and offer guidance on sleep training techniques, nutrition, and other factors that can affect your baby’s sleep. Don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment if you have any concerns or questions about your baby’s sleep habits or overall well-being. Your pediatrician is there to help you navigate this challenging phase and ensure the best possible outcome for your baby’s health and development.

Conclusions.

While these tips will help you navigate the 9-month sleep regression, the truth is, it could be the first of many to come, and each will come with its own set of challenges. But after overcoming this harsh situation, you will now know how to cope with it and help out your little one.

The 9-month sleep regression is a common developmental phase where babies may experience disruptions in their sleep patterns. During this time, infants may exhibit increased nighttime awakenings, difficulty falling asleep, shorter naps, restlessness, fussiness, and changes in appetite. This regression is often associated with developmental milestones such as increased mobility, separation anxiety, or cognitive advancements like object permanence.

To manage the 9-month sleep regression, parents can establish consistent bedtime routines, provide comfort and reassurance, encourage independent sleep skills, create a sleep-friendly environment, stick to a consistent schedule, and remain patient and understanding throughout this temporary phase. By implementing these strategies, parents can help their babies navigate through the sleep regression and establish healthier sleep habits in the long term.