Mastering Your Baby’s First Year:
How to Navigate Developmental Milestones & Sleep
By: Kelly Murray, Baby & Toddler Sleep Consultant
Navigating the first year of your baby's life can be as challenging as it is rewarding. With each developmental milestone, there might be a sleep regression lurking around the corner. Understanding these patterns can help you prepare and respond effectively, ensuring both you and your baby enjoy more restful nights.
Let's dive into what you can expect during your baby's first year and how to smoothly handle sleep regressions.
0-3 Months: Laying the Foundation
Developmental Milestones
In the first three months, your baby will start social smiling, cooing, tracking objects with their eyes, and holding their head up. These are the first signs of your baby interacting with their world.
Sleep Patterns
This period is generally calm before the storm of sleep regressions. Establishing a bedtime routine and encouraging self-soothing can set a strong foundation for sleep.
4 Months: The First Sleep Regression and a Developmental Leap
Understanding the Regression
Unlike later regressions, the 4-month sleep regression is triggered by a change in your baby's sleep cycles, becoming more like an adult's. This can lead to more frequent wake-ups at night if your baby hasn't learned to self-soothe.
Tackling the Challenge
Focus on sleep training to teach your baby to fall asleep independently. This adjustment helps them transition through sleep cycles smoothly, leading to better sleep for everyone.
This post on Surviving the Infamous 4 Month Sleep Regression will help! →
4-6 Months: Growing and Learning
Developmental Milestones
Your baby will become more engaged with their surroundings, rolling over, babbling, grasping objects, and recognizing familiar faces.
Sleep Insight
Continue practicing sleep training techniques established during the 4-month regression. Ensure a safe sleep environment, especially as your baby becomes more mobile.
7-9 Months: Becoming Independent
Developmental Milestones
Your baby will start sitting without support, showing stranger anxiety, and responding to their name.
Sleep Insight
A consistent sleep routine and encouragement of independent sleep skills are crucial as your baby gains independence.
Use this guide if you’re interested in sleep training your baby →
8 Months: With Mobility and Exploration Comes a Sleep Regression
Understanding the Regression
This regression is driven by your baby's newfound mobility, such as crawling and pulling up on furniture, leading to excitement that can disrupt sleep.
Tackling the Challenge
Encourage daytime practice of new skills and adjust naps to avoid overtiredness. Maintaining a consistent sleep routine is key to navigating this phase.
Babies transition to 2 naps around this time, so use this guide to make the 3 to 2 nap switch →
12 Months: On the Move! (Hello, Sleep Regression!)
Understanding the Regression
Often signaled by nap refusal or early waking, this regression is usually due to your baby mastering walking.
Tackling the Challenge
Hold onto the two-nap schedule until around 14 months. If the second nap is skipped, move bedtime earlier to prevent overtiredness. Encourage active play to help your baby master walking without sacrificing sleep.
When you’re ready to start transitioning to the one nap schedule, use this guide →
Celebrate the Journey
Sleep regressions are normal. They’re a sign that your baby is developing.
The first year of your baby's life is filled with remarkable growth and occasional sleep challenges. By understanding the relationship between developmental milestones and sleep regressions, you can navigate this journey more smoothly.
Remember, consistency in sleep training and routines, along with celebrating each new milestone, will help you and your baby find a better night's sleep. If concerns arise, give us a call to talk and we can create a personalized plan tailored to your baby's needs.
LET’S GET YOU TUCKED IN
Experiencing a sleep regression can be challenging, especially if it's led to new sleep habits like feeding, rocking, or staying in the room to soothe your little one to sleep. If you're struggling to move past these associations, we're here to assist. Reach out to us for support. Book a free 15-minute discovery call with us →
