The 6 month sleep regression (and why it's actually an exciting milestone!)

27 Nov

The next sleep regression you might notice your child experiences is around 6 months of age. Your baby may have settled back into a slightly more predictable day and night routine after the 4-month sleep regression and just as you’re getting settled - this next regression can throw a small curve ball. As always, this is nothing to panic about and this regression in sleep around 6 months is showing you that your baby is developing some cool new skills and is getting MOBILE!

Why does it happen?

The 6 month sleep regression is mostly linked with some exciting developmental changes.

Babies around 6 months are typically becoming more mobile and active - therefore they churn through calories much faster and therefore…..get HUNGRY!

Think how starving you are after a run or gym workout. Babies are getting active and mobile in a big way around 6 months and tend to be quite active all day! It’s no surprise then that babies start solid food by 6 months of age and may also need an increase in milk intake from breast or bottle to help boost up their calorie intake.

How do I know the 6 month sleep regression has started?

With any new skill your baby learns there is the potential for some disruption to sleep patterns
You may notice that overnight baby wakes to practice their newly learned skills and you see them sitting in their cot, rolling around or trying to crawl
Your baby has periods of time in the night or during naps in the day time where baby is awake in their cot but may not be crying
Baby may practice their skill in the cot e.g rolling and become frustrated if they get a bit stuck and may cry and call out for you

Possible developmental changes at this age:

Rolling both ways
Crawling (or attempting to!)
Sitting either with support or independently
Pivoting around in tummy time (moving 180 or 360 degrees)
Scooting on bottom

**Development varies from baby to baby**

Tips for the 6 month sleep regression:

Here are some tips to help you move through this regression.

Encourage your baby to practice their new skills during the day (offer lots of floor time)
Remain consistent with the settling strategies your baby is used to
You may need to offer some additional feeds at night during this period of time - this is normal and completely OKAY!
If your baby is awake in the night but content, allow them some space to go back to sleep on their own before resettling
Get started with solids between 4 - 6 months of age when you feel your baby is ready
Offer some extra feeds during the day as required to boost calorie intake

As always - this sleep regression will pass once within a few days to a few weeks once your baby has become more used to their new skills!

If you need any additional information or support please feel free to book in a FREE 15-minute phone consultation to discuss what is happening for your baby and family.