Two Year Sleep Regression With Twins!

The twins turned two on 4/2/2024 and as per usual, I noticed changes in their sleep patterns/behavior begin five to seven days after their birthday. It didn’t help that they were battling some type of illness with fevers, coughs, runny noses, and overall just being “off,” but PHEW, TWO brand new two year old’s has been a learning curve! The emotional developments along with the cognitive and behavioral developments that are happening in their little bodies now is fascinating.

Current sleep schedule for the twins as high sleep needs toddlers:

7:30a out of cribs (sometimes they wake a little earlier but I don’t get them out of the cribs until 7:30A)

12:30p - 3p nap

6:45p bath

7:30p-7:45p cribs

Atypical behaviors noticed during the two year old sleep regression:

• Nap refusal

• Shorter nap length

• Unusual protest before falling asleep for nap and/or bedtime

• MOTN waking’s

• EMW’s

• More interventions requested: more rocking, singing, etc. before placed in cribs

The biggest parenting perspective I’ve had to have in persevering through this regression has been holding consistent and affirming the twins feelings, even when things get hectic. The element of consistency and standing firm in our routine and expectations for toddler sleep has been pivotal in getting through this regression. I’m learning that toddlers are full of emotions and feelings and they look to me to validate and confirm that their emotions and feelings are valid. We’re all learning these new two year old feelings together and navigating the never-ending journey of baby and toddler sleep needs!

Stay strong momma’s and reach out if you need support navigating through these tricky regressions!

Navigating False Starts in Your Baby’s Sleep Journey

Ensuring a restful night’s sleep for both parents and babies is a common goal for families. The road to achieving this can be paved with unexpected challenges, one of which is known as false starts in a baby’s sleep routine. In this blog post, we’ll explore what false starts are, why they occur, and how parents can navigate these sleep disruptions with the help of a sleep consultant.

Understanding False Starts & Why They Occur

False starts usually take place 30-45 minutes after you put your baby to sleep at night and refer to moments when it seems like your little one is settling into a peaceful sleep, only to be abruptly interrupted by wakefulness. These interruptions can range from brief awakenings to fully waking up, leaving parents and babies feeling confused and fatigued. There are many factors that can contribute to false starts in a baby’s sleep. One common reason is the baby’s development of sleep cycles. As infants transition between sleep cycles, they may experience brief periods of wakefulness. Additional external factors such as hunger, discomfort, overstimulation, under/overtiredness can all trigger false starts. If your baby is younger than 3-4 months and having bedtime false starts, he/she may need a later bedtime! Many babies 3-4 months of age do better with a later bedtime.

A common culprit for false starts js that your baby needs a wake window adjustment. Babies who aren’t tired enough can have false start bedtimes because they are tired enough to fall asleep but not enough to stay asleep. If you’re seeing your little one struggle with false starts, it may be a good time to check those wake windows and make sure they’re developmentally appropriate!

Another key element to consider related to false starts are sleep associations. Babies often form associations between falling asleep and specific conditions, such as being rocked or fed. When these conditions change during a sleep cycle transition, it can lead to a false start. A good full feeding before bed is important, but falling asleep during a bedtime feeding can actually cause false starts as well. It’s important to do your best to keep baby awake during feedings and try shifting feeding earlier in your bedtime routine. Identifying and addressing these sleep associations along with fostering age appropriate independent sleep skills are vital for establishing a more consistent sleep routine.

False Start Conclusions

• False starts for younger babies (0-4 months old) is typically a sign that your baby needs a later bedtime.

• A false start at bedtime could indicate your baby is over-tired or under-tired. The best way to sort this out is to review your baby’s daytime wake windows and daytime sleep totals and ensure they’re developmentally appropriate for his/her age.

• If your baby is showing signs of overtiredness and has false starts regularly, you might want to consider shortening their last wake window by bringing bedtime up a little earlier.

If your baby is struggling with false starts and you just can’t figure it out, a sleep consultant will be able to develop a personalized sleep plan, educate on sleep cycles and sleep associations, examine developmentally appropriate wake windows, and help develop a plan for modifying your baby’s bedtime sleep routine to foster a deep restorative sleep without false starts.

Helping Newborns Differentiate Night & Day

Welcoming a newborn into the world brings boundless joy, along with the challenges of establishing healthy sleep patterns. One key aspect is helping your baby differentiate between night and day, laying the foundation for restful nights and alert, engaging days. In this blog post, we explore practical strategies for parents to nurture this crucial distinction.

Understanding Newborn Sleep Patterns

Newborns initially have a limited awareness of the day-night cycle. Their sleep-wake patterns are largely influenced by hunger, comfort, and other basic needs. However, as they gradually adapt to life outside the womb, parents can play a pivotal role in guiding them toward recognizing the difference between day and night.

Expose Baby to Natural Light During the Day: Natural light exposure is a powerful cue for regulating the circadian rhythm. Take your baby outdoors during daylight hours, allowing them to experience natural sunlight. This helps establish a connection between daytime and wakefulness.

Create a Bright Environment During Daytime Naps: When your baby naps during the day, keep the room well-lit. Use natural light if possible or ensure the artificial lighting is bright but not harsh. This reinforces the association between daytime and wakefulness.

Establishing Daytime Routines: Consistency is key when guiding newborns to differentiate between day and night. Implementing daytime routines can signal to your baby that it’s time to be active and engaged.

• Engage in Daytime Activities: During waking hours, interact with your baby through play, talking, and gentle activities. This helps stimulate their senses and creates an association between daylight and active engagement.

• Limit Daytime Naps to Ensure Adequate Night Sleep: While daytime naps are essential, it’s beneficial to avoid overly extended naps during the day. This encourages your baby to get the majority of their sleep during the night.

Encouraging a Calm and Dim Environment at Night: As the sun sets, it’s time to create a calming atmosphere that signals to your baby that nighttime is approaching.

• Establish a Consistent Bedtime Routine: Develop a soothing bedtime routine to help your baby wind down. This could include activities like a warm bath, gentle lullabies, or a cozy bedtime story. Consistency is crucial for reinforcing the nighttime association.

• Dim the Lights as Bedtime Approaches: Gradually dim the lights in the evening to signal the transition to nighttime. Lowering the level of ambient light helps trigger the release of melatonin, the hormone associated with sleep.   

Nighttime Feeding Strategies: Nighttime feedings are inevitable with a newborn, but you can adopt strategies to minimize stimulation and promote a swift return to sleep. 

• Keep Night Feedings Low-Key: During nighttime feedings, keep the environment quiet and dimly lit. Minimize interaction and stimulation to encourage your baby to return to sleep promptly.

• Avoid Overstimulating Activities: Save more engaging activities for the daytime. Nighttime interactions should be calm and focused on meeting your baby’s needs without unnecessary stimulation.

Guiding newborns to differentiate between night and day is a gradual process that requires patience and consistency. By incorporating natural light exposure, establishing daytime routines, and creating a calming nighttime environment, parents can play a vital role in helping their babies develop healthy sleep habits. Remember, each baby is unique, so be attuned to your child’s cues and adjust your approach accordingly. In nurturing these distinctions, you’re setting the stage for restful nights and joyful, alert days for both you and your precious little one.

Ferber Method 101:

The quest for a good night’s sleep is a shared journey among parents, and the Ferber Method has emerged as a widely recognized approach to sleep training. Developed by Dr. Richard Ferber, a pediatrician and sleep expert, this method aims to teach babies how to self-soothe and establish healthy sleep habits. In this guide, we’ll delve into the principles of the Ferber Method and explore how it works as a gentle and effective sleep training strategy.

The Ferber Method, also known as “Ferberization” or “gradual extinction,” is based on the idea of teaching babies to fall asleep independently and soothe themselves back to sleep when they wake during the night. Dr. Ferber’s approach emphasizes a balance between comforting the child and allowing them to develop self-soothing skills.

Key Principles

Gradual Extinction: The Ferber Method involves a gradual approach to letting your baby learn to fall asleep on their own. Parents progressively increase the time between comforting visits during night awakenings, allowing the baby to self-soothe.

Consistency in Bedtime Routine: Establishing a consistent bedtime routine is a crucial component. This routine helps signal to the baby that it’s time for sleep, creating a predictable and comforting environment.

Comforting Visits: Parents are encouraged to make brief and reassuring visits to their baby’s room at increasing intervals. These visits provide comfort without picking the baby up, gradually teaching them to self-soothe.

How the Ferber Method Works

Create a Bedtime Routine: Begin by establishing a calming bedtime routine. This can include activities like a warm bath, gentle lullabies, or a bedtime story. Consistency in this routine sets the stage for the baby to associate these cues with sleep.

Place Baby in the Crib Awake: The key principle of the Ferber Method is to put the baby in the crib while they are still awake but drowsy. This allows them to learn how to fall asleep independently.

Comforting Visits at Intervals: When the baby cries or shows signs of distress, parents are advised to wait for a short period before going into the room. The duration of these intervals gradually increases. Comforting visits involve brief reassurance without picking up the baby.

Extend the Time Between Visits: Over subsequent nights, parents progressively extend the time between comforting visits. This gradual increase helps the baby learn to self-soothe and fall back asleep independently.

Benefits and Considerations

Promotes Self-Soothing Skills: One of the primary benefits of the Ferber Method is that it encourages babies to develop self-soothing skills. This can lead to more restful nights for both the baby and parents.

Consistency is Key: Consistency is crucial for the success of the Ferber Method. Following the prescribed routine and intervals with unwavering consistency is essential for the baby to grasp the concept of self-soothing.

Adaptable to Individual Needs: The Ferber Method is adaptable to the individual needs and comfort levels of each family. Parents can tailor the method based on their baby’s temperament and their own parenting style.

The Ferber Method has provided countless parents with a structured and gentle approach to sleep training. While it may not be the right fit for every family, the principles of gradual extinction and promoting self-soothing skills can be valuable tools for those seeking a methodical and caring approach to help their babies develop healthy sleep habits. As with any sleep training strategy, it’s essential to consider the unique needs of the child and the preferences of the parents.

Sleep Regressions 101:

Parenting comes with its joys, but there’s no denying the exhaustion that often accompanies the early months of caring for a newborn. Just when you think you’ve established a semblance of a sleep routine, you may find yourself facing the phenomenon known as baby sleep regressions. In this blog, we’ll explore what sleep regressions are, why they happen, and offer some strategies to navigate this challenging phase.

What are Baby Sleep Regressions?

Baby sleep regressions refer to periods when a previously well-sleeping infant starts experiencing disruptions in their sleep patterns. These regressions typically occur at specific developmental milestones, causing babies to wake more frequently during the night, resist naps, or have difficulties falling asleep.

Common Sleep Regression Milestones

Around 4 Months: This is a notorious time for sleep regressions as babies experience significant developmental changes. Their sleep cycles become more adult-like, and they may struggle with the transition between sleep cycles.

Around 8-10 Months: As babies become more mobile, with the excitement of crawling and pulling up, sleep can be affected. The newfound skills might lead to restlessness during the night.

Around 18 Months: Toddlerhood brings about language development and a surge in independence. Sleep regressions during this stage may be linked to these cognitive and emotional changes.

Why Do Sleep Regressions Happen?

Developmental Milestones: Babies go through rapid developmental changes in their first years. These changes can affect sleep as their brains and bodies adapt to new skills, such as rolling over, crawling, or teething.

Separation Anxiety: Around 6-8 months, babies start to understand object permanence. This newfound awareness may lead to separation anxiety, causing them to wake up and seek comfort from caregivers.

Teething Discomfort: The discomfort of teething can disrupt sleep patterns. Sore gums and the urge to chew on everything may contribute to increased wakefulness.

Routine Changes: Changes in daily routines, such as starting daycare or moving to a new environment, can trigger sleep regressions. Babies are sensitive to disruptions in their familiar surroundings.

Strategies for Navigating Sleep Regressions:

Stick to Consistent Routines: Maintaining a consistent bedtime routine can provide comfort and signal to your baby that it’s time for sleep. Consistency helps navigate through the disruptions.

Comfort and Soothing Techniques: During regressions, babies may need extra comfort. Incorporate soothing techniques like gentle rocking, soft lullabies, or a comfort object to ease them back to sleep.

Adjust Sleep Environment: Ensure the sleep environment is conducive to rest. Dim the lights, maintain a comfortable room temperature, and consider white noise to drown out disturbances. 

Offer Comfort During Night Wakings: When your baby wakes during the night, respond with comforting reassurance. Avoid introducing new sleep associations that may be challenging to break later.

Consult with Your Pediatrician: If sleep regressions persist or are causing significant stress, consult with your pediatrician. They can offer guidance and rule out any underlying health concerns.

Navigating baby sleep regressions can be challenging, but understanding the reasons behind them and implementing consistent strategies can help both parents and babies get through these phases. Remember that sleep regressions are temporary, and with patience and support, you can guide your little one back to restful nights. Embrace the journey of parenthood, knowing that each developmental leap brings your baby one step closer to new milestones and, eventually, more peaceful sleep for the entire family.