Sleep regressions SOS: what to do when no one is getting any sleep

Sleep deprivation is torturous. And there’s nothing that can deprive sleep quite like a newborn not sleeping at night. And often, sleep regressions are the cause. 

While you can’t prevent sleep regressions, there are some things you can do to help you all get through the phase – and remember, it is only a phase. 

We share our top sleep regression tips for when it feels like you’ll never have a good night’s sleep ever again. 

What are sleep regressions? 

Sleep regressions are normal – but challenging nonetheless – phases when a baby’s sleep patterns are temporarily disrupted. One day they’re sleeping through the night – or at least sleeping for longer stretches – and then they’re not.  

Sleep regressions typically coincide with significant developmental milestones – like learning to walk, crawl or roll over. They usually happen at particular ages, often around 4 months, 8-10 months, 12 months, 18 months and 2 years. But every baby is different and they may have sleep regressions at other times also.  

During a sleep regression, your baby’s sleep patterns are disrupted while their brain and body are working overtime. That can result in waking up more frequently, having trouble falling asleep or taking shorter naps.  

As frustrating and exhausting as they are, sleep regressions are a sign of progress and can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. 

Check their temperature 

If your baby is too hot or too cold, this discomfort can exacerbate the sleep disturbances that come with a regression.  

You can do a simple temperature check by placing your hand on the back of their neck. If they’re too warm, they might be sweating or have flushed skin. If they’re too cold, their skin might feel cool to the touch and they could be more restless. 

To keep your baby comfortable – sleep regression or otherwise – ensure they’re dressed appropriately for the room temperature. This might mean adjusting their sleepwear or switching to a different tog-rating for your sleeping bag.

This won’t solve the sleep regression, but it will ensure your baby is comfortable. And every little bit helps when your newborn is not sleeping enough.  

Move to a cot 

There are a couple of reasons why moving from a bassinet to a cot may help with sleep regressions. The first is that your baby has simply outgrown their bassinet. If they’re too big for the bassinet, they’re not going to sleep comfortably. 

The other reason to move to a cot is if your baby has started rolling or moving around the bassinet. This will often coincide with a regression due to the nature of what sleep regressions are, that is, linked with developmental milestones. 

If your baby’s sleep is already disrupted, making another change won’t hurt, will it? In reality, it can be a double-edged sword and exacerbate the problem – at least in the short term. It’s just something to be mindful of. You might start by doing some naps in the cot before transitioning all of their sleeps. It’s also good to keep things as familiar as you can. That might mean placing the cot in your bedroom, if you have the space, or keeping your sleeping bag and bedding as consistent as possible.  

Sleep in their room 

Sometimes as a parent, you have to do what you have to do to get some sleep. And if that means sleeping in your baby’s room to give them extra comfort while they sleep, we’re all for it. You may be able to slip out once they’ve fallen asleep or you may have to stay all night. Either way, at least you’re both getting some sleep. 

When we suggest sleeping in your baby’s room, we’re not suggesting sleeping on the floor. Our iL Tutto recliner chairs are comfortable enough for sleeping on and we get feedback from many parents who do just that. 

Our nursery chairs are designed by parents for parents so we’ve considered all those features that will make a difference. There’s ample room for you to recline the chair to sleep in comfort. Plus, the luxe fabrics are soft on your skin, like the stunning Teddy fabric of our Trend Collection. 

This isn’t a long-term solution but the good thing about sleep regressions is that they’re generally short term anyway. 

Create the optimal sleep environment  

When you’re seeking infant sleep help, the first thing many people will tell you is to ensure you’ve got the optimal environment for your baby to sleep in. There's a good reason for that. By creating the optimal environment, you’re helping to control for many factors that can disrupt baby sleep – such as noise, light and temperature. 

White noise can be particularly beneficial during sleep regressions by helping to mask background noises. The consistent sound of white noise mimics the environment of the womb, making your baby feel more secure and helping to induce sleep. 

If there is too much light filtering into your baby’s room, consider blackout shades or curtains to keep the room consistently dark. You can also use a temporary light-blocking solution, such as covering windows with aluminium foil or cardboard.  

Finally, while you don’t need to monitor the exact temperature of your baby’s room, keep in mind that 18-22°C is the ideal for a comfortable environment. If it’s too hot or cold in your baby’s room, it can lead to restlessness and wake-ups. Not ideal when you’re already dealing with sleep regression. 

Look after yourself 

While you’re worrying about how to get your newborn to sleep at night, don’t forget to look after yourself.  

During sleep regressions, the whole household is thrown into chaos. They’re tough for the baby but for you as well. The exhaustion can quickly add up, making life much harder for that period of time. 

Prioritising your own rest and self care is essential. If you can, nap when your baby naps. It might not be much but that little bit of sleep can help you get through the night. Drink plenty of water and eat as nutritious as possible to keep your energy levels up – you’ll need it! Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help or accept it when it’s offered. 

Be kind to yourself. Sleep regressions are challenging and it’s okay to feel frustrated or overwhelmed. But as tough as they are, they’re also temporary. 

Navigate sleep with the right essentials 

When you have the right baby essentials, it can make navigating things like sleep regressions that much easier. At iL Tutto, we combine functionality with style to offer a range of practical and luxe baby essentials. 

Our CoZee Co-sleeping Bassinets, cots and nursery chairs will help you to create a beautiful sleep environment for your baby. Explore the range of Australian-designed, award-winning products designed with your needs in mind.