I wish I could be that mom who says it was easy the second time around, but the truth is, I'm just a normal mom trying to make it work. I do all the research, talk to experts and implement what I know. Plus, mom's intuition is a pretty remarkable tool we all have at our fingertips. In my house right now, we are in the 4-month sleep regression/progression phase. But before I get into my journey, let's talk about regression vs progression when it comes to sleep.
Some experts will call it a regression while others call it a progression. But why? I think it's important to say that one isn't better than the other. It's all based on preference and perception. Here is what I think. It started being called regression because that's what it FEELS like. One day your kid is sleeping totally fine and the next, s/he's waking up every 30-45 minutes and you're losing your mind. What is ACTUALLY happening is your kiddo is going through more developmental and physical changes that are crucial to their growth. It's actually a really GOOD thing and an opportunity to work with your kiddo to help their sleeping habits.
When we noticed that Beni started being much more active, lively, verbal, and physical, we knew he was going through his 4-month change. He started waking up every 30-45 minutes from naps and became much more aware of his surroundings. For example, I hung up my dried roses and he couldn't stop staring at them. This sleep progression has been tricky because we are transitioning him to his crib more and more. But he is more comfortable in our bed as we have been co-sleeping. So when he wakes up, my instinct is to run in there, pick him up, and put him in my bed while I nurse him back to sleep. Why back to sleep? A few reasons; One, it's more important for him to get the sleep he needs than anything else, and two, I need a break! Also, sleep begets sleep so if I let him wake up without sufficient naps, I will have one unhappy baby who also won't sleep at night.
But after so much research & trial and error, I learned that if I just allow him the space to put himself back to sleep, he will. And he does put himself back to sleep now. So, take that to the guy revving his engine outside my window! Here are a few articles that give some good advice.
Photo Credit: Rasha Rosa Photography
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