2 Month Sleep Regression

At about two months, some babies may experience sleep regression. This is when a baby who has started to develop a more stable sleep pattern suddenly starts waking up more frequently, has difficulty falling asleep, or seems more irritable during sleep. This can be a difficult phase for parents, but it's a common temporary phenomenon as babies grow.

If you want to read more ideas about the topic of 2-month sleep regression, then read on.

• Is there a 2-month-old or 8-week sleep regression? /a>
• Signs of the 8-week sleep regression
• Why does my 2-month-old fight sleep?
• How long does the 2-month sleep regression last?
• How to sleep train a 2-month-old?
• Sample sleep routine for 2 month old
• Conclusion

Is there a 2-month-old or 8-week sleep regression?

Some parents notice a change in their baby's sleep around 2 months of age, but experts don't usually refer to it as an official sleep regression. Two-month-old babies are still forming their sleep patterns, and it's normal for sleep to be erratic as they adjust to new routines, growth, and development. Therefore, while there may be some disruptions, they are not usually considered a true sleep regression, as is the case when they occur later in a baby’s life.

Signs of the 8-week sleep regression

Here are some signs of 8-week sleep regression, described in more detail below:

Increased number of night wakings:

Babies who used to be longer sleepers may start waking up more frequently during the night. This may be due to a growth spurt or developmental changes that make it harder for them to stay asleep.

Difficulty falling asleep:

Your baby may suddenly take longer to fall asleep or seem more irritable when put down. This may be due to their developing ability to sense their surroundings, making it more difficult to fall asleep peacefully.

Shorter naps:

Parents may notice that their baby's naps are shorter and less predictable. This may be due to changes in your baby's sleep cycle, making it more difficult to transition between sleep stages.

More irritable:

Some babies may become more irritable or fussy, especially during sleep time. This may be related to their rapid growth and neurological changes, which can make them more sensitive.

Clingy:

Babies during this period may become more clingy and want to be held or comforted more frequently. This may be a reaction to the new sensations and experiences they are experiencing, leading to a greater need to be soothed.

The intensity of these signs varies from baby to baby, but they are all common during sleep disruption in this age group.

Why does my 2-month-old fight sleep?

A 2-month-old baby may resist sleep for several reasons.

Harder to settle down

At this age, babies are becoming more aware of their surroundings, which may make it harder for them to settle down.

More easily stimulated

Babies may be overstimulated by new sights and sounds, making it difficult to fall asleep.

Growth spurts or developmental changes

In addition, growth spurts and developmental changes may cause discomfort or increased hunger, both of which can interfere with sleep.

Sleep position

At times, infants may also have difficulty finding a comfortable sleep position.

Overtired

Being overtired also can make it harder for babies to fall asleep.

How long does the 2-month sleep regression last?

If your baby develops a sleep disorder around 2 months of age, it usually doesn't last very long. At this age, most sleep disorders last about a week or two. During this time, babies may have more difficulty falling asleep, but as they adjust to any changes that occur during development, they usually return to a more consistent sleep pattern. Every baby is different, so the duration will vary, but it is usually temporary.

How to sleep train a 2-month-old?

Here are some strategies to help sleep train your 2-month-old, as detailed below:

Establish a consistent bedtime routine:

Establishing a simple, calm routine at bedtime helps signal to your baby that it's time to sleep. This may include a warm bath, a gentle massage, putting on a sleep sack or pajamas, reading a short story, or singing a lullaby. Repeating the same activities in the same order each night can help your baby recognize bedtime cues and fall asleep more easily.

Create an environment conducive to sleep:

It's important to make sure your baby's sleep space is comfortable and conducive to sleep. Some parents find that a white noise machine can help mask background sounds and soothe the baby to sleep.

Encourage daytime naps:

Ensuring that your baby gets enough sleep during the day can improve nighttime sleep. 2-month-old babies usually need to take several naps throughout the day. Making sure they nap regularly and aren't overtired before bedtime can make it easier for them to fall asleep at night.

Practice putting a sleepy but awake baby to sleep:

Teaching your baby to fall asleep on their own can start with putting them down when they are drowsy but not yet fully asleep. This helps babies learn to self-soothe and fall asleep without relying on rocking or feeding to fall asleep. It may take some time, but with persistence, your baby will begin to self-soothe with falling asleep.

Be patient with night wakings:

It's normal for your 2-month-old baby to wake up at night. When this happens, responding with calm and consistent methods, such as gentle tapping or shushing, can help your baby sleep peacefully. Avoid turning on bright lights or engaging in stimulating activities as this can further wake up your baby.

Breastfeed during the day to minimize nighttime awakenings:

Making sure your baby is fed during the day may help reduce the frequency of night wakings due to hunger. Breastfeeding regularly during the day, with a final feeding just before bedtime, can help keep your baby feeling fuller for longer and potentially prolong sleep.

The focus of these strategies is to gradually help your baby learn to fall asleep more independently while recognizing that your two-month-old baby is still young and it is normal to experience some sleep challenges at this stage.

Sample sleep routine for 2 month old

Below is a sample sleep routine for a 2-month-old baby:

Morning wake-up (7:00 am):

Wake your baby up at about the same time every morning to start the day. This helps to set their internal clock. After diaper changes and feedings, do some gentle playtime or lay down time to stimulate their senses.

First nap (8:30 - 9:00 a.m.):

Let your baby take their first nap about 1.5 to 2 hours after they wake up. Naps may last 45 minutes to an hour. Keep the environment calm and peaceful to promote restful sleep.

Noon feeding (10:00 a.m.):

After the first nap, feed your baby again. This is followed by quiet playtime or a short walk for fresh air.

Second nap (11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.):

When your baby shows signs of tiredness such as yawning or rubbing their eyes, let them nap again. This nap may be a little longer, up to 1.5 hours.

Afternoon feeding (1:00 p.m.):

When your baby wakes up, feed them again. Play some gentle games or read a short book.

Third nap (2:30 - 3:00 p.m.):

About 1.5 to 2 hours after waking, the baby should take another nap. This nap may be shorter, about 45 minutes to an hour.

Afternoon feeding (4:00 p.m.):

After waking, feed again. This is a time for more active play, such as kicking around on the play mat, but staying calm as the day comes to an end.

Evening naps (5:30 - 6:00 p.m.):

Taking a short nap in the evening will help your baby rest before bedtime. Naps may last as little as 30 minutes.

Bedtime routine (7:00 p.m.):

Begin the bedtime routine with a bath, gentle massage, pajamas, and a final feeding. Dim the lights and keep the environment quiet to help the baby relax.

Bedtime (7:30 pm - 8:00 pm):

Aim to put your baby to bed by 7:30 pm or 8:00 pm. Try to put your baby to sleep in a drowsy but awake state to help them learn to fall asleep on their own.

Night wakings:

It is normal for your baby to wake up once or twice during the night to feed. Respond calmly by dimming the lights and avoiding overstimulation.

This routine can be adapted to your baby's individual needs and cues, but it may help establish consistent sleep habits.

Conclusion

In conclusion, sleep regression in two-month-olds can still be a challenging time for babies and parents. During this stage, your baby's sleep patterns become more unpredictable as they rapidly grow and develop. Understanding that this is a normal and temporary stage can help parents manage their expectations and provide their baby with the support they need. With patience and consistent sleep habits, most babies will eventually return to more consistent sleep patterns.