What the Hell is Going On Around 8/9 Months?
I speak to so many parents around this point in their little one's life. Actually, anytime between 7 & 10 months really. Things may've been going really well for a while following the 4 month sleep transformation & then boom, night waking's start to creep in, nap refusal's become more regular & sleep may start to feel hard.
So what's going on/what may be causing it? Understanding why it is happening will help you with knowing what to do to help make it better/easier.
The transition from 3 - 2 naps. The increase in wake periods & reduction in day sleep is tough on your little one. This is temporary & your little one will adjust to the new 2 day nap schedule.
Separation anxiety is high. This is a really healthy part & key component of your little one's development however, it can be really challenging on us parents as they struggle to be away from us/want us in sight at all times.
Growth spurts/rapid developmental leaps. There is so much going on at this age. Again, a positive however, it can make things difficult for a wee while. Your little one will be curious & show preference towards practicing their new skills over sleeping.
Teething. Those bloody teeth. At this age, it can be common for a tooth eruption aka, the welcoming of a whack of new teeth in one go. Teething only ever impacts for a few days max at a time. Stay strong. It will pass.
Are naps impacted?
More often than not in one way or another. Always offer the nap, & if refused, just go for "quiet time" in place of the snooze. At times like this, it can also be handy to keep contact naps/motion naps (pram/sling) in your back pocket as these often help with getting some guaranteed snooze time.
How do I survive?
Keep a close eye on wake periods & sleepy cues & get seriously in tune with them. Let your little one guide you & the clock be a supporting tool to help avoid overtiredness.
Always protect bedtime. Pull forward if needed (no earlier than 6pm to help keep their circadian rhythm regulated) & also slightly stretch the wake periods throughout the day a little to encourage more time for sleep pressure to build between each nap.
Accept that your presence is going to be required a little more during this time. There is nothing wrong with this, you are not creating bad habits. Your little one is going through rapid changes & needs guidance, love & comfort whilst they adjust. If your presence helps them nap, get back to sleep then there is absolutely nothing wrong with doing it.
Never rush a nap transition. Nap refusal should have occurred for 2 weeks continually before you drop to 2 naps. Dropping too early will often do more damage than good. Slow & steady wins the race with this one.
Increase the amount of activity during each wake period, offering as much free time for your little one to practice their new skills as possible. Honestly, this can be the easiest & quickest thing to introduce to help improve sleep overall during this time.
Allow "Just Us Time" before they fall asleep at bedtime (the time between dinner & bedtime). Give your undivided attention, lots of cuddles, kisses & connection. This will fill their cup (& yours) & have them super relaxed & calm, ready for a night of snoozing.
