Herbie Murray
Many parents of 10-month-olds experience what is known as the 10-month sleep regression. This is a phase where a baby who has been sleeping well suddenly starts waking up at night and has difficulty falling back asleep. There are many reasons why a 10-month-old might fight sleep, including overstimulation, teething pain, developmental milestones, and separation anxiety. A consistent daily routine is important, and parents should also be mindful of the timing of meals, as feeding a baby too close to bedtime can cause discomfort and disrupt sleep.
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Developmental milestones
A 10-month-old baby fighting sleep is a common occurrence, and it can be attributed to several developmental milestones. Here are some paragraphs discussing these milestones and their impact on sleep:
Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety can start around six to eight months and can cause a baby to fight sleep. This is when they realise their caregiver is not physically attached to them and can result in clingy behaviour and tears when left alone. This often coincides with the development of new motor skills, such as crawling, which gives them more independence.
Babies tend to get excited about practising new skills, such as babbling, rolling, sitting up, crawling, and walking. These milestones can disrupt sleep as babies may want to practice these new abilities at night. Sleep regression, a common setback in a baby's nighttime routine, can occur at 10 months and is often associated with developmental milestones.
Teething
Teething typically starts around six months but can happen earlier or later. The pain and discomfort associated with teething can cause babies to fight sleep. This can coincide with the 10-month sleep regression, resulting in increased night waking, difficulty falling asleep, and shorter naps.
Sleep Associations
Babies older than four months can develop sleep associations, such as needing to be rocked or fed to sleep. While these associations can be comforting, they can also hinder a baby's ability to fall asleep independently. It's important to help them develop healthy sleep habits by gradually reducing external dependencies.
Overtiredness
Overtiredness is a common issue that can lead to a baby fighting sleep. This can happen when naps are too short or wake windows are too long, resulting in a surge of cortisol and adrenaline that makes it harder for them to settle. Ensuring age-appropriate sleep schedules and adequate active time during the day can help prevent overtiredness.
Changes in Schedule
A change in routine or schedule can disrupt a baby's sleep. This includes adjustments to their daily routine, such as dropping a nap, or external factors like daylight saving time or travel. It's important to maintain consistency and gradually adjust schedules to minimise sleep disturbances.
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Separation anxiety
A 10-month-old baby fighting sleep could be experiencing a "10-month sleep regression". This is a common phrase used to describe a temporary disruption in a child's sleep patterns, such as waking more at night, taking shorter naps, or fighting bedtime. This is often associated with developmental growth and big transitions.
At around 6-8 months, babies develop a sense of object permanence, understanding that objects or people continue to exist even when out of sight. This can lead to separation anxiety, as the baby realizes that their caregiver is still present even when they are out of sight.
To manage separation anxiety, it is important to provide extra comfort and reassurance to the baby. This can include spending intentional 1-on-1 time with the baby, playing separation games like peek-a-boo, or introducing comfort objects or "loveys" to provide a sense of security. However, it is recommended to wait until the baby is at least 12 months old before allowing such objects in their crib.
Additionally, maintaining a consistent yet flexible daily routine can help with sleep regression and separation anxiety. This includes sticking to a sleep schedule, being mindful of the baby's nap duration and frequency, and ensuring a safe sleep environment.
It is worth noting that sleep regression can be influenced by various factors, and each baby is unique in their sleep needs and development.
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Teething
To help your 10-month-old through teething pain and improve their sleep, there are several strategies you can try. Firstly, focus on teaching your baby independent sleep skills. This involves encouraging them to fall asleep without being rocked, fed, or held. While it may take time and consistency, it will help your baby develop healthy sleep habits. Secondly, maintain a consistent yet flexible daily routine. A solid bedtime routine, such as a bath, bottle, cuddle, and bed sequence, can help your baby settle into a sleep pattern and reduce their resistance to sleep.
Additionally, consider adjusting their sleep schedule to accommodate their changing needs. For example, you might transition from three naps to two longer naps during the day, as babies' sleep requirements evolve as they grow. Lastly, ensure you provide ample opportunities for your baby to practice new motor skills during the day. Their urge to master milestones like sitting up or crawling may be distracting them at night, so giving them dedicated playtime can help reduce their desire to practice these skills when they should be sleeping.
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Overstimulation
A bright, busy household, screens, beeping toys, or a crying spell can be too much for a baby to handle, leading to overstimulation and a resistance to sleep. Too much noise, light, or physical touch can all contribute to overstimulation.
To prevent overstimulation, it is recommended to avoid stimulating activities at least an hour before bedtime. This includes activities that wind the baby up, such as tickling, and replacing them with calming activities like massages, lullabies, or stories. Screens are particularly stimulating and can make it harder for babies to fall asleep, so it is advised to turn them off at least 30 minutes before bedtime.
Additionally, it is important to gradually reduce the amount of time spent in the baby's room each night, allowing them to soothe themselves back to sleep. Consistency is key, and sticking to a bedtime routine will help the baby fall asleep more easily over time.
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Sleep regression
During this period, babies are learning many new skills, such as sitting up, crawling, pulling up, and babbling. This surge in cognitive, emotional, and physical development can lead to sleep taking a back seat. Additionally, the understanding of object permanence can result in separation anxiety, making it challenging for babies to fall asleep independently.
To improve sleep during this regression, it is recommended to establish a consistent yet flexible daily routine. Teaching your baby independent sleep skills can be beneficial, and there are various sleep training approaches available, ranging from gentle methods to more intensive strategies. However, it is advised to consult a pediatrician before beginning any sleep training program.
While this phase can be challenging, it is important to remember that it is only temporary. Consistency and support from friends and family can help both you and your baby get through this tumultuous time.
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Frequently asked questions
It could be due to the 8-9-10 month sleep regression, a period of significant change and development for your baby. They might be learning new skills like crawling, standing, or walking, and these new milestones can disrupt sleep. Teething can also be a factor, causing discomfort and waking your baby up at night.
Your baby might be taking shorter naps, refusing to nap, or taking a long time to settle down and fall asleep. They might also be waking up more frequently at night.
Consistency is key. Stick to a flexible daily routine and memorize your baby's drowsy signs to avoid overtiredness. Provide a balanced diet with meals 1-2 hours before bedtime to aid digestion. Avoid overstimulation before bed by minimizing screen time, bright lights, and noise.
