Evie Summers
Many parents of 10-month-old babies experience sleep regression, where their child suddenly starts waking up at night and has difficulty going back to sleep. This is often caused by developmental milestones, such as learning to crawl, stand, or walk, or gaining language skills. The excitement of these new skills can keep babies occupied at night, and they may want to practice them instead of sleeping. Additionally, teething pain and separation anxiety can also contribute to sleep disturbances. While this phase can be challenging, it is important to remember that it is temporary and establishing consistent routines can help manage it. Sleep training methods, such as the 'cry it out' approach or gentle techniques like the no tears method, can also be considered. Pediatricians can provide guidance and strategies to improve sleep patterns during this time.
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What You'll Learn
Sleep regression
At 10 months, babies are learning many new skills, such as crawling, pulling themselves up, cruising, walking, and language. All this activity can make napping less appealing, and they may want to stay up with you at night. A consistent daily routine is important to help your baby sleep through the night.
If your baby is struggling to sleep, it is recommended to stick to a more defined sleep schedule for naps and bedtime. A bedtime routine can help your baby wind down and understand that sleep is next. This routine should be done in the same order every night and can include quiet activities such as reading a book or singing a lullaby.
If your baby is waking up very early in the morning due to hunger, you might consider an early morning feed to help them sleep longer. Around 9-11 months, babies who have developed independent sleeping skills and have eaten enough during the day may be able to sleep through the night.
Sleep training methods such as the Ferber method can help your baby learn to self-soothe, but they may not be for everyone. It is important to consult a pediatrician before beginning any sleep-training program. Remember that this phase is temporary, and consistency and flexibility will help you and your baby get through it.
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Hunger
If your 10-month-old is hungry, they may not sleep well. It's important to ensure that your baby is getting enough to eat during the day. If they are hungry, they may wake up frequently during the night.
To avoid this, you could consider an early morning feed (around 3:00-5:00 AM). This may help your baby sleep longer and avoid waking up too early in the morning. However, it's important to note that some babies may still have trouble going 12 or more hours without feeding, even with an early morning feeding.
Additionally, it's recommended to avoid feeding your baby right before bedtime. This can lead to shorter naps and more frequent night wakings. Instead, make feeding an early part of your bedtime routine. It's also important to ensure that your baby is getting enough calories during the day. A consistent daily routine, including a well-defined sleep schedule, can help improve your baby's sleep.
If your baby is struggling with sleep due to hunger, it may be a good idea to consult a pediatrician or a sleep specialist for personalized advice and guidance.
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Separation anxiety
There are many reasons why a 10-month-old might not want to sleep. One of the most common reasons is separation anxiety. Separation anxiety is a normal stage of development that usually begins around 8 months when a baby starts to explore away from their primary caregiver. This can lead to increased clinginess and crying, especially when the caregiver initiates separation, such as during bedtime. The biggest surges of separation anxiety often occur between 8-10 months and again around 14-18 months.
If your child is experiencing separation anxiety, they may display changes in their sleep habits, such as increased night wakings, short naps, or difficulty falling asleep. These disruptions can be short-lived if consistent sleep schedules and bedtime routines are maintained, but they can also last longer. It is important to respond to your child's separation anxiety by helping them feel safe and secure. Here are some strategies that may help:
- Offer comfort and reassurance: When your baby wakes up during the night, provide brief reassurance without taking them out of the crib. You can also give them a reassuring pat or rub on their back to help them calm down.
- Maintain consistent sleep schedules and bedtime routines: A consistent and calming bedtime routine can help your child feel more secure and understand that sleep is approaching. It can include activities such as reading a book, singing a lullaby, or playing soothing music.
- Use a comfort object: A comfort object, also known as a "transitional object" or "lovey," can provide emotional support for your child. However, it is recommended to wait until your child is at least 12 months old before allowing a lovey or comfort object in their crib.
- Extra connection during the day: Setting aside even just 10-15 minutes of undivided attention and extra cuddles and kisses during the day can help your child feel more secure at bedtime.
- Play separation games: Games like peek-a-boo can help reinforce the idea that you will come back and offer a fun way to explore object permanence.
- Seek professional help: If you are concerned about your child's separation anxiety or sleep issues, consider consulting a sleep consultant or your child's pediatrician for personalized advice and support.
It is important to remember that every child is unique, and there is no "magic date" that sets a period of sleep regression or separation anxiety in motion. Some babies may experience sleep challenges due to factors such as developmental milestones, teething, or discomfort. As your child grows and gains independence, they may also start to understand their preferences and emotions, leading to sleep protests. Maintaining a consistent and flexible approach, making adjustments as needed, and prioritizing your child's comfort and security can help navigate this temporary phase.
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Teething pain
There are several signs that may indicate your baby is experiencing teething pain. These include increased fussiness, drooling, tender or swollen gums, and constantly putting fingers or objects in the mouth. Diarrhea, refusal to feed, and ear rubbing or pulling can also be associated with teething, although ear pulling may also indicate an ear infection, so it is advisable to consult a pediatrician if you are unsure.
To help your 10-month-old sleep better while teething, you can try various methods to ease their gum pain and provide comfort. Here are some strategies to consider:
- Massage your baby's sore gums gently to offer relief.
- Provide your baby with teething toys or a twisted cold washcloth to chew on. This helps to soothe their gums and distract them from the discomfort.
- If your baby is older and has started solids, offer frozen bananas or bagels to chew on under supervision.
- Consult your pediatrician about giving pain relievers like Tylenol before bedtime.
- Move bedtime earlier if your baby has been taking shorter naps during the day.
- Stick to a consistent bedtime routine and provide additional comfort as needed.
It is worth noting that while these methods can help, the teething discomfort may still cause some sleep disturbances. Remember that every child is unique, and it is essential to follow your comfort level and preferences when deciding which methods to use.
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Lack of routine
A consistent bedtime routine is key to helping your 10-month-old sleep through the night. A warm bath, followed by stories, singing, or lullabies can signal that it's time for bed. You could also include activities that fit your schedule and preferences, but it's best to do them in the same order every night.
If your baby is used to being fed or rocked to sleep, they may wake up during the night and wonder where you've gone. Instead, put your baby down when they're drowsy but still awake, so they can learn to fall asleep independently. If they cry, stay away for a few minutes, as they may settle down and go to sleep. If the crying continues, soothe your baby for a moment without picking them up.
It's common for babies to experience sleep regression at around 10 months. This can happen when they're learning new skills, such as crawling or walking, and their afternoon nap starts to lose its appeal. Teething can also be a factor. If your baby is teething, meet their physical needs while remaining consistent with their sleep routine.
If your baby wakes up very early in the morning due to hunger, you might consider an early morning feed (around 3:00 - 5:00 AM) to avoid them wanting to start the day too early.
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Frequently asked questions
It could be that your baby is experiencing the 10-month sleep regression, where a baby who has been sleeping well suddenly starts waking up at night and has difficulty going back to sleep. This is often caused by developmental milestones, such as learning to crawl, stand, or walk, or teething.
The 10-month sleep regression typically lasts between 2 and 6 weeks.
Babies this age typically need between 11 and 14 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period, including nighttime sleep and naps.
Here are some tips to help your baby sleep through the night:
- Establish a consistent bedtime routine.
- Ensure your baby has enough opportunities during the day to practice their new skills, so they are less inclined to do so at bedtime.
- Avoid feeding your baby too close to bedtime, as this can cause discomfort and disrupt sleep. Aim for mealtime to be about 1-2 hours before bedtime.
- Sleep training can be a useful tool. Common methods include the "cry it out" method, where you let your baby self-soothe, and the "no tears" approach, which involves comforting your baby at intervals.
