Sleep regressions often feel like a step backwards – they're usually developmental leaps.
Going with the growth
- Keep your routines, even when they seem "not to be working".
- More closeness during the day can bring more calm at night.
- Daylight and movement in fresh air help many babies.
Be gentle with yourselves
- Agree a shift model with your partner so that one person doesn't break.
- Don't start any new sleep training in the middle of a regression.
- Adjust expectations: no housekeeping, no exercise programme "on the side".
Getting help
- If lack of sleep makes you ill, irritable or sad: your midwife, family or parenting counselling are good first places to turn.
- For dark thoughts: an emotional support helpline (in Germany, TelefonSeelsorge 0800 111 0 111).
Regressions pass – even if at night it feels endless.