The 3 year old Sleep Regression

Sleep regression refers to a phase in your child’s life in which the sleep rhythm and sleep patterns change. Although these phases are usually temporary, they can be challenging for parents and children alike.Sleep regression usually occurs at around 4 months, 7-9 months, 12 months, 18 months and 2 years of age. Further sleep regression can also occur at age 3 as children continue to develop their skills, reach new milestones and can develop fears & anxiety.

Sleep regression at 3 years of age can be caused by a variety of factors, including a changing daily routine, the introduction of new activities or the development of fears. Children aged 3 often want or need less or no daytime sleep. Children at this age may start to wake up at night or have difficulty falling asleep. You may also have nightmares or restless sleep phases at night.It is important to understand that a sleep regression at this age is normal and part of the child’s natural development. While these changes can be stressful for parents, they are usually, like any sleep regression, temporary and your child will readjust. However, there are some steps you can take to make sleep regression easier.

The start of a new nursery or kindergarten, a move or a holiday can temporarily disrupt any child’s sleep. But the rapid pace of developmental change – and sleep regression – that babies experience in the first 2 years has now slowed down. Nevertheless, the 3-year sleep regression is one last classic sleep interruption that can keep you and your child awake.

Is your child in the middle of the 3-year sleep regression? Here are the most common signs:– Although your child usually sleeps until 6.30 a.m. or later, he or she suddenly wakes up before 6 a.m.– Your child gets up several times a night and comes into your room.– Your child refuses to go to bed and keeps finding reasons why they shouldn’t go to bed or why you should stay with them.

Are fears keeping your child awake?

As with any other sleep regression you’ve experienced, the 3-year sleep regression is due to an important development of your child’s brain and body. The tantrums that made your 2-year-old a big challenge for you as a parent may be over, but your child will continue to challenge you in new ways.Your toddler has become more independent with every developmental leap it has made so far. At this age, children often move away from their parents and caregivers during the day. They go to the park, nursery or kindergarten and feel fine and confident by their own, but at night they can’t separate from you. Your child’s world has grown bigger with every step and every word it learns, and so have its fears. Your child’s imagination has also developed in parallel with their other skills, and so you may find that your 3-year-old child is afraid of monsters or other imaginary things at night.

At this age, your child may already have a good grasp of language and be able to “order around” or “negotiate” before bedtime to delay bedtime. Another sip of water, another story, another song – sound familiar? Set clear rules before you start bedtime so that your child knows what is expected of them.

Does potty training cause sleep problems?

If your 3-year-old has started potty training, this can also have an impact on bedtime and night-time sleep. Some children are confused if they wear underpants during the day but have to put on a diaper before going to bed. Using the potty can also be a delaying tactic before bedtime – and a VERY confusing one for parents! How do you know if the child really needs to go to the toilet again? And what if they really have to? There will always be times when you and your child have to get up in the night to change bedding and pyjamas. Here’s what you can do to make potty training work with your child’s sleep:

• Make sure that a last visit to the toilet is part of the bedtime routine.

• Get waterproof pads for your child’s bed to protect the mattress and make cleaning easier.

• Have extra bed linen and pyjamas ready next to the bed.

• If your child refuses to wear diapers or is willing to sleep without diapers but is still learning to get up at night to pee, pajamas with built-in protection can be helpful.

• Your child may not yet be ready to stay dry at night. It is normal for a child to take longer to dry off at night than during the day. This cannot be trained, but is hormonal. Pay attention to your family history and talk to your doctor if you are worried.

Sleep regression requires a lot of patience

All sleep regressions require a lot of time and patience. They are temporary phases that your child will grow out of, but they can be SO difficult. You can follow these tips to help you and your child get through the sleep regression at the age of 3:

• Talk to your child about their fears during the day – naming them takes away their power!

• Spend fun playtime in his room to reinforce positive associations that will keep nighttime fears at bay.

• Make sure that your child goes to bed at a age appropriate bedtime.

• Make the bedtime routine calming and loving, to reassure your child who has difficulty separating from you before bedtime.

• Consider whether a small potty in your child’s room that they can use at night could help.

• Keep your GOOD sleep habits and avoid creating new habits that you no longer want to have after the regression.

• Create a clear and supportive plan and routine for helping your child to use the toilet independently.

• Set and discuss clear rules and repeat them regularly so that your child knows what is expected of them. This way you can avoid endless negotiations at bedtime.

• If your child does not yet have a cuddly toy or security object, now is the right time to give it to them. Let your child choose for themselves.

Age-appropriate bedtime

Make sure your child gets enough sleep and a suitable bedtime. At the age of 3, children need on average around 10 to 13 hours of sleep per night and 0-1 hour during the day. If there is no more sleep during the day, it is important to move bedtime earlier. If you are not sure what bedtime would be ideal for your little one, or if you need more information, feel free to contact me.

Exercise and fresh air

It is also important that children have enough movement and activity during the day to burn off their energy and improve their sleep quality. Sufficient fresh air and daylight are important for hormone regulation and also promote better sleep quality.

Calm and relaxing bedtime routine

A regular and predictable bedtime routine can also help to facilitate sleep regression. This may involve your child going to bed at a certain time, taking a warm bath or reading a story. Parents should also ensure that the child’s bedroom is quiet, dark and comfortable to promote restful sleep. Make sure the bedroom is tidy and there aren’t too many toys lying around. This can distract your child and keep them from wanting to sleep.

A night light can be comforting

At the age of 3, many children suddenly become afraid of things they can’t really explain. These can be fears for shadows, but also for something they have seen or heard during the day. These often come out at bedtime or during the night. A night light can help here. Make sure it’s not a blue light, instead use a warm light, such as a salt lamp.

While it is important that children get enough sleep, you should also understand that sleep regression is normal and part of your child’s development. During these phases, children can develop new skills and reach milestones that can influence their sleep patterns. Most processing takes place at night. Try to be patient (even if it’s not always easy) and support your child as they go through these changes.