As a parent, it can be challenging to determine whether your little one is experiencing teething pain or going through a sleep regression. For instance, if your 8-month-old suddenly starts waking up every 40 minutes at night, it can be tough to figure out if she’s in discomfort or simply adjusting to new skills and developments. When babies become more active, their sleep can be disrupted, much like how we sometimes find it hard to settle down after an exciting day.
To help your baby unwind, consider adding an extra 15 minutes to her bedtime routine. This can include dimming the lights, playing soft music, and ensuring a calm environment—no TV, as it can interfere with sleep later on. A warm bath, quiet storytelling, and gentle cuddles can all contribute to creating a relaxing atmosphere that encourages better sleep.
As your baby becomes more active during the day, she will need more time to relax at night to help her fall asleep and stay asleep. This calming pre-bed ritual is beneficial regardless of whether her nighttime awakenings are due to teething discomfort or a stuffy nose.
Teething can indeed be painful, and if you suspect this might be the culprit, you might want to consider administering a dose of Tylenol or Motrin, after consulting with her pediatrician. Remember that while teething pain may lead to night waking, it can sometimes evolve into a habit that persists even after the discomfort subsides. It’s understandable to want to comfort your little one when she cries, but it’s also crucial to establish a sleep routine that encourages her to self-soothe.
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To Summarize:
Understanding whether your baby’s sleep disturbances stem from teething or sleep regression requires careful observation. Establishing a calming bedtime routine can help your little one relax and promote better sleep. If you’re navigating the journey of parenthood, resources and communities are available to support you, whether through at-home insemination or parenting tips.