6 Month Sleep Regression Or Teething? | Here's How You Know

Many people seem to think that the newborn phase is the toughest stage there is in a child’s early development, and that after sleep training is complete… It’s smooth(ish) sailing from there. But actually, around the six month mark, things may become difficult once more! And if you haven’t yet sleep trained your baby, it could make starting that process more difficult! So the question that many parents will end up asking is, is this the 6 month sleep regression or teething?

This question is fair, because both the 6 month sleep regression and teething tend to happen around the same time. And it can be hard to determine which one is happening! Plus, the two things combined can make for a tough phase in both and your baby’s life.

So here’s how to know the difference between a sleep regression and teething, as well as what to do about both…

What is the 6 month sleep regression?

A sleep regression is a period of time where a baby will experience sleep patterns that are outside of their norm. For instance, your baby may start becoming restless during the night or waking up earlier than they have been.

These sleep regressions can happen at various times throughout a baby’s first years; such as at 4 months, 8-10 months, 12 months, 18 months, and even 24 months! But although those are the most common ages for your little one to experience a sleep regression, it can sometimes happen at 6 months as well.

Causes for sleep regressions vary, but it usually boils down to some sort of development (physical or mental) that’s causing your baby to be disturbed. It could be changes in sleep needs, the baby learning new motor skills, or of course… teething!

What is teething?

Teething is the term we use to describe the process of a baby having their first set of teeth emerge from their gums. This process is notoriously painful for babies, and by proxy, frustrating for parents. Not only because you know that your child is in pain and can do little to stop it, but also because it can result in a variety of behavioral issues.

Every baby is different, so some infants will start teething sooner than others. In fact, babies can start teething as early as 3-4 months, while others might not begin until around the year mark! But in general, babies start teething at around 6 months old.

How do you know if it’s a 6 month sleep regression or teething?

As you’ve probably surmised throughout this article, it’s possible for the teething process to cause the 6 month sleep regression. So it’s likely that you’ll experience both at the same time, if your baby does end up having a sleep regression at the 6 month mark.

But just to make things clear, here are the symptoms of both issues… So you can determine for yourself if your baby is experiencing a sleep regression, teething, or both!

Signs Of A Sleep Regression

When experiencing a sleep regression, your baby will likely…

Have a harder time falling asleep
Wake up more often throughout the night
Be harder to settle down for naps
And become cranky or fussy throughout the day due to the lack of sleep!

Signs Of Teething

When a baby is teething, they may…

Have sore and reddened gums
Have a rash or a strong flush on their cheek
Start rubbing their ear
Begin gnawing on objects
Start drooling more than usual
Run a slight temperature
Become anxious
And have problems falling, and staying, asleep!

What To Do If Your Baby Is Having A 6 Month Sleep Regression

Now, if you’ve determined that your baby is experiencing a sleep regression, here are some things you can do to help your baby through this stage…

Build a routine around bedtime. Bedtime for your baby should involve a specific a process, especially at this age. Because you want them to start associating certain things with falling asleep, so that they start becoming sleepy as soon as these events happen. For instance, maybe you could rock them for a few moments before bed, or sing a certain song as you put them in their crib.
Consider transitioning to two naps. Most babies have three naps a day from the time they’re born, until about six months of age. So not only is this the time when you likely need to transition from three to two naps anyway, but having less sleep during the day may allow your little one to fall asleep more easily at night.
Sleep when your baby sleeps! I know this piece of advice is more popular in regards to the newborn phase, but when you’re in the thick of a sleep regression, it needs to be applied again! Because if you don’t fit in naps when you can, you’ll find it harder to be calm and patient with your baby later in the day.

What To Do If Your Baby Is Teething

And if your baby is teething, you can employ these methods to comfort them…

Provide them with teething rings, extra points if you put them in the fridge (because a cool teething ring will soothe your baby’s gums even more). But never put them in the freezer!
Rub their gums with your finger, provided that you’ve just washed your hands!
Wipe away any excess drool, as this will help prevent a rash.
And if your baby is having a particularly difficult time, you could ask your doctor about some safe pain medication!

But you should avoid the following…

Giving your baby teething necklaces, bracelets, or anklets! Because these could cause choking, strangulation, or even infection.
Using teething gels on your baby. These haven’t been proven to have any sort of benefit, and they could even be dangerous if you choose the wrong kind!
And never tie a teething ring around your baby’s neck!

Conclusion

So, is it a 6 month sleep regression or teething? Hopefully with now you’ll be able to figure it out. And know what to do for your baby, to help them through either stage. Just remember to stay calm along the way, this too shall pass!

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