If you're a parent of a 7-month-old infant who's waking up every two hours at night, you're probably reading this with heavy eyelids and a cup of coffee in hand.

You're not alone.

Many parents find themselves in this exact situation, navigating the tricky terrain of infant sleep patterns. These frequent night wakings can be baffling and exhausting. But rest assured, it's a common phase that many infants go through.

In this article, we'll explore why your little one might be waking up so frequently, the impact it has on them and you, and some potential strategies to help everyone get a bit more sleep.

So, refill that coffee cup and read on. We're here to help you through these sleep-deprived nights.

Understanding the Sleep Patterns of a 7-Month-Old

At seven months old, a baby's sleep patterns begin to resemble those of an adult more closely, but there are still significant differences.

Understanding these sleep patterns can help parents set realistic expectations and develop effective sleep strategies. For example, knowing that light sleep phases can lead to interrupted sleep at night might encourage parents to wait a few minutes before rushing in at the first sound of stirring, giving the baby a chance to self-soothe and fall back asleep.

Total Number of Sleep During a 24-Hour Cycle

A 7-month-old typically sleeps about 14 hours a day, including both night sleep and naps. This is a decrease from the 16-18 hours a newborn might sleep, reflecting the baby's growing engagement with the world around them. However, these 14 hours aren’t usually continuous. Most 7-month-olds still wake up at least once or twice during the night.

Sleep Cycles During the Night

Nighttime sleep at this age is often divided into several sleep cycles, each lasting about 45-50 minutes. These cycles consist of different stages, including light sleep, deep sleep, and REM sleep. During light sleep, babies are more likely to wake up, which can lead to those middle-of-the-night awakenings that parents know all too well.

Common Changes in the Sleep Pattern of a 7-Month-Old

In addition to these sleep cycles, there are also common changes in sleep patterns around this age.

It's important to note that while the patterns mentioned in the previous section are typical, every infant is unique. Some 7-month-olds might sleep more or less than the average, whereas other infants might still take three naps a day or sleep through the night without waking.

These variations and nap transitions are usually nothing to worry about, as long as the baby is happy, healthy, and developing normally.

Take a look.

Teething

At around seven months of age, many babies experience the eruption of their first teeth, usually the lower central incisors. This process can trigger a range of symptoms, including drooling, irritability, a slight increase in body temperature, and a strong urge to chew on objects. However, one of the most noticeable symptoms is disrupted sleep.

The uneasiness associated with teething can make it challenging for a baby to settle into sleep, leading to frequent awakenings. This is particularly true during the night when there are fewer distractions to divert the baby's attention from the pain. Consequently, a teething baby might wake up every couple of hours, seeking comfort and relief.

Interestingly, the pain of teething can sometimes intensify at night. The reason is that more blood flows to the head when lying down, which tends to increase the pressure on the gums and exacerbate the discomfort, causing your baby to wake up frequently throughout the night.

The good news is that these sleep disruptions are temporary and a normal part of the teething process. Various methods can soothe a teething baby, such as offering a cold teething ring or using a cooling gel suitable for infants. These techniques can help alleviate the pain and hopefully lead to longer periods of sleep for both the baby and the parents.

Illnesses

Respiratory infections, such as the common cold, flu, or bronchiolitis, are among the most common illnesses that can disturb a baby's sleep. These infections often cause congestion, coughing, and difficulty breathing, which can lead to frequent awakenings throughout the night, leaving both the baby and the parents exhausted.

Gastrointestinal issues, such as stomach viruses or food intolerances, can also disrupt a baby's sleep. These conditions can cause digestive discomfort, resulting in frequent waking due to abdominal pain, bloating, or diarrhea. Babies may also experience reflux, where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing uneasiness and interrupted sleep.

Ear infections are another common ailment in infants that can disrupt their sleep patterns. The pain and pressure caused by an ear infection can be particularly intense during the night when the baby is lying down, leading to restlessness and frequent awakenings.

As such, parents need to pay attention to other symptoms accompanying the frequent awakenings to determine if an illness is the cause. Fever, excessive crying, changes in appetite, and unusual behavior can indicate an underlying health issue that requires medical attention.

Sleep Regression

Sleep regression refers to a temporary disruption in a baby's sleep patterns. It’s a period when a previously good sleeper might start waking up more frequently and may have difficulty settling back to sleep.

This regression is often linked to developmental milestones, such as learning to crawl or increased cognitive awareness, which can make it harder for babies to switch off and sleep. It can also be caused by separation anxiety or changes in their sleep cycles.

Whatever the reason for their onset, these regressions can be frustrating for parents, as they disrupt established sleep routines. However, it’s important to remember that sleep regressions are temporary and usually resolve on their own.

As parents, you need to provide reassurance, maintain a consistent bedtime routine, and practice good sleep habits to help you navigate this phase with patience and understanding.

Shift in Nap Patterns

Around the age of 7 months, there may be noticeable shifts in the nap patterns of babies. As they continue to develop and grow, their sleep needs change.

At this stage, it’s common for babies to transition from three shorter naps to two longer ones; one in the morning and one in the afternoon. This transition can be gradual, with naps gradually getting longer and spaced further apart. Also, while they vary in length, they’re generally anywhere between 2–3 hours of sleep in total.

Some babies may also start to show signs of consolidating their sleep, taking longer and more consistent naps. Parents need to observe their baby's cues, establish a structured nap routine, and provide a conducive sleep environment to support these nap transitions.

In addition, recognizing the transition to two naps can help parents adjust their baby's schedule to prevent overtiredness, which can further disrupt sleep.

Tips and Techniques to Get Your 7-Month-Old’s Sleep Back to Normal

Here are a few things you can do to help your 7-month-old resume their normal sleeping routine.

Remember, every baby is different, and it may take time for them to adjust to new sleep routines. Be patient and consistent in implementing these tips, and consult with your pediatrician if you have any concerns about your baby's sleep patterns or overall well-being.

1. Establish a Consistent Sleep Schedule

Establish regular nap times and a consistent bedtime. This helps regulate your baby's internal clock and promotes better sleep patterns.

Then, at bedtime, make sure you create a consistent and calming routine to signal to your baby that it's time to sleep.

Avoid subjecting your infant to stimulating activities, such as screen time or active play, close to bedtime. Instead, engage in calm and quiet activities to help your baby wind down. This can include activities like a warm bath, gentle massage, reading a book, or singing a lullaby.

2. Create a Sleep-Friendly Environment

Ensure that your baby's sleep environment is comfortable, quiet, and dark. Use white noise machines or soft music to drown out any disruptive sounds.

3. Encourage Self-Soothing

Teach your baby to self-soothe by putting them down drowsy but awake. This helps them learn to fall asleep independently and reduces their reliance on external sleep associations.

4. Address Any Discomfort

Check for any physical pains and aches that may be causing your baby to wake up, such as teething, an illness, or a wet diaper. Address these issues before bedtime to minimize disruptions during the night.

5. Be Consistent with Nighttime Feedings

If your baby is still waking up for night feedings, ensure that they’re getting enough calories during their daytime feedings. Then, gradually reduce the amount of nighttime feedings to encourage longer stretches of sleep.

Final Thoughts

A baby’s sleep patterns are a complex mix of growing maturity and ongoing development. Understanding why your 7-month-old is waking every two hours at night can help you navigate this challenging stage and ensure your baby is getting the rest they need for healthy development and hopefully give you a couple of more hours of sleep yourself.