Symptoms of silent regression, sudden behavioural changes, unreasonable crying and calming methods you can apply at home in babies 18-36 months. Comprehensive guide for mums.
What is Silent Regression?
Every mother has more or less heard the terms “sleep regression”, “2 year old syndrome”, “developmental leap”.
But there's also silent regression there's a period called...
It is a hidden process that occurs between 18-36 months when children grow rapidly and is often unnoticed by parents but points to a strong developmental infrastructure.
Silent regression; while the child's brain is acquiring a new skill internal strain, It can be summarised as showing behaviour that cannot be explained from the outside and returning to old habits for a while.
This period can be exhausting for the mother, confusing for the child and slightly fluctuating at home.
But it's nothing to be afraid of.
In fact, most of the time just before the development leap appears.
The 7 Most Missed Signs of Silent Regression in Infants
1. Unprovoked crying attacks
When he suddenly starts crying at moments when nothing seems to have happened...
These cries are often an emotional release. The child feels inner tension as the mind prepares for a new skill.
What to do?
Just hug her, be with her, just say, “OK, I'm here.” It's not a solution, it takes trust.
2. Staying with the mother and excessive clinging
A child who is normally engrossed in its own play may suddenly cling to the mother's skirt. Constant cuddling, following the mother, refusing to play alone are common.
Why does it happen?
As the brain moves into a new stage of development, it needs the trust it received from the mother more intensely.
3. Sudden Outbursts of Anger
Even a mild “no” can cause a major crisis. This is actually an attempt to reorganise the child's sense of control.
Method that can be applied at home:
- Offer choice
- Short sentence
- Clarify your expectations
- Calm down without judgement
4. Flashbacks: Back to Pacifier, Baby Tongue, Biting
They may leave words incomplete when their speech is fully developed.
Toilet habits may regress when they are well established.
Babyish behaviour may increase.
These setbacks temporary and neurologically very normal.
5. Avoiding Games or Sticking to One Game for a Long Time
Either completely disconnected from the game or too focussed on a single game.
The brain tries to feel safe by “doing the same thing over and over again”.
6. Difficulty sleeping - unexplained night awakenings
Frequent night waking, coming to mum, refusing to sleep...
It is one of the most obvious signs of silent regression.
Tip:
Night awakenings are the strongest period of need for emotional closeness. “I'm with you” instead of “Go to sleep” is effective.
7. Excessive Interest and Excessive Kissing - Then Suddenly Withdrawal
This behaviour is misinterpreted by many mothers.
The child clings to a sense of security and then suddenly returns to its own space.
These ebbs and flows are a natural part of development.
Why Does Silent Regression Occur?
- Before the tongue explosion
- Acceleration of motor skills
- Dissociation-individuation period
- Development of social awareness
- Inability to bear new emotions
- Routine changes
The baby actually reflects the “big change within itself” as small fractures because it cannot carry it.
What should the mother do at home during this period?
1. Fix routines
Routines provide the most sense of trust.
2. Use too many words
Short sentences, clear messages.
3. Engaging in a power struggle
The child's brain is already in chaos; power struggles create emotional detachment.
4. See regression as a sign of progress
Save that line:
“This is not a step back, but a silent preparation for a leap forward.”
5. Use bonding contact
Hugging, stroking hair, eye contact...
It instantly activates calming hormones in the brain.
6. Reduce maternal guilt
“What did I do to make this happen?” is a thought many mothers have.
This period is not about you; it's purely neurodevelopmental.
What Happens After Silent Regression?
A lot of mums are like, “Oh, he spoke out of the blue!”,
“All of a sudden, he started making sentences”,
“He learnt colours in an instant”,
“He says things like, ”Suddenly he's more understanding.".
Because silent regression, is the springboard of development.
The child when the process is over:
- Communicates better
- Emotionally recovered
- Increased motor skills
- Social awareness is strengthened
Most Frequently Asked Questions
How long does silent regression last?
Usually between 2-6 weeks.
Does every child live?
Yes, but the intensity is different.
When to see a specialist?
Support can be sought in cases such as extreme introversion, regression lasting longer than 1 month, complete refusal to communicate.
Last Word
Silent regression is not a crisis; it is the outward reflection of the new doors that open in your child's inner world as he or she grows up.
Your calmness, approach and patience will be his/her greatest reassurance during this period.
Remember...
Every storm is a harbinger of progress.
