The 4-month Sleep Regression

If you’re a parent, you might have heard whispers about the dreaded “4-month sleep regression.” This phase, which occurs when your baby is around four months old (but it can also occur after this timeframe!), can be challenging as your once peaceful sleeper suddenly starts waking up more frequently at night and taking shorter naps during the day. Understanding this developmental milestone can help you navigate through it with more patience and less stress.

What causes the 4-month Sleep Regression?

The 4-month sleep regression is when a baby’s sleep patterns change significantly. This regression really is a progression as your baby’s sleep won’t ever be the same as it previously was. This is not a sign of something wrong but rather an indication of growth and development as their sleep cycles are now maturing. Around this age, babies undergo a major leap in brain development, affecting their sleep cycles.

Their sleep patterns start to mature from the newborn stage into more structured cycles like adults.  What was previously your baby drifting easily between REM(Rapid Eye Movement) sleep and NREM(Non-Rapid Eye Movement) is now more structured sleep cycles and you may notice your baby now wakes up between each sleep cycle. This could be after 45 minutes during the day and every 2 hours overnight.

How long does it last?

The 4-month sleep regression is a permanent change to your baby’s sleep patterns.

This neurological change may result in your baby catnapping during the day and waking more overnight. If your baby has a parent-led sleep association such as rocking, feeding, baby-wearing, etc., they may need you to repeat this after each sleep cycle, which can be exhausting for everybody!

Tips to help you navigate the 4-Month Sleep Regression

• Teach your baby to self-settle. You may need a plan to wean them from parent-led sleep associations, such as a gentle sleep training method that allows you to support your baby as they learn to fall asleep independently.
• A great sleep environment. A dark room, where light won’t be a factor in waking up your baby. White noise also helps babies to cue it’s time for sleep, helps them through sleep cycles, and blocks out unwanted household noises.
• Routine, routine, routine! Sticking to a consistent routine is key, and whilst these regressions are tricky, a good solid routine will see you through it by providing security and reassurance to your little one.
• Be sure your baby is following age-appropriate awake times. A 4-month-old on a newborn schedule also won’t sleep as well.

The 4-month sleep regression is a tough period, but by understanding what’s happening and implementing some coping strategies, you and your little one will get through it!

If you are struggling with the 4-month sleep regression, reach out and book a free discovery call and let me help!