4 Month Sleep Regression
As a new parent, you've likely heard about the challenges of the newborn stage and the dreaded sleepless nights that come with it. But what about when your baby hits the 4-month mark and suddenly starts waking up more frequently at night? This is known as the 4-month sleep regression, and it can be a difficult time for both parents and babies. Here's what you need to know about this common sleep issue and how to manage it.
What is the 4-month sleep regression?
Around the 4-month mark, many babies experience a significant sleep regression. This regression is related to developmental changes in your baby's brain and sleep patterns. Your baby’s sleep cycles are maturing and looking more like an adult sleep cycle - meaning more light sleep than the newborn phase. We all go through sleep cycles that start with light sleep, move to deep sleep, and then back to light sleep. At the end of the light sleep stage we wake briefly and go right back to the next sleep cycle. It’s usually a seamless transition. However, for babies who go to sleep in mama’s arms won't transition as easily. After the light sleep stage, they’ll wake and require the same treatment that put them to sleep at the beginning of the night. It can result in difficulty falling back to sleep when they reach the light sleep state, more night wakings, and early risings.
What are the signs of the 4-month sleep regression?
If you notice your baby waking up more frequently at night or having trouble falling asleep, it could be a sign of the 4-month sleep regression. Other signs include changes in feeding habits and napping, increased fussiness and irritability, and more frequent waking during naps and night sleep.
How can you manage the 4-month sleep regression?
While the 4-month sleep regression can be challenging, there are some things you can do to help your baby through this period.
Stick to a consistent routine: A consistent sleep schedule can help your baby feel more secure and comfortable. Stick to a regular bedtime routine, including a bath, feeding, and book or song, to help signal to your baby that it's time for sleep.
Avoid creating new sleep associations. Many parents confuse this regression with a growth spurt or sickness and either feed their baby or pick them up and help them fall back asleep. This kind of reaction will reinforce your baby’s behavior and cause them to wake more.
Put your baby down awake. Babies who fall asleep in mama’s arms at bedtime will require the same treatment when they wake at night. We can help you get there!
Go back to sleep training basics - offer comfort and reassurance but don’t overstep: During this time, your baby may need more comfort and reassurance from you but we want to make sure we are not overstepping and doing the job for them. Give them a pat or sing them a song until they are calm but refrain from putting them asleep. Let them finish the job.
Consider sleep training: If you're comfortable with sleep training and haven’t started this process yet, this can be a good time to start. We offer age-appropriate, gentle methods to help you and your baby get the restored sleep you both need.
Be patient: Remember that this phase is temporary and usually lasts a few days to a couple weeks. Be patient, flexible, and willing to adjust your approach as needed.
The 4-month sleep regression can be a challenging time for new parents, but it's a normal part of your baby's development. By staying consistent, offering comfort and reassurance, and being patient, you can help your baby through this phase and set them up for healthy sleep habits in the future.