As a new mom, you’re often warned about the 4 month sleep regression. But is it really that bad? Honestly, it depends on your baby and their development. Let me explain.
A sleep regression is a normal occurrence when a baby’s sleep “regresses” as they are working on a developmental milestone or mental leap. This often looks like less sleeping and more time being fussy, wanting to constantly nurse or to be held all the time. Every baby will experience a sleep regression differently, as every baby is unique. Some babies will have their sleep habits completely thrown upside-down, while other babies will barely experience a bump in the road. It’s hard to say what your specific baby will do until the time comes.
So When Does This Happen?
A baby’s sleep habits start to change at around three months when their sleep starts to consolidate. Their sleep cycles start to link resulting in them sleeping for longer periods at a time. Every baby goes through this huge developmental leap as they work on meeting new milestones such as rolling.
How Long Does the 4 Month Sleep Regression Last?
Most sleep regressions typically last 2-6 weeks (yes there are many sleep regressions during a baby’s first 2 years of life). Your baby’s sleep will improve as they learn healthy sleep habits and are physiologically ready to link sleep cycles on their own.
What Does the 4 Month Sleep Regression Look Like?
- Difficulty falling asleep
- More frequent nighttime wakings
- Increase in fussiness and irritability
- Reduced amount of overall sleep
How Do I Get Through it?
- Give lots of time to practice rolling
- Calm bedtime routine
- Follow wake windows
- Watch for tired signs
- Use motion or contact napping to extend naps
- Create positive sleep associations so your baby feels that sleep is a safe place to be
Don’t worry, although it may seem like this disruption in baby’s sleep won’t ever end, it will. Just like most things baby, it’s just a phase. Keep calm and try not to stress too much over the dreaded 4 month sleep regression. In no time at all, your baby will be sleeping longer stretches, and so will you.
Disclosure: collaborative post
Thank you for reading - if you enjoyed this content, please consider buying me a coffee here or browse my Amazon wishlist I really appreciate your support and it helps to keep the site running and for my time 🙂