Sleep regressions may occur at any stage of your child’s development, but they are most common at the four month stage. This is because your baby is going through a big growth spurt - in their brain! At four months your baby’s development is fast changing and this can interrupt their sleep. While it’s wonderful your little one is learning lots of new tricks, it’s not great for a good night's sleep! Read our tips below on how to navigate the four month sleep regression.
What is a sleep regression?
Put simply, that sleeping ‘routine’ you’ve been working so hard on with your little one will go completely out the window if your baby is experiencing a sleep regression, although it is usually for good reasons! Your baby can be going through multiple changes that can help them reach important milestones like learning to crawl, talk and walk which ultimately disturbs their sleep. Unfortunately this does mean a few sleepless nights. Tell-tale signs that your baby is going through a sleep regression include; waking up more frequently or at unusual times, increased fussiness and skipping naps. Whilst there is nothing you can do to prevent your baby’s sleep regression as it is a necessary evil for their development, there are ways you can try to ease the effects. The important thing to remember is that sleep regressions typically only last between 2-6 weeks, so hang in there mama! If you find that your baby isn’t settling and is fussing more than normal, they may be suffering from colic.
How can I get through a 4 month sleep regression?
When ‘surviving’ a sleep regression and ultimately sleep deprivation for you and your little one - your main aim is to ensure that all the conditions are right for your baby to get as much sleep as possible.
Keep the lights low
It might sound obvious, but making sure your baby’s room has as little light as possible should be high on your priority list for getting your little one over to sleep. This may be more difficult if your baby is in your bedroom in a co-sleeper. Try to keep those midnight phone scrolls to a minimum, minimise use of lamps (use nightlights instead) and other harsh lighting and consider opting for black out curtains or blinds.
As little noise as possible
As your baby is going through a brain growth spurt, they are likely more awake and alert than ever so try to keep the noise in your house at a low level. If you find that this is difficult, white noise may help your baby sleep by hearing a low consistent noise, rather than sporadic loud voices and unfamiliar noises.
Maintain routine
Although it’s tempting to throw away all that hard work you’ve put into their routine, it’s beneficial for you to try to maintain your baby’s bedtime regime. Continue putting them down to sleep at their usual time for bedtime and for naptime. Because this regression will only last a few weeks, it is likely that you will be able to fall back into your normal routine if you keep it up with your baby. So keep persevering!
Bathtime
If bathtime isn’t currently a feature in your baby’s pre-bedtime routine, it’s a great habit to get into to relax them and get them ready for sleep. Just like the rest of us, babies love to feel warm, snuggly and secure and this often sets them up for a better nights sleep.
Minimise play
Although at four months your baby may be displaying more of a personality and might need entertained, keep play to a minimum in the hours before bedtime. While play is excellent for your baby’s development, it does stimulate their brains and keeps them alert and active - quite the opposite of what you want for a few hours sleep!
Perhaps the most difficult piece of advice for parents of babies going through a sleep regression is to simply be patient. It won’t last forever and it’ll soon be worth it as your baby begins to grow and develop before your (very bleary and overtired) eyes!
For more advice on your baby’s sleeping regimes in their first year, read our advice here;
