The 4 month regression
The 4-month sleep regression is definitely one of the most famous sleep disruptions for new parents. It’s a milestone in your baby’s development that often catches caregivers off guard.
This regression is significant for several reasons, but how you manage it can impact your baby’s sleep patterns and overall sleep needs.
You will see this regression happening anywhere between 3 months and 5 months or 13 weeks to 20 weeks. If you follow the Wonder Weeks App, the 4 month regression is a part of the famous Leap 4. (surprised by the length? yep I was too!)
In most cases, after 9weeks your baby sleeps longer stretches at night. They probably wake up once or twice for a feed. Sometimes, naps are nice and long with less struggles. But it’s also normal to still have short naps and contact naps. In general, you start to feel like you finally know what you’re doing and you feel like you are out of the newborn phase with the stability you missed in the early weeks.
When the 4 month regression hits, you will suddenly see a difference in your baby’s behavior and sleep and you may feel like you are back to the early newborn stage. You will start seeing frequent night wake ups – usually about every 90min. Short naps of 30min will be constant and your baby will mostly need contact naps. You can also see an increase of fussiness with little soothing possible from you. Feeds can be increased or decreased depending on the baby. This is really disturbing for parents but know that it is completely normal for your baby to go through this. You are doing nothing wrong!
The 4 month regression is a fantastic milestone your baby is going through. Even though you may feel like this is just a terrible moment, you will be rewarded at the end!
At birth, newborns have short sleep cycles, usually ranging from 30 to 45 minutes. These brief cycles are divided into two distinct phases: active (REM) and quiet (non-REM) sleep. However, around the 4-month mark, a significant shift occurs in your child’s sleep pattern. Their sleep begins to mature, moving away from the newborn pattern and transitioning into something more like adult sleep.
This transition involves the development of additional sleep cycles, which enable your baby to sleep for longer stretches and experience deeper sleep. While this is a positive evolution, it’s also a turning point in your baby’s sleep habits that requires your attention.
Around 4 months, many babies start developing new physical skills. One of the most common is the ability to roll from tummy to back and eventually back to tummy. This newfound skill is a significant achievement, but it can also cause some disturbance in your baby’s sleep.
To ensure your baby’s safety, it’s crucial to stop swaddling them and allowing their arms to move freely in case they roll over during sleep. Swaddling in such circumstances can pose risks of suffocation. But don’t worry, you can introduce your baby to a sleep sack instead, which many babies adjust to quite easily. Some may need a couple of nights to get used to it, but it’s a safer option as they explore their newfound mobility. Don’t be scared of transitioning your baby out of the swaddle. If you let your baby get used to being arms free, they will learn to control their movements and will feel comfortable with them.
The 4-month mark brings about a substantial leap in your baby’s cognitive and sensory development. They become more attuned to their surroundings, demonstrating curiosity about everything and everyone. They are beginning to explore the world, paying closer attention to their environment. However, this heightened awareness can also lead to overstimulation, which can prevent them from falling asleep peacefully.
Be sure to keep the room as dark as it can be. If they are able to see their environment, they will be too interested in it than in sleeping. Just a little shadow can be enough to distract them. A good way to know if the room is dark enough is to put you hand in front of your face, wait 5 sec. if you can see the outline of your hand, it is not dark enough.
As a parent, you’re likely looking for ways to help your baby through this transition and manage the 4-month sleep regression effectively. Here are some strategies to consider:
The 4-month sleep regression can feel like a daunting challenge for parents, primarily because it’s the first major sleep regression they encounter. This regression typically lasts between 2 to 6 weeks and can seem like an eternity. The good news is that it typically resolves itself, returning your baby to a more predictable sleep pattern. However, if after several weeks, you find that things aren’t improving, this regression might morph into poor sleep habits. Some parents resort to rocking their baby to sleep, relying on strollers or bouncing balls, or nursing them to sleep. If this sounds familiar and you’re feeling lost or stressed by the changes, it might be time to seek professional guidance.
The 4-month sleep regression is a pivotal moment in your baby’s development and a significant adjustment for parents. While it can be challenging, it’s also an opportunity to learn and grow together. Understanding the changes in your baby’s sleep patterns and managing their new skills are crucial steps toward establishing healthy sleep habits. If you find yourself navigating the complexities of the 4-month sleep regression and wish to add more effective strategies, I’m here to help. With my 1:1 coaching, I will give you all the tools you need to manage your baby’s sleep and create healthy sleep habits that will last.
It’s time to embrace this journey to better sleep, and you don’t have to do it alone. Contact me today to discuss how to work together. I will create a personalized sleep plan tailored to your family’s unique needs. Let’s turn those sleepless nights into restful dreams and provide your baby with the best sleep they deserve. Reach out to me and take the first step toward a well-rested and happy family.
10/30/2023
Perfect for DIY mamas!
Improve your child's sleep with a personalized sleep plan created by the coach. This package is great for families with an easy-going child and who don't want the support of the coach.
Resolve your child's sleep with this 2-week package. Maggie will give you confidence and success during sleep training and will adjust the schedule or technique if needed.
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This package is perfect for families who need an extended support during and after the coaching.
All packages are suited for children from 4 months old to 4 years old
Personalized sleep plan including technique and schedule
Personalized sleep plan including technique and schedule
Nursery/Bedroom tour
Nursery/Bedroom tour
Sleep and/or feedings logs evaluation through the Rested App
14 days of support through text message/Whatsapp
3 days of email support from 9 am MST to 5 pm MST
2 emails to utilize within 30 days after the end of the coaching
Personalized sleep plan including technique and schedule
Nursery/Bedroom tour
Sleep and/or feedings logs evaluation through the Rested App
21 days of support through text message/Whatsapp
3 emails to utilize within 60 days after the end of the coaching
Personalized guide preparing you for future regressions
Personalized guide preparing you for future regressions
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