The 4 month sleep regression

Firstly, I’m sorry if you’re feeling exhausted from it all right now. Sometimes it can feel like a backwards step, especially if your baby had previously been sleeping some longer stretches at night or napping well in the day.  

Second of all, this stage is completely normal and your baby is doing exactly what they should be doing. Hang in there, stay put and read on.....

What is the 4 month sleep regression?

Sleep regression – it sounds like your baby is taking backwards steps doesn’t it? Don’t worry, it’s anything but. The way your baby’s sleep is structured is actually permanently maturing. Until now your newborn would have had quite a simple sleep pattern where they are switching between REM (dreaming) sleep and NREM 3/4 (deep) sleep, however their sleep cycles are now becoming that bit more complex. During this stage where their sleep is maturing, they will be experiencing more NREM sleep, including NREM 1 and 2 (light and very light) sleep – this is completely new to your baby and while some sail through this period, for others their sleep can go a bit haywire! You might find your baby:

- Struggles to switch off

- Refuses to nap

- Wakes shortly after falling asleep

- Wakes up very upset

- Wakes more often at night

- Wakes early in the morning 

What else could it be?

This is also a very common age for babies to be easily distracted. Therefore, You may notice some other factors at play which could be impacting their sleeping habits:

They may become distracted during feeds so they may be hungry shortly after ‘finishing’ one.

They find is difficult to switch off at nap times because they’re more aware of what they are missing out on.

They are learning a new skill such as rolling or discovering all the new sounds they can make.

Quite simply put, your little one is less interested in sleep and is becoming more interested in the world around them. It’s an exciting time for them and you, but I get it – you want them to sleep too.

What can you do?

Honestly, you can’t do anything to change the fact that their sleep structure is changing and nor would you want to. Same goes for their developmental milestones. So here’s what you can do:

- Let it go for a bit. Take the stress out of the situation as much as you can. Baby refusing to nap? Go for a walk together, get some fresh air and try again later (they may even fall asleep while you’re out!)

- Give in to a contact or motion nap. Enjoy sitting or lying with your little one while they sleep and catch up on rest for yourself. Alternatively, if you’re out and about with your little asleep in the pram or carrier, sit down with a coffee, run some errands or enjoy browsing the shops. 

- If you already have a bedtime routine in place, keep it consistent.

- Keep your calm, keep your cool. Easier said than done, I know. Dig deep and find your thing. Listen to light hearted music. Practise deep breathing. Exercise. Read a magazine.

- Try a routine tweak. Maybe your baby needs longer awake between sleeps, less naps or a later bedtime.

- Alter your expectations. Your little one is likely to need some more support at bedtime and throughout the night. This is normal. You’re not doing it wrong and neither is your baby.

- Just as your baby needs your support. If you too need some support right now – go grab it! If you have a partner, take shifts over night. If you have some support from family and friends, let them know how they can help – whether that’s taking your little one for a walk, or sitting with them for a bit so you can have a nap – ask away. 

How long will this last?

Little one’s are all so different in temperaments, personalities and sleep needs so it’s very difficult to state exactly how long your little ones sleep may be interrupted for while they adjust. For some, it may last a few days, for others it may be a couple of months or equally it could be a couple of weeks but throw in some teething, some illness and a few more skills being learnt and hey - you're in the 'couple of months club'. There is so much development, growing and learning going on for these little people and this won’t be the only time your little one’s sleep goes off-piste. 

Remember - this is a season, it will pass.

If you feel you still need some support with getting through this period, or if you're little one hasn't 'gotten over' the 4 month sleep regression, let's have a chat!