Let’s talk about what the 4-month sleep regression actually is. Picture this: your sweet little bundle of joy, who previously slept like an angel, suddenly decides that nighttime is party time and naps are for the weak. Sound familiar? Congratulations, you’ve reached the 4-month mark!
While the four-month sleep regression can leave you feeling like you’ve been up all night, there are ways to survive and overcome this difficult transition.
- Don’t Skip the Daytime Naps: Yes, I know it’s tempting to keep your baby awake during the day in hopes that they’ll sleep longer at night. But trust me, an overtired baby is going to cause more difficulty for your little one to fall and stay asleep. Stick to age appropriate nap schedules to ensure they’re getting the rest they need.
- Encourage Self-Soothing Skills: Use this time to gently encourage your baby to develop self-soothing skills. This might involve gradually reducing dependence on sleep props like pacifiers or rocking to sleep. Introduce a consistent bedtime routine that includes soothing activities to help your baby learn to associate sleep cues with bedtime.
- Monitor Awake Times: At 4 months, babies are becoming more aware of their surroundings and may become easily overstimulated. Monitor their awake times closely during the day to prevent them from becoming overtired, which can make sleep issues at night worse. Aim for shorter awake windows and provide calm, low-stimulation activities before naps and bedtime.
- Consider Sleep Associations: Evaluate any sleep associations your baby may have developed, such as feeding to sleep or being held until they fall asleep. While these methods may work initially, they can lead to frequent night wakings during the regression. Gradually weaning your baby off these associations can help them learn to fall asleep independently.
- Seek Professional Help if Needed: If you’re feeling overwhelmed or your baby’s sleep troubles persist beyond what feels manageable, don’t hesitate to seek guidance! I’m here to offer personalized advice and support to help you and your little one get the rest you deserve. Schedule your free Discovery Call here
So, there you have it! While the four-month sleep regression might feel never-ending, remember that brighter, more well rested days are on the horizon. Hang in there and know that you’re doing an amazing job!
Wishing you sweet dreams and plenty of Zzz’s,
Diane
