How Long Does The 4 Month Sleep Regression Last?
If you’re a parent, you know all about the four-month sleep regression. Just thinking about it sends shivers down my spine! While my firstborn never experienced it, my second born went through it long enough for the both of them.
Alternatively, this might be the first time you’ve heard of the four-month sleep regression. This regression is completely normal for babies to go through, as babies grow and they gain new sleeptime habits.
Sleep regression is hard on not only the baby but also the parents. Your sweet newborn, who could once fall asleep in broad daylight to the sound of the vacuum, may now struggle to sleep in a cool, darkly lit room to the sound of the relaxing ocean. Fear not, as it won’t last forever! Continue reading to learn all about the four-month sleep regression and how long it will last.
Why Is My Baby Going Through a Sleep Regression?
What is sleep regression, and why is your baby going through it? Sleep regression is a completely normal stage in your baby’s life. This happens when their brain and body are beginning to develop and change the way that they sleep. Where they once had light and rapid sleep cycles, they will now begin falling into deeper, longer patterns of sleep.
Why Does Sleep Regression Happen?
Sleep regression happens as your baby grows and starts transitioning to more sophisticated sleep. Some babies may go through this transition seamlessly, while others will fight tooth and nail. You may be wondering why it’s happening, so here are just a few reasons why sleep regression may occur:
Increased awareness of their surroundings, which can create overstimulation
A rocky transition to more complex sleep
Changes in the infant’s sleep environment
How Do I Know My Baby Is Going Through a Sleep Regression?
Your baby has had a few nights of disrupted sleep, and you’re starting to wonder whether or not they are going through a sleep regression. Here are some clues that your baby might be going through this transition:
Trouble falling asleep: this is the number one sign that your baby is going through a sleep regression. Your once ready at will to sleep baby is now fighting to go down for sleep. Instead of being tired and quickly falling asleep, they now seem restless and have difficulty going down.
Constant nighttime waking: once your baby is finally down, they may wake continuously throughout the night. These wakings may or may not include crankiness or irritability.
Irritability as they wake up: if your baby is experiencing sleep regression, they may be irritable as they wake from disrupted sleep.
Less sleep time: your baby may have used to take a few naps throughout the day and slept most of the night, but now they are not sleeping as well as they used to. Your baby’s sleep has been disrupted at both naps and nighttime. Additionally, feedings may change as well from the shift in sleeping patterns.
How Long Will The Sleep Regression Last?
Similar to most aspects of your baby’s life, they will go through their own growth, development, and milestones at their own pace. This means that the sleep regression completely depends on them! Typically, it can last a few days or up to six weeks.
Don’t let this scare you, though, as every child is different. My daughter didn’t have a noticeable sleep regression, while my son had a sleep regression that lasted the entire six weeks. All you can do during this time is try to keep them on a schedule and do things that encourage them to fall asleep!
What Do I Do To Help My Baby Sleep?
If your baby has had some difficulty sleeping the past few days or even weeks, it can wear on both you and your little one. Here are some tips to ensure your baby is adhering to safe sleep:
Engage in Safe Sleep
When putting your baby to sleep, ensure your baby is engaging in healthy sleep habits. Be sure to remove any blankets, pillows, or other soft items until they are at least two years old to lessen the chance of SIDS.
Create a Routine
Try to create and stay on a routine with your baby. If you deviate from your routine when they are struggling with sleep, this can prolong their difficulty sleeping. Make sure their room is conducive for safe sleep, including a dark, cool room and sound machine.
Final Thoughts on the 4 Month Sleep Regression
It might seem like the four-month sleep regression will never end. It can last weeks and wear on a caregiver’s mind and body. Please keep in mind that while it is hard to go through, it will end! If you find yourself struggling, reach out to friends and family members for help.
If you can’t get help, remember that it is safer to lay your baby safe in their crib to cry for a little while than it is for you to continue caring for them while you are on the brink of a meltdown. Consider calling this hotline specifically designed for overwhelmed parents if you are feeling like things are all getting to be a bit too much.
Monitor Your Baby’s Sleep Schedule with Baby Connect
I like to refer to the newborn stage as the Wild Wild West. Why, you may ask? Because there are no rules and anything goes! When your baby is first born, they will have no set sleeping, feeding, or pooping schedule, as they are getting used to the world around them.
As they get older, though, they can start to work around a schedule. Instead of relying on your memory, using an app to track your baby’s life will help make your life so much easier. Baby Connect allows you to plug in any data you need to keep track of every aspect of your little one’s life!
