Is Your Baby Going Through Four-Month Sleep Regression?
Amya Saffore
| 3 min read
Sleep is crucial for the development of babies’ neurological and physiological well-being, according to a study. But as a baby reaches 3 or 4 months of age, they may have a change in sleep patterns. This is known as the four-month sleep regression.
What is sleep regression?
One of the significant changes your baby may undergo around four months is the development of their sleep and wake cycle. Newborn babies sleep in short intervals, sometimes for up to 16 hours a day. However, around four months of age, their sleep pattern starts to fluctuate, a phenomenon commonly known as sleep regression. Specifically, this is when your baby’s sleep patterns undergo significant change, leading to disrupted sleep and shorter naps. During this time, babies typically sleep for only one or two hours at a time.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, most sleep regressions typically last a week or two before children get back on track. However, other regressions can coincide with growth spurts and developmental milestones throughout your baby’s first year.
Signs of sleep regression
Signs and symptoms vary by child. The most obvious sign is when your baby suddenly wakes up more often throughout the night, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Other indicators include:
- Increased fussiness is similar to how adults feel when their sleep patterns are disrupted.
- Limited naps sleep regressions don’t only happen at night. Daytime routines also may get out of order, with naps shortened.
- Taking longer to nod off and increased crying during these original sleep times.
What causes of sleep regression?
There are a wide range of causes, including:
- Teething
- Reaching new milestones
- A growth spurt
- Change in environment
- Illness
- Change in routine
- Starting day care
- Traveling
The best way to determine if these are the causes or if there is something else going on is to consider consulting with your pediatrician or primary care provider. However, remember sleep regressions are a natural and normal part of development.
Tips for managing the four-month sleep regression in your baby
When your baby is going through a sleep regression, it can be frustrating. Here are four tips to get your baby’s sleep schedule back on track, according to Clevland Clinic:
Embrace sleep training.
The first thing to remember when entering this is that your baby will set your routine. Consider the “graduated extinction” approach. The idea behind this method is to offer some support as your child begins to learn how to self-soothe and fall asleep on their own.
Proper nutrition throughout the day.
Proper nutrition is essential for babies’ development and sleep, ensuring they’re not hungry overnight or during naps. Food can also make a child sleep, so try a bottle before a nap.
Put your baby to sleep while still awake.
When putting your baby to sleep, make sure they’re drowsy but not fully asleep. This lessens the likelihood of them waking up when being moved to another location. To avoid this, look for cues they are ready for a snooze, such as yawns, eye rubbing or grabbing their ears.
Create a calm atmosphere
Try to avoid overstimulating and hyped-up activities before babies’ bedtime, such as screen time or energetic play with toys. Instead, look to wind things down by turning down the lights, reading a book, playing white noise or singing a song.
Image: Getty Images
Related:
