The 4 Month Sleep Regression

When you've finally figured out your child’s sleep patterns and they're starting to sleep for longer periods throughout the night, it happens out of nowhere.

Suddenly, your child starts waking up after a 45-minute nap, it becomes difficult to put them to sleep, and they begin waking up more often during the night—sometimes every two hours. This is likely the 4-month sleep regression, which, despite its name, isn’t really a regression at all. It’s a sign of growth and great development.

Children's sleep is not a straight path. As they age and develop, they go through different periods that can affect their sleep and cause these regressions. These periods are often linked to around 4, 8, 12, 18, and 24 months of age. However, these regressions don’t always occur at exactly these ages, and there’s quite a range for when they might happen. These periods are usually associated with significant growth, either physical or intellectual.

What separates the 4-month sleep regression from others is that the change in your child’s sleep pattern is permanent. This development marks an exciting milestone as your baby begins to sleep more like an adult. When this shift occurs, your baby starts moving through multiple stages of sleep during the night, and each stage has a specific purpose—supporting cell growth, memory consolidation, energy restoration, and overall mental and physical development.

How long will this regression last?

As previously mentioned, this is a permanent developmental change in your child's sleep pattern. For children who can fall asleep independently, this shift might not cause noticeable disruptions. However, babies who rely heavily on parental help to fall asleep may begin needing that same help to fall back asleep when they wake between sleep cycles, whether during naps or at night. These babies might benefit from gentle practice to help them learn the skills of falling asleep and staying asleep on their own.

Although this change is permanent, it doesn’t mean your child can’t learn to sleep well.

What can I do?

Your child needs to adjust to these changes, and you can help by:

1. Creating an optimal sleep environment: darkness, a comfortable temperature, and a quiet space that your child associates with sleep.
2. Setting appropriate wake windows: ensuring your child isn’t overtired or undertired when you put them to sleep.
3. Establishing a predictable daily routine: consistent nap times help your child fall asleep more easily and stay asleep longer.
4. Teaching your child to fall asleep independently: If your baby learns to fall asleep without help, they can also start linking sleep cycles on their own. This will lead to longer naps and fewer night wakings.

It’s perfectly normal for children's sleep to change at this age and for challenges to arise. Some children take time to adjust to these changes and to develop the ability to fall asleep and stay asleep without assistance. Be patient with your little one and take time to gently practice these skills.

Want more help with your child's sleep?
My online course, The Baby Sleep Blueprint: A Proven, Gentle Method to End Sleepless Nights, contains everything you need to help your child learn to sleep well.
https://www.sleepeatlove.is/The-Baby-Sleep-Blueprint