What's Happening at 4 Months?
Your baby's brain is undergoing major development—their sleep cycles are maturing from newborn patterns to more adult-like sleep structures. This is often the first true regression and can feel like a big step backward, but it's actually progress.
What's changing: Sleep cycles are consolidating, moving from fragmented newborn sleep to longer periods with more distinct sleep stages.
Common Symptoms
Normal 4-Month Regression Signs:
- Frequent night wakings (every 2-3 hours)
- Shorter naps (30-45 minutes instead of longer stretches)
- Harder time falling back asleep independently
- More fussiness around sleep times
- Fighting sleep even when clearly tired
What You Might Notice:
- Baby was sleeping 4-6 hour stretches, now waking every 2 hours
- Naps that were 1-2 hours are now 30 minutes
- Needs more help falling asleep than before
Treatment at Home
✅Good Home Strategies
- Maintain consistent bedtime routine - bath, feed, book, bed
- Start gentle self-soothing techniques - put baby down awake
- Stick to age-appropriate wake windows - don't let baby get overtired
- Encourage frequent daytime feeds - ensure good nutrition
- Use consistent sleep environment - dark room, white noise
- Be patient - this adjustment takes 2-6 weeks
✅Gentle Sleep Training Options:
- Timed check-ins - brief comfort visits at set intervals
- Put baby down awake - let them practice falling asleep independently
- Consistent response - same approach each time they wake
❌ Avoid:
- Creating new dependencies (rocking to sleep, feeding to sleep)
- Abandoning routines out of frustration
- Expecting immediate results
Age-Appropriate Wake Windows
- Morning: 1.5-2 hours awake before first nap
- Between naps: 1.5-2 hours
- Before bedtime: 2-2.5 hours
When to Contact Poppins
📱 Reach out if:
- Sleep disruption continues beyond 6 weeks
- You need guidance on gentle sleep training methods
- Baby seems excessively fussy or uncomfortable
- You're struggling with the transition and need support
When to Contact Your Pediatrician
🩺 Call if your child has:
- Persistent high fever
- Difficulty feeding or signs of illness
- Extreme lethargy or breathing concerns
- Ear pulling with crying (possible ear infection)
- Any signs that seem beyond normal regression
Remember: This Is Progress, Not a Problem
The 4-month regression is your baby's brain upgrading to better sleep. While it's challenging now, you're laying the foundation for consolidated nighttime sleep. This regression often marks the beginning of your baby's ability to sleep for longer stretches. For more information on sleep regressions, you can read the full guide here.
Key insight: Your baby is learning a new skill—sleeping in cycles like adults do. Be patient as they master this important development.
We'll check in with you within 48 hours after your visit. If your gut tells you something is wrong, don't hesitate to reach out.
