Surviving the 4-Month Sleep Regression: Tips for Tired Parents
- Beloved Sleep
- May 20
- 2 min read
If your once-sleepy newborn has suddenly turned into a fussy night owl, welcome to the 4-month sleep regression—a totally normal (and temporary!) developmental phase. Around this age, your baby’s sleep cycles mature, and with that comes some major changes in how they sleep.
What Is the 4-Month Sleep Regression?
At around 3–5 months old, babies begin shifting from newborn-style deep sleep to lighter, more adult-like sleep stages. The result? More frequent night wakings, shorter naps, and an overtired baby (and probably overtired parents too).
But don’t worry—it’s not all bad news. This change means your baby’s brain is growing in amazing ways. Here are some practical tips to help you ride it out:
5 Tips to Navigate the 4-Month Sleep Regression
1. Establish a Consistent Bedtime Routine
A short, soothing routine (bath, books, feeding, lullaby) helps signal to your baby that it’s time to sleep. Predictability is comforting during periods of change.
2. Create a Sleep-Friendly Environment
Dim lights, white noise, and a cool, quiet room can work wonders. Eliminate sleep distractions and keep things calm and consistent.
3. Watch Wake Windows
At this age, babies typically stay awake for 1.5–2 hours at a time. Missing the sleep window can lead to over-tiredness, which makes falling (and staying) asleep harder.
4. Encourage Daytime Naps
Better naps mean better nighttime sleep. Don’t stress if naps are short right now—just offer them frequently and keep trying.
5. Stay Consistent, But Be Flexible
This phase will pass! Respond to your baby’s needs, but try to maintain some consistency in how you respond to wake-ups. Gentle sleep shaping (not formal sleep training) is okay at this age if it feels right for your family.
Final Thoughts...
The 4-month sleep regression can be exhausting, but it’s a sign of progress. Be patient, take care of yourself, and know that restful nights will return.
You’ve got this—and coffee helps too.
Still having a hard time navigating infant sleep and the 4-month sleep regression? I've got you, Mama. Send me a message and let's get you some sleep!
Comments