Tips for 4 Month Sleep Regression

If your baby is nearing 4 months of age, you’ve probably heard talk of the “4 month sleep regression”. As parents, we hear regression and dread the thought of sleepless nights. Let's discuss what it actually is and how to get through the 4 month sleep regression.

Ready for good news about the 4 month Developmental Breakthrough?

At Moms on Call we don’t call it a 4 month sleep regression because, as a MOC Family, you aren’t going to regress. Instead, we call it a developmental breakthrough because that’s just what it is!

Our little ones are meeting many developmental milestones at 4 months of age, such as sitting up, rolling over and becoming more aware of their surroundings. And when we have these major developmental breakthroughs, sleep gets interrupted. Their brains are waking up in new areas, and it is 100% normal.

Here’s the good news. If we stay out of their way and follow Moms on Call’s guidelines, this developmental phase can be tackled within 2-3 days .

If you have not been using the MOC method, this is a great time to start implementing the MOC guidelines to help shorten the breakthrough interruptions and get rid of any lingering middle of night feedings.

So, instead of wondering if you’ll ever sleep again, let’s break down our top tips for 4 month sleep regression and tackle this breakthrough once and for all.

1. Keep the sleep environment and routine intact.

• We want to stay consistent to our routine which will reinforce that nighttime is for long stretches of sleep.
• At bedtime, place baby in the crib while drowsy, but still awake. This encourages baby to fall asleep independently and will help with those middle of night awakenings.
• Follow our Typical Day schedules , for establishing a consistent routine.
• For more tips on creating an ideal sleep environment for your baby, check out Moms on Call’s Baby Basics videos . The Baby Basics videos are just a glimpse of what you will find in Moms on Call’s Online Video Courses and books which are designed to work together to guide you through every stage from birth to toddlerhood with confidence.

2. Decrease middle of night stimulation.

• We want to decrease the amount of stimulation to their brain at night so it is easier for them to fall back asleep. The best thing to do is stay out during these increments as long as they are healthy. Your baby has got this and is safe, loved and capable.
• Refer to the “Sleep 3-6 Months” section in our 0-6 Month Online Video Course and book for all the details and instructions that support the process.

3. Daytime affects nighttime.

• Do not make up for “lost sleep” by extending daytime sleep. Keep the schedule intact.
• Soak up some vitamin D (15 minute increments are fine). Sunshine, fresh air and activity are all great for sleep.

4. Parent out of truth not fear.

• The truth is, these moments don’t last forever. Children are strong, adaptable, and resilient…and so are YOU!

5. Still swaddling?

• If you have not already done so, drop the swaddle . This is a great time to let your little one explore their sleep environment and find their own comfy spot. Make sure you follow the MOC guidelines for dropping the swaddle found in our 0-6 Month Online Video Course and book .

With Moms on Call’s easy to follow guidelines, you will progress through this breakthrough with confidence. You’ve got this!

Looking for more personalized support to help you navigate this and any other transitions? Partner with one of Moms on Call’s Certified Premier Consultants to walk along side you, and support you each step of the way!

At  Moms On Call,  we are dedicated to providing positive, practical and effective ways to help parents feel more confident and rested. You’re already a great parent—we’re here to help you better understand your little one and enjoy the parenting process with practical advice that really works! Visit our website at www.momsoncall.com to view all of our resources that will help you to sleep, feed, laugh and love birth through toddlerhood!