Understanding 4 Month Sleep Regression

4 Month Sleep Regression (sometimes known as 3-4 Month Regression and 4 Month Stall) is a sleep disturbance — usually a disruption in a baby’s ability to sleep through the night for an extended period — that typically develops between 3 and 4 months and may potentially last up to 6 weeks.

What Causes 4 Month Sleep Regression?

Though the exact cause of 4 Month Sleep Regression is unknown, some factors may play a role:

• Developmental Leaps: Babies often experience inner changes and intellectual development (known as developmental leaps), which can interrupt or affect their sleep patterns.
• Over-tiredness: Babies who are over-tired due to irregular sleep patterns or nap-skipping, tend to struggle to fall asleep relatively quickly.
• Sleep Environment: An influx in external noises such as a new pet, changes in the family or the baby’s bedroom environment can lead to sleep disturbances.

How to Stop 4 Month Old Waking Every 1-2 Hours at Night

• Implement a Bedtime Routine: A bedtime routine is essential for settling the baby before placing them in their cot. A routine usually consists of a warm bath, some cuddles, a bedtime story, some lullabies and a feeding before bed.
• Create a Sleep Environment: The sleeping environment should be dark, comfortable and fairly quiet. You can try introducing some soothing white noise which may help settle the baby.
• Encourage Self-Soothing: Self-soothing techniques are important for helping the baby feel safe and secure in their bed. It is possible to start teaching the baby from 4-months old, offering comfort when they wake during the night.

4 Month Sleep Regression can be a difficult phase for many babies and parents. However, with a sensible and consistent approach, things should improve gradually over a number of weeks.