Myths About the 4-Month Sleep Regression

If you're reading about the 4-month sleep regression, you're probably exhausted beyond belief, struggling to make it through the day, and dreading what's to come tonight. If this is you, know that you're not alone and you don't have to do this alone. Your health and the wellness of your family depends on quality sleep. Sleep for your and your partner matters - a lot. To learn about how I can help, book a free 15-min call with me. I'm here to help you through this, and things can be a whole lot better, very soon.

Myth No. 1: It happens at 4 months

Although this stage is often coined the "4-month sleep regression" it really doesn't happen when your baby is 4 months old! This regression actually happens most often when you little one is 3 months old. By the time your baby is 4 months old, you've probably been dealing with the signs of this regression for a few weeks already. Some lucky parents don't feel the affects as much, however, many many parents will notice that bedtime takes hours to get their little one to go down, naps are short and difficult and overnight wakings are happening frequently, sometimes as often as every 45 mins all night long. This can be so debilitating to manage as a caregiver that often we will do whatever it takes to get the baby to sleep, whether it's breastfeeding, rocking, patting, letting them sleep on us, or sleeping in our bed. This can become dangerous for exhausted parents, who may have an infant sleeping on them while in a rocking chair, and then nearly dozing off themselves, night after night.

Myth No. 2: It's a Regression

Strangely, this stage is also often called a 'regression'. I suppose that is because it feels like your baby has gone backwards to waking up frequently overnight. However, it is actually not a regression at all. This is a permanent developmental change. Your baby is not longer sleeping like a newborn, where they sleep anywhere and everywhere at their own will. Now, they begin to sleep like adults, moving through the various phases of NREM and REM sleep and are much more aware of the outside world. This is actually a progression in their development not a regression.

Myth No. 3: They'll Get Over It and Sleep Like They Used To

Building on my last point, because it is a progression and not a regression, it is a permanent change in how your baby sleeps, which means that they will not "get over" this phase and go back to sleeping well on their own. They can absolutely go back to sleeping really well, however, it will happen as you shape their behaviour and teach them great independent sleep skills. This is a great time to begin sleep coaching your baby because they are now developmentally ready to learn how to connect their sleep cycles on their own. The frequency overnight wakings experienced during this period happen because your infant is now moving through lighter stages of sleep and is unable to connect their sleep cycles together without your help, thus, he or she will learn that you will help them fall back asleep with whatever sleep association they have grown accustomed to, such as feeding, rocking, etc.

For so many parents this is a very challenging time, and there are so many positive things we can do for you and your family to get you little one sleeping really well overnight and for naps. You will be surprised at what incredible resources your little one has to sleep independently once we create the conditions they need to make it happen.

If you're struggling with this phase, or have questions in anticipation of this phase, you're most welcome to book a free call wth me and we can chat more about how I can help.