04/12/2024
The dreaded 4-month sleep regression 😢
Whether you have a baby who slept like a dream for the first 3 months, or perhaps your baby has never slept well.
Either way, the 4 month sleep regression is headed your way. 😬
During this time your baby’s sleep patterns will become disrupted, with more frequent night wakes, trouble settling for sleep and/or short naps. This is very normal and related to big developmental changes and sleep system maturation.
Here are my top tips on how to manage this regression:
1. Tag Team with Your Partner: Share the load! Take turns comforting and soothing your baby during the night awakenings. By splitting the responsibilities, you both get a chance to rest, making it easier to handle the sleep disruptions.
2. Prioritize Self-Care: It’s easy to put yourself last when you’re tired and focused on your baby, but taking care of yourself is crucial during this time. Try to squeeze in short naps when your baby sleeps during the day, eat nutritious meals, and ask for help from friends or family when you need it. Remember, a well-rested parent is better equipped to handle the challenges of the sleep regression.
3. Adjust Your Expectations: Recognize that this phase won’t last forever and try not to put too much pressure on yourself or your baby to “fix” the sleep disruptions immediately. Be patient and flexible with your routines, and trust that you’re doing the best you can. Sometimes just accepting that this is a tough time can help alleviate some of the stress.
If after a few weeks sleep hasn’t settled down, and you and baby are still both tired out, then it’s time for some support. Shoot me a DM and let’s chat about what is going on with zzzz’s at your home!