Hey new parents, ever wonder why your beautifully sleeping baby suddenly, and quite dramatically, decides sleep is optional around four months old? Well, you’re not alone! It’s called the 4-month sleep regression, and it’s a totally normal, albeit exhausting, developmental milestone.
The main reason? Your baby’s brain is undergoing a massive growth spurt! Think of it like their little minds are upgrading their entire operating system. They’re becoming more aware, more interactive, and their understanding of the world is just exploding!
Crucially, their sleep cycles are maturing. Newborns essentially have two sleep stages: active and quiet. But around four months, they start developing adult-like sleep stages, including REM and non-REM sleep, which has four distinct phases. This means more frequent wake-ups as they learn to connect these new, lighter sleep phases.
So, what does this look like? You might notice more frequent night wakings, shorter naps, difficulty settling down for sleep, or your baby needing more help to fall back asleep than before. They might even be fussier during the day due to lack of rest.
It’s tough, but remember it’s temporary! Focus on consistent bedtime routines, teaching your baby to fall asleep independently by putting them down drowsy but awake, and ensuring a dark, quiet sleep environment. Be patient, offer comfort, and know you’re doing great!
The 4-month sleep regression is a sign of healthy development, even if it feels like a sleep-deprived nightmare. Hang in there, it will pass, and soon your little one will be back to more predictable sleep. You’ve got this!