There are lots of things you can do to ensure you come out the other side of this regression and future proof sleep during this time. As with everything, all babies are different. Therefore, this sleep regression will have more of an impact on some babies and less of an impact on others.

What is it?

Throughout the first year of your baby’s life, they will go through many developmental phases, with the 4-month developmental phase bringing about the most disrupted pattern of disorganisation. Around 4 months (typically between 3 and 5 months), your baby is learning to grasp, roll, babble, bring hands to their mouth and push up off their forearms. This is a huge developmental period for them with lots going on. Your baby will take a step forward developmentally, but may take a step back when it comes to sleep.

What can you do to get through it?

Be patient. This regression can last 2-6 weeks. Your baby is learning lots of new skills and their brain is changing and maturing.

Keep routine consistent and continue with a calm, relaxing sleep environment.

Practice rolling with baby – the more practice baby has at learning to roll, the quicker they will be able to find their own comfy position.

Baby can become distracted at feeding time during this regression – feed in a calm, non stimulating place to ensure baby is taking enough milk.

Avoid creating sleep associations – these can often be formed during a regression and it will be harder to break these when the regression passes. Focus on putting baby down awake and stay with them as they learn to fall asleep independently.

It can be a long period of fussiness and clinginess but with persistency and consistency you and your baby will come out the other side.