Ottawa Baby Sleep Consultants
At the Good Snooze, and as baby sleep specialists, we know just how challenging sleep regressions can be—and the 4-month sleep regression is often the first big hurdle many parents face. And trust me, we get it because we’ve been through it too!
Things were starting to feel manageable. Before the 4-month regression, I had a baby who was giving me 6-8 hour stretches in the SNOO. If you have the SNOO, you know exactly what I’m talking about—the bliss of seeing that thick blue sleep line, taking a screen shot and humble bragging to other moms... UNTIL...
Out of nowhere, everything changed. My baby started waking every hour, desperately trying to be soothed by the SNOO. The SNOO would do its thing, but instead of helping, it only made my baby more frustrated until it eventually shut down. The worst part? I had no idea what to do. All of my usual tricks—soother, feeding, rocking, everything—stopped working. I’d put her down, only for her to wake up 30 minutes later. It honestly felt like we were back to square one, like entering the newborn stage all over again.
What was going on!!!! Enter the Sleep Regressions.
Is the 4-month Sleep Regression real?
Yes!!! The 4-month sleep regression occurs when babies undergo significant developmental changes in their sleep patterns. Around 4 months of age, your baby’s circadian rhythm begins to mature, which means their sleep cycles transition from being short, fragmented naps (like a newborn’s) into longer, more structured cycles of 45-60 minutes. This shift can cause babies to wake up more frequently during the night, often struggling to fall back asleep on their own.
While it can feel like a setback, this change is actually a sign of your baby’s growing ability to sleep more independently. However, the transition is often bumpy, with your baby waking up and needing more assistance to get back to sleep.
What is a Sleep Regression and why does it happen?
Sleep regressions are just a fancy way of saying your baby is going through a major developmental milestone. And the truth is, they can happen multiple times throughout your baby’s life.
As babies grow, their sleep cycles mature, which often leads to more frequent awakenings as they adjust to this new pattern. This is especially true around the 4-month mark when your baby’s sleep starts to resemble more adult-like sleep cycles. At this stage, they begin to experience light awakenings between sleep cycles. Additionally, babies begin to experience new skills at this stage—such as rolling, babbling, and hand-eye coordination—which can further disrupt sleep. This is also a time when your baby’s sleep needs change, and they might require longer wake windows.
Fun fact: Your baby is also starting to produce their own melatonin at this age, which helps regulate sleep! If your baby was used to falling asleep in your arms or being rocked to sleep, this is the time when the change in their sleep environment can lead to more frequent wake-ups. It’s all part of their development, even though it can feel like a challenge in the moment.
When Does the 4 Month Sleep Regression Start? Can It Start Early?
The 4-month sleep regression typically begins around 4 months of age, but it can start as early as 3 months or as late as 5 months. This variation is normal, as every baby develops at their own pace and can depend on their birth date vs. their due date. Babies who were born after their due dates, may experience sleep regressions earlier and vice versa.
What Are Some Signs of 4 Month Sleep Regression?
More frequent night awakenings
Refusing soother at bedtime or during night wakes
Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
Increased fussiness or crying
Reverse cycling (also known as cluster feeding also known as more night feedings)
Changes in feeding patterns, like distracted daytime feedings
Developing new skills like rolling, babbling, or reaching milestones
How Long Does the 4 Month Sleep Regression Last?
We get asked this all the time: How long does the 4-month regression last? The truth is it varies. Some babies will sail through the regression with no need for any intervention, while others develop sleep associations—such as co-sleeping, rocking to sleep, feeding to sleep, etc.—that really impact the parents' wellbeing, and may require sleep training to help reset those patterns. How to Sleep Train: A Quick Guide for Parents
Sleep Train During the 4 Month Sleep Regression?
Yes, you can, but it’s a good idea to get your doctor’s approval first. Sleep training at this age comes with several important considerations, like making sure your baby is getting enough calories and that mom’s breast milk supply remains steady.
In the meantime, you can still focus on building independent sleep skills by
Following a consistent bedtime routine
Following wake windows
and
Offering more daytime feedings to ensure baby is nice and full at night time!
It’s also important to note that this regression doesn’t mean you have to sleep train. If you’ve found a way to soothe your baby to sleep that’s working for you, then that’s great too! Whatever works best for your family is what matters most.
The 4-month sleep regression is a common, but tough, phase that many parents face. It’s temporary, and with the right strategies in place, your baby will eventually get back on track. Just remember—you’re not alone, and this phase will pass. With time, patience, and a little extra help, you and your baby will make it through!
P.S. – This is not a dig at the SNOO—we absolutely LOVE the SNOO for those newborn weeks.
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