Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional or pediatrician if you have concerns about your child's sleep patterns or any other medical issues.
At The Good Snooze, Ottawa Sleep Consultants, we require our clients to unswaddle their babies and always place them on their back in an empty crib when beginning sleep training, for safety reasons. This is essential to reduce the risk of suffocation or injury, while also promoting your baby’s development by encouraging independent sleep habits. For more information on safe sleep practices, you can refer to Health Canada's Safety Regulations here.
Sleep Training at 4 Months: What to Expect
By now, you’ve likely read all about the 4-Month Sleep Regression: What to Expect in our blog post.
We wanted to take a moment to dive deeper into what you can expect when sleep training at 4 months. Think of this as your "discovery call," but in blog form! Keep reading to find out if the benefits outweigh the occasional short nap cycle.
Night 1: What to Expect
On the first night of sleep training at 4 months, you may notice your baby protests or cries a bit longer than you might expect for an older baby, like one who’s 6 months. This is normal as they’re still adjusting to the process. A helpful tip for easing this is to shorten the time between check-ins by 4-5 minutes. This allows your baby to feel your presence, which can provide comfort and reassurance.
Managing the Startle Reflex
Another challenge at this stage is the startle reflex, which can disrupt sleep even if your baby has been trained. Transition swaddles are incredibly helpful here—they offer a snug, secure feel while allowing more movement for your baby’s growing body. This can calm the reflex and support a smoother transition as your baby learns to fall asleep independently. Do you need the transition swaddle? No - No you don't. Your baby should adjust to the startle reflex in a few days.
Overnight Sleep and Feeding
1-2 Overnight Feeds: It's common for a sleep-trained 4-month-old to still need 1-2 feeds overnight.
Feed While Awake: Always aim to feed your baby while they are awake, not drowsy. We know, this may go against ALOT of advice found on the internet, but trust us, t’s the key to long-term sleep success!
Self-Weaning: Many babies will naturally wean themselves off nighttime feeds while following our sleep training plan.
Daytime Calories: Ensure your baby is getting enough calories during the day to support this.
Weight Check: If concerned about weight gain, we recommend scheduling a weight check with your pediatrician.
Breastfeeding Considerations:
For breastfeeding parents, add a pumping session before bed and in the morning to protect milk supply.
A lactation consultant can be incredibly helpful during this transition.
After Sleep training
Here’s what you can expect for slept train babies at 4 months of age.
Falling Asleep: A well-sleep-trained 4-month-old typically won’t cry for more than 5-10 minutes before falling asleep on their own (both at bedtime and for naps). No more rocking to sleep or being nap trapped!
Overnight Sleep: Expect longer stretches of sleep overnight—around 5-7 hours.
Nighttime Feeds: Over time, some babies naturally wean themselves off nighttime feeds entirely.
Naps: A Work in Progress
When it comes to naps, sleep training at 4 months means your baby will be able to fall asleep independently. However, their naps may still be shorter, typically lasting 30-45 minutes. The last nap of the day can sometimes be tricky, and it’s normal to encounter some resistance during this nap.
In conclusion, we wanted to be very transparent about sleep training at 4 months of age. While there are many benefits, such as your baby learning to fall asleep independently, it’s important to understand that short naps are still very common at this stage and some parents find it challenging to follow wake windows during this time.
The key to improving naps is consistency—continue practicing, and over time, your baby will get better at napping longer. Remember, every baby is different, and sleep training is a journey. Stay patient and trust the process—you’re on the right path to better sleep for both you and your little one.
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