At sixteen weeks, you may finally feel like you’re getting into a good routine with feeding, naps and bedtime with your little one. Unfortunately, for most, the dreaded sleep regression is just around the corner.
Sleep regression is when a baby that has previously been sleeping well begins to wake more than usual in the night and thus suffers from sleep challenges. Typically, the first period of sleep regression occurs around 3 to 4 months.
To help with the frustration, for both parents and baby, of sleep regressions we have six top tips to help you through.
Increase Daytime Naps
At this age, babies generally need 12-17 hours of sleep – including daytime naps. This typically breaks down as 10-12 hours at night, although it will vary from baby to baby.
If you find your baby is waking up frequently through the night then they may be overtired by the next evening, which will make bedtime harder. Ideally, you will want your baby to be going off to sleep at their usual time, so by increasing daytime naps, you can help avoid overtiredness and allow them to rest more without changing their night-time schedule.
Stick To Your Sleep Schedule
You’ve come this far with your existing sleep schedule so don’t cave now. Staying consistent with your sleep schedule during the four-month sleep regression will help in the long run, once this period of regression is over. Be sure to create a relaxing environment to reassure your baby it’s time to settle down for sleep.
Avoid Sleep Associations
Of course, this is easier said than done. However, if you allow your baby to get used to sleep associations, such as rocking or feeding to sleep, you may struggle to undo this once the regression has passed. It may seem like a quick win to get your baby to sleep, meaning you can also get some much-needed shuteye, but the best thing to do is give your little one time to self-soothe and drift off on their own.
Put Baby Down Drowsy
Although it’s tempting to soak up all those sleepy cuddles, drowsy but awake is the best time to put your baby down to sleep. Not only will this help avoid or break any sleep associations, but it also helps teach your baby how to fall asleep independently.
Get Support
Whether it’s leaning on friends and family more through the day to ensure you’re also getting enough rest or consulting with an expert, there’s absolutely no harm in asking for some help.
Here at Babogue, we help families navigate tricky times, such as the 4-month sleep regression, with our 4- 6 Month Sleep Series program inside Thrive, the Membership. Your own overtiredness can rub off on your baby so be sure to prioritise yourself as well as your little one and get support from friends and family.
Create An Ideal Sleeping Environment
Every little helps when tackling sleep regression, including things you may have already covered. For example, creating an ideal sleeping environment, including a blacked-out room and lightweight sleepwear. Read our blog on room temperature for babies.
Further Reading
What is the 4-Month Sleep Regression?
Babogue Newborn Sleep Series
Here at Babogue, our Newborn Sleep Series, that is inside Thrive, the Membership, will help you to understand what to expect from your little ones sleep, the problems that may arise and how you can resolve them! Within the Sleep Series, you will be provided with 13 video files and 5 files that provide you with tips and help to manage your baby's sleep. The Sleep Series via its 7 Steps to Better Sleep, gives you foundations on how to create settled sleep, from the moment you bring your baby home, up to 3 months of age. To find out more about Thrive, the Membership and how it can support you with your sleep and parenting journey click here & the wait list for when doors open again.
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