Hi, I'm Liadhán, a certified Child Sleep Consultant and a mum to three energetic kids. I know all too well the challenges of sleepless nights and the exhaustion of parenting. Recently, many parents have shared a common issue with me: around the 4-month mark, their babies who used to sleep well are now resisting naps, struggling at bedtime, and waking up often during the night. Does this sound like what you're going through?
Understanding the 4-Month Sleep Shift : Navigating the So-Called 4-Month Sleep Regression
So, what's really going on? What you're experiencing isn't so much a regression in the traditional sense, but rather a development milestone related to changes in your baby's sleep cycles. You see, up until 4 months babies have not yet established their natural circadian rhythms—a biological clock that regulates the cycle of sleep and wakefulness over a 24-hour period. These rhythms start to develop around 2 to 4 months of age and continue to mature over the first year of life.
Initially, your baby's sleep was mainly driven by their need to feed frequently for all that growing they're doing. But around 4 months, their sleep architecture (that's a fancy way of saying the structure of their sleep cycles) begins to mature. They start experiencing more adult-like sleep cycles, including REM (Rapid Eye Movement) and non-REM sleep. This change can lead to shorter sleep durations, more frequent night awakenings, and difficulty in falling asleep.
Why It's a Challenge
This time can be extremely challenging for babies and parents alike because it marks a transition from newborn sleep patterns to more adult-like sleep cycles. Babies at this age become more aware of their surroundings, which can also impact their ability to fall and stay asleep.
What You Can Do
Establishing healthy sleep patterns and routines will help manage this transition and support the development of good sleep patterns as your baby grows. Here are some tips to help you both get through this:
Remember, you're not alone on this sleep-deprived journey. This phase is just that—a phase. With a little patience, consistency, and a few adjustments, you'll find a rhythm that works for your family.
For more insights and personalised support on navigating your child's sleep challenges, feel free to reach out by booking in a Free 15 minute sleep consulting discovery call . Together, we'll reclaim those peaceful nights and restful naps. Visit CulaBaby for more tips and to learn how we can transform your family's sleep one night at a time.
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