Congratulations, your little one is now four months old! By this time, your baby’s sleep patterns have started to change, and you may notice that they’re sleeping for longer periods at night. However, there are still some challenges when it comes to getting your baby to sleep, especially during the daytime. In this article, we’ll discuss what to expect with your baby’s sleep development at four months and how you can help your baby sleep better.
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What to Expect with Your Baby’s Sleep at Four Months
At four months, your baby’s sleep patterns are starting to resemble more of an adult’s sleep pattern, with deeper and more consolidated sleep. Your baby’s sleep duration at night may have increased to 10 to 12 hours, but they may still wake up once or twice for a feed. The daytime naps, on the other hand, may be shorter and more unpredictable. You may notice that your baby is easily disturbed by noise or light during the daytime naps, and they may only sleep for 30 minutes to an hour at a time.
How to Help Your Baby Sleep Better
To help your baby sleep better at four months, here are some tips that you can try:
Establish a Bedtime Routine
A consistent bedtime routine can help signal to your baby that it’s time for sleep. This can include a warm bath, a lullaby, and reading a book. Try to keep the routine calm and relaxing, and do it at the same time every night.
Create a Sleep-Friendly Environment
Make sure your baby’s sleep environment is conducive to sleep. This means keeping the room dark, quiet, and at a comfortable temperature. You can also use white noise to mask any external noises that might disturb your baby’s sleep.
Teach Your Baby to Fall Asleep on Their Own
At four months, your baby is starting to develop self-soothing skills. Encourage this by putting your baby down to sleep when they’re drowsy but still awake. This helps them learn to fall asleep on their own without needing your assistance.
Offer Comfort When Your Baby Wakes Up at Night
If your baby wakes up at night, offer them comfort and reassurance, but try not to pick them up or engage in too much play. This can signal to your baby that it’s time to wake up and play, rather than go back to sleep.
Be Patient and Consistent
Remember that every baby is different, and it may take time for your baby to adjust to a new routine or sleep pattern. Be patient and consistent with your approach, and don’t be afraid to seek help or advice if you’re struggling.
Frequently Asked Questions about Baby Development 4 Months Sleep
How long should my baby be sleeping at four months?
At four months, your baby should be sleeping for 10 to 12 hours at night, with one or two feeds, and taking two to three naps during the day.
Why is my baby waking up more during the daytime naps?
As your baby’s sleep patterns change, they may become more sensitive to light and noise during the daytime naps. They may also be going through a developmental leap, which can affect their sleep.
Should I be worried if my baby isn’t sleeping through the night at four months?
No, it’s normal for babies to wake up at night for feedings at four months. However, if your baby is waking up frequently and is difficult to settle back to sleep, it’s worth seeking advice from your doctor or a sleep specialist.
Is it okay to let my baby cry it out?
It’s okay to let your baby cry for short periods of time, but prolonged crying can be distressing for your baby and may not be effective in helping them learn to sleep. There are gentler sleep training methods that you can try that involve offering comfort and reassurance, rather than leaving your baby to cry alone.
When should I start sleep training my baby?
Every baby is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. However, most experts recommend waiting until your baby is at least four months old before starting any kind of sleep training, and making sure that your baby is healthy and gaining weight appropriately.
In conclusion, your baby’s sleep at four months is starting to resemble more of an adult’s sleep pattern, with deeper and more consolidated sleep at night. However, daytime naps may still be shorter and more unpredictable. By establishing a consistent bedtime routine, creating a sleep-friendly environment, and teaching your baby to fall asleep on their own, you can help your baby sleep better at four months. Remember to be patient and consistent, and don’t be afraid to seek help or advice if you’re struggling.