The Four Month Sleep Regression: What It Really Is and How to Survive It!

Before I had my newborn, I had no idea what the ‘Four Month Sleep Regression’ was. But the moment I stepped into the mummy world, it was all anyone seemed to talk about… the dreaded four-month sleep regression. By this stage, you’re just starting to find your rhythm, settling into your bubble, and often still in survival mode. Then, just as you think you’ve finally got things sussed, along comes the 4-month sleep regression.

I have heard the expression so many times; “It’s a progression, not a regression.” But, as a mum of four, I can honestly say that when you’re in the thick of it, it doesn’t feel like progress at all. It feels like everyone in the house is suddenly going backwards and yes, it’s frustrating.

What is The Four Month Sleep Regression?

The four month sleep regression usually appears somewhere between 3–4 months of age and sometimes as late as 5-6 months. (For premature babies, it may occur later based on their adjusted age.)

Despite the scary name, it’s true... not really a regression, it’s a big developmental leap in your baby’s sleep. So, really, we should probably be calling it “The Four-Month Leap!”

At this stage, babies are often also dealing with rapid growth, new skills, or changes in feeding patterns, all of which can add to sleep disruptions.

Their brains are growing rapidly and sleep patterns are shifting from newborn-style sleep (short, deep stretches) to a more ‘adult-like’ sleep cycle. This means lighter sleep stages, clearer transitions between light and deep sleep, and brief wake-ups. While this is completely normal and healthy, it can feel very challenging for parents. Babies are now waking fully between sleep cycles and often need help to get back to sleep.

This can mean:

• More frequent night wakings

• Shorter naps

• A baby who struggles to settle without your support

  
  

If your little one hasn’t yet learned to fall asleep on their own, they’ll call out for the same help they received at bedtime; rocking, feeding, or cuddling. The good news? This is a wonderful opportunity to start laying down strong sleep foundations that will benefit your little one long term.

How Can We Help?

Your focus should be on sleep hygiene and a secure attachment.

You can start small: let your baby try to fall asleep in their safe sleep space once a day without rocking or feeding. If it doesn’t work, that’s completely fine, try again another time.

You don’t need to ‘sleep train’ at this age. Responding to your baby builds trust and helps them feel secure. Gentle settling strategies can help, too:

• Shushing

• Patting

• Keeping a hand on their chest

• Giving a little rock while they’re still in the crib

  
  

These techniques encourage independence gradually, while still giving your baby reassurance.

Other key areas to focus on:

• Establish a consistent bedtime routine to help your baby understand the day-night rhythm

• Watch for wake windows and sleepy cues

• Create a calm, dark environment with white noise to block household sounds

• Keep the room at a comfortable temperature (18-20°C)

• Ensure your baby’s nutritional needs are met

How Long Will It Last?

With gentle guidance, many babies begin learning to fall asleep independently by 5-6 months, sometimes earlier. But every baby develops at their own pace. What matters most is finding an approach that feels right for your family, one that supports your baby’s needs and your well-being.

Need a Hand?

If you feel stuck in the regression, or you’d love step-by-step guidance, that’s exactly what I help families with. You don’t need to do it alone. Let's Chat.

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Amelia Pasfield | The Little Sleep Club

Gentle sleep support for tired families.