Surviving the 4-Month Sleep Regression: A Guide for Exhausted Parents

Just when you think you’ve figured out your baby’s sleep routine, the 4-month sleep regression hits - and suddenly, your once-sleepy newborn is waking up every hour at night. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. This is a completely normal developmental phase, but that doesn’t make it any easier for sleep-deprived parents.

In this guide, we’ll explain why the 4-month sleep regression happens, how long it lasts, and most importantly - how to survive it. We’ll also share practical sleep tips, including how Moses baskets, nursing pillows, and baby blankets can help soothe your little one during this challenging stage.

What is the 4-Month Sleep Regression?

At around 3 to 5 months old, many babies start waking more frequently at night and resisting naps. This happens because their sleep cycles are maturing—they transition from newborn sleep patterns to a more adult-like sleep structure.

Common Signs of the 4-Month Sleep Regression:

• Waking up more often at night (sometimes every 1-2 hours).
• Shorter naps or fighting naps altogether.
• Fussiness and increased crying before sleep.
• Baby seems restless, overtired, or overstimulated.
• Harder to resettle after waking up.

This can be tough for parents, but remember - it’s temporary!

How Long Does the 4-Month Sleep Regression Last?

For most babies, it lasts 2 to 6 weeks, depending on how they adjust to their new sleep cycle. The key is to support them through it while encouraging healthy sleep habits.

How to Survive the 4-Month Sleep Regression

1. Stick to a Consistent Bedtime Routine

A predictable routine helps your baby understand when it’s time to sleep. Try this simple pre-bedtime routine:

• Dim the lights and create a calm environment.
• Give your baby a gentle massage or warm bath.
• Have a quiet cuddle or read a short bedtime story.
• Swaddle (if not rolling yet) or use a sleeping bag for comfort.
• Lay baby down in a Moses basket or cot when they are sleepy but awake.

How a Moses Basket Can Help:

A Moses basket provides a cosy, womb-like sleep space that helps babies feel secure and comforted - making it easier for them to settle during this sleep regression.

Safe Sleep Reminder: Babies can safely sleep in a Moses basket from birth until around 4–6 months, or until they start rolling over, pushing up on their hands, or outgrowing the basket. Once they reach this stage, it’s time to transition to a cot.

2. Create a Safe and Cosy Sleep Environment

• Use a Moses basket for newborns - the smaller space helps them feel snug and secure.
• Layer with breathable blankets - knitted or bamboo blankets provide gentle warmth without overheating.
• Use white noise machines to mask household sounds and help with sleep continuity.

3. Encourage More Daytime Feeds

• Offer more frequent feeds during the day to help prevent night hunger.
• Try cluster feeding in the evening to help them sleep longer.
• Use a nursing pillow for better support during longer feeds, whether breastfeeding or bottle-feeding.

4. Help Baby Learn to Self-Soothe

• Put baby down drowsy but awake so they learn to fall asleep on their own.
• Avoid rocking or feeding to sleep every time - try gentle patting or rubbing their tummy instead.
• Use a comforter or soft muslin cloth (if age-appropriate) for reassurance.

What About Baby Nests?

While baby nests are not for overnight sleep, they can be a great daytime solution for supervised naps, tummy time, or a comfy spot for baby to relax between feeds.

5. Make Night Wakings Low-Stimulation

When your baby wakes at night, keep everything as calm and quiet as possible:

• Dim lighting - Use a soft, warm nightlight instead of bright overhead lights.
• Keep interactions minimal to avoid overstimulation.
• Do quick and gentle nappy change - only change if necessary to avoid waking baby fully.

Final Thoughts

The 4-month sleep regression is tough, but it’s a normal and healthy stage of your baby’s development. With patience, consistency, and a safe sleep setup, your baby will learn to adjust to their new sleep cycles - and you’ll both get more rest.

Your Survival Kit for the 4-Month Sleep Regression:

• Moses Basket – Provides a cosy and safe sleep space for newborns (until around 4–6 months).
• Nursing Pillow – Supports comfortable feeding, day and night.
• Breathable Baby Blankets – Keep baby warm without overheating.
• White Noise Machine – Helps drown out household noise and improve sleep quality.

It won’t last forever - hang in there! Soon, you’ll both be sleeping better.