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4-Month Sleep Regression: Why It Happens and How to Get Through It

Key Takeaways

  • The 4-month regression is a permanent change in sleep architecture — cycles shift from 2 phases to 4 adult-like phases.
  • It typically begins between 3.5 and 5 months, and the transition lasts 2 to 6 weeks.
  • Wakings every 45-50 minutes match the exact length of a new sleep cycle.
  • This is actually the best time to start working on independent sleep skills.

If your 4-month-old was sleeping reasonably well and then everything fell apart overnight, you're not imagining things. What you're experiencing has a name: the 4-month sleep regression. And it's different from every other regression your baby will go through.

What's actually happening in your baby's brain

Here's what most articles won't tell you: the 4-month regression isn't really a regression. It's a permanent maturation of sleep.

Before 4 months, your baby only had 2 sleep phases: active sleep and quiet sleep. Simple. Around 3.5-5 months, their brain switches to 4 sleep phases — exactly like an adult. Light sleep, deep sleep, very deep sleep, and REM sleep.

The problem? Between each cycle (which lasts about 45-50 minutes), your baby hits a brief waking moment. Before, they'd glide right through it. Now, they wake up fully at every transition.

Signs it's the 4-month regression

  • Waking every 45-50 minutes, like clockwork
  • Very short naps (30-40 minutes instead of 1-1.5 hours)
  • Fussiness at bedtime when it used to go smoothly
  • A crankier baby during the day from sleep debt

Why this regression is different from all others

The 8, 12, and 18-month regressions are temporary — they last a few weeks and then your baby returns to their normal pattern. The 4-month one doesn't "pass." Your baby's brain has permanently changed.

But don't panic. The good news is that this transition is actually an opportunity. Your baby is now biologically ready to develop independent sleep skills.

What actually helps

1. Work on falling asleep at bedtime

This is THE most important moment of the day. If your baby can fall asleep independently at bedtime, they'll be much better equipped to get back to sleep between cycles at night.

This doesn't mean leaving your baby to cry alone in the dark. There are gradual, gentle methods that respect your comfort level and your baby's temperament.

2. Respect wake windows

At 4 months, your baby can stay awake for about 1.5 to 2.5 hours. An overtired baby paradoxically sleeps worse. Watch for tired cues: yawning, eye rubbing, zoning out.

3. Keep a solid bedtime routine

Bath, pajamas, story or song, cuddle, then into bed. Same order, same time every night. This 20-30 minute routine sends a powerful signal to your baby's brain.

4. Don't add new sleep crutches

This is the classic trap. When nights are tough, it's tempting to start rocking, adding extra feeds, or bringing baby into your bed. Every new habit will be harder to undo later. If you already have sleep associations in place, this is a good time to start gently reducing them.

Night feeds: yes, still normal

At 4 months, your baby still needs 1-2 night feeds. Don't eliminate them. The goal isn't zero wakings — it's waking only to eat, and falling back asleep easily afterward.

When to see a doctor

If your baby seems to be in pain, refuses to eat, has a fever, or if you're so exhausted that you feel unsafe, talk to your pediatrician. Parental exhaustion is a real health issue.

You don't have to figure this out alone

The 4-month regression is a turning point. DodoCare analyzes your baby's situation every day and adapts the night plan based on their progress, including during this transition. The first 3 days are free — and at 3am, a clear plan makes all the difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 4-month sleep regression temporary?

Unlike other regressions, the 4-month one is a permanent change in sleep architecture. Your baby's brain is maturing — it won't go back. The good news is that your baby can learn to navigate these new cycles.

How long does the 4-month sleep regression last?

The transition phase typically lasts 2 to 6 weeks. But since it's a permanent change, the goal isn't to wait it out — it's to help your baby adapt to their new sleep cycles.

Does my 4-month-old still need night feeds?

Yes. At 4 months, 1-2 night feeds are still physiologically necessary. Don't drop night feeds at this age — focus on independent sleep at bedtime instead.

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