The Four-Month Sleep Regression: What Every Parent Needs To Know
By Tara Mitchell
Quick takeaways
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It’s a progression, not a setback. Around four months, sleep cycles mature and babies surface between cycles more often.
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Waking is normal. It becomes a problem when baby relies on external help to fall asleep again.
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You can improve sleep now. Small changes to awake windows, sleep pressure and settling skills make a big difference.
Needing some extra guidance? Try the Baby Sleep Program
What is the four-month “regression” really?
At 4 months, babies shift from newborn sleep to more adult-like sleep cycles. They move through light and deep sleep and naturally wake between cycles to check that things are the same as when they fell asleep. That check-in is normal.
The challenge appears when a baby has learned to fall asleep with something external (rocking, feeding, dummy). If that thing is missing when they stir, they fully wake and call out for it.
Why it can feel so specific
If baby always feeds to sleep, they will often only settle with feeding. That specificity shows this is a learned association, not just a developmental blip. The good news: learned patterns can be gently changed.
You are not stuck. With a little guidance your baby can develop confident, independent settling.
What to do tonight: quick plan
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Check awake windows: most 4 month olds do well with 1h30 - 1h45 awake time, extending slightly across the day.
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Aim for 4 naps (5 can be OK for now).
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Protect sleep pressure: avoid long drowsy periods right before naps (car/pram dozing, feeding to sleep).
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Put down awake: wide-awake when placed in the cot so they practice settling where they’ll wake.
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Resettle with support: comfort and guide back to calm, but try not to do the whole job for them every time.
Needing some extra guidance? Try the Baby Sleep Program
Build self settling skills (gently)
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Start with short pauses before stepping in (unless worried), then offer hands-on comfort.
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Use a consistent settle routine (position, voice, touch).
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Reduce the amount of help gradually across days, not all at once.
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Celebrate small wins: a few minutes of independent settling counts.
Feed–Play–Sleep rhythm
Once feeding is established, try feed → play → sleep. This helps prevent feeds becoming the final cue before sleep and reduces feed-to-sleep associations.
Common traps to avoid
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Long drowsy feeds right before sleep.
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Rocking to sleep every time, then transferring.
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Inconsistent responses overnight.
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Expecting the same awake window all day.
When extra support helps
Consider more structured help if you see:
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30-45 minute naps that rarely lengthen
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More than 2 wakes overnight for a week or more
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Baby can only settle one way (e.g., feeding or car)
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You feel exhausted or unsure where to start
Our team of experts with over 19 years experience are here to support you, explore the range of resources available today - https://gentlesleep.com.au/
Final thoughts
This stage is normal but you dont have to remain stuck in poor sleep cycles for months. Especially if you find yourself trying everything, blaming teething or next regressions. With the right steps you can come out of four months with stronger sleep habits than before.
This article is educational and not medical or feeding advice. Always follow Sleep Safe guidelines.
Ready to get your sleep sorted? Browse our free resources
Our team of experts with over 19 years experience are here to support you, explore the range of resources available today - https://gentlesleep.com.au/
