10 Tips for surviving the 4 month sleep regression: an expert weighs in

1. 10 Tips for surviving the 4 month sleep regression: an expert weighs in Just when you thought you had bedtime beat: your baby is fussy and wakeful. Not to worry; after helping hundreds of new parents navigate the dreaded 4-month sleep regression, I’ve got 10 tips you need to get things back on track.

2. Slowly Break Sleepassociations Learning to sleep independently can be hard for babies—and negative sleep associations can make sleep regression even more challenging. 1

3. Use lightly weighted sleepwear During the 4-month sleep regression, a little extra comfort can go a long way. A lightly weighted swaddle (if baby isn’t rolling over yet) or sleeping bag will help keep her calm and cozy. 2

4. Feed as much as needed It’s not uncommon for babies to experience an increase in appetite during a sleep regression. The 4 month sleep regression often coincides with a growth spurt that will make baby extra hungry. 3

5. Black out the nursery Newborns aren’t afraid of the dark, but they do respond to light; it tells their brains that it’s time for activity. So at bedtime, the darker the better—especially during a sleep regression. 4

6. Put baby down drowsy, but awake Getting baby in the crib before they’re totally asleep helps teach them how to fall asleep independently—it’s also going to help you break those sleep associations. 5

7. Keep it quiet Any extra noise is going to distract baby from sleep, especially now that they’re spending more time in lighter sleep stages. 6

8. Stick to your routine The 4-month sleep regression might make it difficult to stay on your normal schedule but skimping on your routine will make it that much harder to get to it once the regression is over. 7

9. Adjust baby’s bedtime To compensate for shorter naps during the day, try moving bedtime ahead. Not getting enough will make baby overtired, only adding to the fussiness of the four-month sleep regression. 8

10. Give them time to practice The 4-month sleep regression usually coincides with babies learning to roll over. Your baby is trying to master this new skill and might think bedtime means practice time. 9

11. Don’t Do it alone To compensate for shorter naps during the day, try moving bedtime ahead. Not getting enough will make baby overtired, only adding to the fussiness of the four-month sleep regression. 10

12. Sweeter sleep starts here. www.nestedbean.com