4 month old

This Mini Guide includes:

• What to expect at 4months
• Guidelines for better sleep
• Is swaddling safe?
• Is tummy sleep safe?
• What about sleep training?
• Developmental Milestones
• Playtime activities
• Recommended readings

What to expect at 4 months

• Sleep Patterns
  Many babies in this age range might begin to sleep longer stretches at night and might start consolidating their naps during the day. However, there might be occasional disruptions due to development. It is very normal for babies at four months to still need one feeding at night. For some babies, the dream feed is a good fit, while others may need a feeding a little later in the night.
  
• Increased Night Wakings:
  Even previously good sleepers may start waking frequently during the night. Babies’ sleep at this age begins to resemble adult patterns. Increased time in light REM sleep can cause more awakenings. Check out our guide on how to improve frequent night wakings.
• Short Naps:
  Short naps are still common at this age. Many 4-month-olds still take brief 30-45-minute naps. You can use gentle strategies to help lengthen naps.
• Resisting Sleep:
  When a baby is overtired or undertired, it may be difficult for them to fall asleep and/or stay asleep. Understanding the underlying reasons behind this behavior can provide insights and solutions for soothing your baby into restful sleep. Following age-appropriate wake windows and maintaining a consistent bedtime routine can help prevent your 4-month-old from fighting sleep.
• 4-month sleep regression:
  The 4-month sleep regression is one of the most significant biological shift in sleep patterns. Even previously good sleepers may start facing sleep challenges and wake up multiple times through the night as they transition through sleep cycles. At this age, sleep associations also start to form, leaving baby to search for these associations to fall back asleep between sleep cycles. Gradually and gently teaching your baby to fall asleep independently can help navigate through this challenging phase.
• Distractions:
  Heightened awareness means babies can be easily distracted by noises and lights. This can affect various aspects of their daily routine, including feeding and sleeping.
  Distracted feedings can lead to reverse cycling, where the baby starts snacking during the day, and needs more feeding through the night. Creating a quiet, calm, and comfortable feeding environment can help minimize distractions and encourage more focused feeding sessions.
  A consistent sleep routine, a conducive sleep environment that’s cool and very dark, and using a white noise machine can help mitigate sleep disturbances caused by distractions. White noise masks sudden noises, helping babies sleep deeper, wake less often, and fall asleep 80% faster.
• Reverse cycling:
  Many undergo a growth spurt leading to increased hunger and more night feedings, what is known as reverse cycling. Learn more about reverse cycling and how to improve it.
• Developmental Milestones:
  Rapid development, like rolling over, can disrupt sleep. To help ease nighttime disruptions, encourage practising these skills during daylight hours. Here are some ideas for daytime activities with a 4-month-old.

Guidelines for better sleep

• Here are some general guidelines - these can help you plan better to watch for baby's tiredness signs and make your days more predictable. Remember, your baby may not follow these hours and durations exactly, and that's ok! Over time, you will learn your baby's rhythms better.
  
  • Average Number of Naps: 3-5
  • Single Nap Length: 20-120 mins. The last nap of the day tends to be shorter.
    
  • Wake Windows: 90-120 mins
    
  • Last nap to end: 5:00-6:00 p.m, If you're aiming for a 7 to 8 pm bedtime.
  • Total Daytime Sleep: 3.5-4.5 hours
  • Bedtime: 7-8 pm. However, some benefit from a slightly later bedtime, upto 10pm.
  • Total night sleep: 12-12.5 hours (fragmented). Limit night sleep to 12-12.5 hours.
    
• For most babies, falling asleep for naps and nights can take between 5-20 minutes. If it takes less than 5 minutes, they might be overtired. If it takes more than 30 minutes, they might be undertired. Adjust your wake windows as needed based on this, and you will learn your baby's rhythm over time.
• Limit daytime naps to 2 hours in order to prevent disruptions to daytime feeding, total time awake, and to nighttime sleep. It's ok to wake baby up when you need to, to ensure they get enough calories and awake time.
• From an early age, babies can recognize routines. Establishing a bedtime routine and naptime routine can pave the way for better sleep. 
• Consider starting your day at a consistent time every morning (say 8:00 am, no more than 12-12.5 hours after bedtime). This sets a consistent time to help regulate their rhythm, improves their chance of exposure to daylight, and encourages daytime activity & longer night sleep stretches. 
• Offer daytime feedings every 2.5 -3.5 hours, according to hunger cues. Taking enough calories during the day can promote longer nighttime sleep.
• Every baby is unique. Learn about your baby's temperament to help them with sleep struggles.

Is Swaddling safe?

Is Tummy Sleep safe?

For the first 12 months, always place your baby on their back to sleep. However, once your baby can independently roll from their back to their belly, most pediatricians consider tummy sleeping safe. If you have any questions or concerns, consult your pediatrician. Check out our safe sleep guide.

🚨It's important to remember that a swaddled baby should never sleep on their stomach.

What about Sleep Training?

Some babies might be ready as early as four months. However, most will be ready only when closer to 6 months. It’s important to follow your baby’s development and growth to determine when the time is right. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to when to sleep train for naps and nights. Check out our guide to assess when to sleep train. 

Developmental milestones

Motor skills:
May hold the head steady unsupported for longer periods when held upright.
Some might start showing signs they are about to or already rolling from tummy to back.
Brings hands to mouth and explores them with increasing interest.
Kicks their legs with more purpose.
may now intentionally open and close their hands.

Sensory Development:
Improved Vision. Better depth perception emerges.
Begins to recognize familiar faces and voices.
Responds to changes in tone of voice.

Social and Emotional Development:
Enjoys social interaction and playtime.
May show stranger anxiety.
Shows excitement or interest at the sight of familiar people or toys.
May start laughing out loud, especially in social interactions.

​Cognitive Development:
May put objects in their mouth now that hand-eye coordination is improving.
Continues to coo and babble in response to interaction.
Tracks moving objects with their eyes.

👉🏻 Remember, these milestones are general guidelines, and every child develops at their own pace.

Activities ideas

Here are a few activities you can try with your baby:

1. Playmats and Play Gyms: Utilize a playmat or play gym for tummy time and to practice rolling. These are also excellent for encouraging independent play.
2. Mouth-Safe Toys: Provide your baby with toys that are safe for exploring with their mouth.
3. Crinkle Books: Offer crinkle books with high-contrast colors and patterns to stimulate their visual development.
4. Mirror Play: Use a mirror to make faces and interact with your baby, fostering social and emotional development.
5. Reading and Singing: Engage your baby during tummy time by reading books and singing songs.

⭐️ For many more ideas, check out our Activities with a 4-month-old guide.

Recommended readings

Nap Foundation & Daytime Sleep
A Guide to Establishing a Pre-Nap Routine
Safe sleep: baby's room temperature and sleepwear
Improve baby sleep - Wake window by age
Swaddling Your Baby: A Guide to Comfort and Safety
What to Do if Your Baby Hates Swaddling
Transitioning Away from Swaddling: When and How to Do It
When to Sleep Train for Naps and Nights
4-month-old sleep regression

👉🏻 If you need personalized advice, please email us at hello@mellow.kids. We are always happy to help.