It's progression not regression

When babies are around 4-months many parents start to feel like they're getting the hang of parenting. Then your baby has a shift. They become increasingly curious during the day and more restless at night. Whilst it can be tricky, this 4-month progression is a positive indicator of your little one's development.

– The 4-month jolt –

At around 16 weeks your baby's behaviours may change.

Around then the freezer meals have finished, and many parents report that family and friends help out less. You're left holding a baby who is waking up to the world with heightened curiosity. Settling a baby throughout the night might be more challenging, which can feel exhausting.

This natural stage of development has been called "the 4-month sleep regression". We challenge this framing and recognise these developmental milestones as positive progression. 

Babies gain a lot of new skills, including increased mobility, reaching out for items, stronger visual focus, and increasing awareness of your presence. 

 – The wakeful baby –

At this age, many babies can be easily distracted whilst feeding.

At 4 months, babies begin to notice all the exciting things to see. Many parents worry that their baby is not getting enough milk at this time due to their fussiness and distractibility. At this stage, most babies are efficient at breastfeeding and take in enough to satisfy their needs over 24 hours. However, distracted feeds throughout the day can lead to increased appetite overnight resulting in a wakeful baby.

Your baby's need for sleep reduces.

Four-month-old babies sleep less than newborns. So parents may need to adjust their expectations and adapt to new sleep patterns. Encouraging oversleeping during the day can disrupt your baby's circadian clock and reduce their sleepiness at night.

 – You may find it helpful to –

• Reduce distractions

  Ensure some feeds are in a quiet place to minimise distractions to your baby. A wrap slung over your shoulder and baby's face can also help.

• Trust your baby's feeding instincts

  Cross-check this with knowing they have plenty of wet nappies, regular bowel movements, and consistent weight gain.

• Rich sensory stimulation

  Babies thrive on sensory input. Colours, sounds, and movement strengthens development. Take your baby out of the house during the day for walks to parks and to meet up with friends. 

• Practice acceptance and patience

  The 4-month jolt is a positive sign and is only temporary. Aim to bring a flexible mindset to this parenting chapter as you can't force a baby to sleep or feed.