4-Month-Old Baby Guide
Welcome to the exciting fourth month of your baby's life! At 4 months, your little one is becoming more active, alert, and socially engaged. This is also a critical period for sleep development, often marked by the infamous 4-month sleep regression. Now is an ideal time to focus on establishing healthy sleep habits and consider more formal sleep training methods to help your baby - and you - navigate this challenging but important phase.
Daily Schedule
- 6:00 AMWake up and feed
- 7:00 AMPlaytime and interaction
- 8:30 AMMorning nap
- 10:00 AMWake up and feed
- 11:00 AMTummy time and active play
- 12:30 PMEarly afternoon nap
- 2:00 PMWake up and feed
- 3:00 PMSensory play and outdoor time
- 4:30 PMLate afternoon nap (catnap)
- 5:30 PMWake up and feed
- 6:30 PMBath time and bedtime routine
- 7:30 PMFinal feed and bedtime
- 11:00 PMOptional dream feed (if needed)
Developmental Milestones
Your 4-month-old is reaching significant developmental milestones. Here are key achievements to look out for, with a special focus on sleep-related progress:
Physical Development
- Pushes up to elbows during tummy time
- Rolls from tummy to back (and sometimes back to tummy)
- Brings hands to mouth
- Grasps and shakes toys
Cognitive Development
- Responds to affection
- Reaches for toy with one hand
- Uses hands and eyes together
- Recognizes familiar people and things at a distance
Social and Emotional Development
- Smiles spontaneously, especially at people
- Enjoys playing with people
- Copies some movements and facial expressions
- Babbles with expression and copies sounds they hear
Sleep Development
- Transitions from newborn sleep patterns to more adult-like sleep cycles
- May experience the 4-month sleep regression
- Can typically sleep 6-8 hours at night without feeding
- Requires about 12-16 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period, including naps
Feeding Guidelines
Proper nutrition remains crucial for your baby's growth and can significantly impact sleep patterns. Here are feeding guidelines for your 4-month-old:
Breast Milk or Formula
Frequency: Every 3-4 hours
Amount: 4-6 ounces per feeding
Night feedings may decrease or stop as sleep consolidates
Solid Foods Introduction
Frequency: Discuss with pediatrician
Amount: N/A
Some babies may be ready to start solid foods, which can impact sleep patterns
Feeding and Sleep Connection
Frequency: Observe baby's cues
Amount: N/A
Work on separating feeding from sleep onset to promote independent sleep skills
Activity Suggestions
Engaging in age-appropriate activities can support your baby's development and contribute to better sleep. Try these activities with your 4-month-old:
Tummy Time
Encourage longer periods of tummy time, introducing toys and mirrors for engagement
Benefits:
- Strengthens core muscles needed for rolling and eventual crawling
- Promotes physical tiredness for better sleep
- Helps prevent flat spots on the head
Object Permanence Games
Play peek-a-boo or hide toys under a blanket
Benefits:
- Develops cognitive skills and memory
- Helps baby understand that you exist even when out of sight (important for sleep training)
- Provides mental stimulation for better daytime alertness and nighttime rest
Sleep Training Introduction
Begin implementing consistent sleep training methods, such as gradual withdrawal or timed check-ins
Benefits:
- Teaches baby to self-soothe and fall asleep independently
- Helps establish consistent sleep patterns
- Can lead to longer stretches of nighttime sleep for baby and parents
Common Concerns
The 4-month mark often brings new challenges, particularly related to sleep. Here are some common concerns for 4-month-olds, with a focus on sleep-related issues:
4-Month Sleep Regression
Baby suddenly wakes more frequently, has trouble falling asleep, or takes shorter naps
Advice:
This is due to sleep cycle changes. Maintain consistent routines, consider sleep training methods, and ensure a sleep-conducive environment.
Increased Night Wakings
Baby wakes multiple times at night, often wanting to feed or be soothed
Advice:
Gradually reduce night feedings if appropriate. Implement a consistent bedtime routine and consider sleep training techniques to encourage self-soothing.
Nap Transitions
Baby may be transitioning from 4 naps to 3 naps a day
Advice:
Follow baby's cues and gradually extend wake windows. Ensure the last nap doesn't interfere with bedtime. Aim for age-appropriate wake windows between naps.
Sleep Associations
Baby relies on specific conditions (rocking, feeding, etc.) to fall asleep
Advice:
Work on putting baby down drowsy but awake. Gradually remove sleep associations to promote independent sleep skills.