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My Slightly Chaotic Life

Balancing Life, Children and Chaos

Parenting

How To Survive The 4 Month Sleep Regression

July 29, 2018 Comments : 23

How to survive the 4 month sleep regression with your sanity intact
Is your baby in the midst of the 4 month sleep regression? Asking yourself when will this end? Here you will find out why this regression happens and what you can do to keep your sanity. | Baby sleep | 4 month regression | Baby | Sleep |

The dreaded 4 month sleep regression. You have heard about it, researched it, and counted down the days till it arrives. Your baby is sleeping great and then all of a sudden, out of nowhere your precious little angel becomes something nightmares are made of. We are currently in the throws of it so I can’t claim I’m an expert but even if you can’t take some helpful tips away from this at least you know your not alone (solidarity sister!).

So what is the 4 month sleep regression and why the hell does it happen? I asked Avery’s pediatrician this exact same question when I dragged my mombie ass in for our 4 month appointment and practically begged her for a baby sized sedative. She explained it as babies beginning to have sleep cycles like adults do. Do you remember all those times you wake up in the middle of the night when your body goes into light sleep? No, neither do I. That’s because adults can put themselves back to sleep while tiny humans are unable to do this. This wakes them up and they seek out ways to help them fall back asleep.

How to survive the 4 month sleep regression

Avery had been doing so well. Sleeping from 8 pm to about 3 am. She would wake, I would feed her and she would go back down until i would have to wake her up on workdays or till about 7 am on non workdays. The first night of the regression I thought “this isn’t so bad. We can do this” and fed her as needed. The next night we went through the same thing. By the third night my boobs were sore and I was pleading to some celestial being for the baby to sleep longer then 2 hours. So what have I learned from this regression?

How to Survive the 4 Month Sleep Regression

Be consistent

We continually strive to maintain Avery’s bedtime. If she is in bed near the same time every night, bed time goes much smoother. If we miss that window Avery becomes absolutely unglued and getting her to sleep is a struggle. Same goes for if she falls asleep away from the house while we are out at her bedtime and then we have to transition her to her crib. I’m not saying don’t go out and have fun. Just remember that bedtime may be a struggle afterwards.

Avoid feeding

The pediatrician told me not to feed the baby in the middle of the night. She really does not need to eat every 2 hours all night long especially if she is eating well during the day. Feeding her will only encourage her needing to nurse in order to go back to sleep. Obviously if nothing else works and you feel the baby is starving go ahead and feed them. You know your baby better than I do.

Shush/Pat is a thing

Another tip from the pediatrician is to try and calm the baby without picking her up. So this works about 50% of the time for us. I can calm her with a pacifier and a pat on the butt while aggressively shushing. Sometimes this works, sometimes it doesn’t but it’s worth a try before you pick the baby up to comfort them. Now I’m not a fan of full on CIO methods (it’s just not for me) but a little crying and whining while they settle themselves back down won’t cause lifelong detrimental effects on your child.

How to survive the 4 month sleep regression

Hang in there

The sleep regression does not last forever and it will get better. Some nights it feels like it won’t end and you’re only hanging on by a very thin thread but I assure you it will. We are starting to move past it and Avery is waking up much less than when this all started. We are still working on nap times and getting good naps in again but at least the night time sleep is getting better. Remember your wonderful birth story if all else fails to remind you that this will not always happen Read Avery’s birth story HERE.

Wondering why your 4 month old won't sleep? Feeling frustrated and tired? Read our story and pick up some helpful tips and tricks to implement for your family today. | Sleep regression | 4 months old | Baby sleep | Sleep tips |

Caffeine is your friend

If all else fails, there is always coffee! That and wine. I’ve been surviving the mornings on coffee and the evenings with a glass of wine or a beer, I’m not too picky. And there are some nights where I just crash right out when the baby finally does. It’s survival mode and coffee has helped me greatly get through the day when Avery was up every 2 hours the night before.

How to survive the 4 month sleep regression with your sanity intact

What has helped you get through the 4 month sleep regression? Even better what tips do you have for the next one?

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Comments

  1. Kristin Chassey says

    July 30, 2018 at 3:36 pm

    These are great tips! Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
  2. Crystal Russell says

    July 30, 2018 at 3:37 pm

    beautiful baby.
    you can do it… it doesn’t last forever.

    Reply
  3. Jenn Pohlman says

    July 30, 2018 at 4:22 pm

    Consistency is key! And I also agree – not a CIO fan myself, but there’s a difference I feel between the whining of trying to fall back asleep and the full on crying because we aren’t there. Thank you for sharing these helpful tips and just be reassuring that we aren’t alone in this!

    Reply
  4. Amanda says

    July 30, 2018 at 11:36 pm

    Very helpful information for new moms! I don’t remember going through this with my second, she’s currently eight months old. Maybe she did and I just chalked it up to teething. But we just let them cry it out and that works pretty well for us. The minute you hold them they want you all night, and that is bad news bears!

    Reply
  5. Krish says

    July 31, 2018 at 12:58 pm

    Beautiful write up

    Reply
  6. Samantha says

    July 31, 2018 at 4:38 pm

    I definitely agree with consistency! My daughter is currently going through the 18 month sleep regression, and its been the worst. Nothing is helping at this point. I’m going to try some of these 4 month regression tips on her!

    Reply
  7. Kristy Bullard says

    October 3, 2018 at 8:36 pm

    These are tough times, but you can do it! Listen to your doctor and buy 100 pacifiers. They both kept me sane!

    Reply
  8. Neda says

    October 4, 2018 at 1:58 am

    I definitely agree with a lot of these, great tips! Thank you for sharing xx

    Reply
  9. Maartje van Sandwijk says

    October 4, 2018 at 5:15 am

    Great tips!

    Also, you’re baby is gorgeous!

    Reply
  10. Monidipa Dutta says

    October 4, 2018 at 5:52 am

    This is a very beautiful write up. You kid looks such a cutie… I am not a mother yet and not planning for some years at least so I find it hard to relate. Very helpful post for other though.

    Reply
  11. angel says

    October 4, 2018 at 6:24 am

    coffee! plus thinking i have to cherish the moments because they will only be this small for a short period of time. 🙂

    Reply
  12. Megan says

    October 4, 2018 at 7:57 am

    These are great tips, thank you for sharing–– new parents everywhere are THANKING you.

    Reply
  13. Preet says

    October 4, 2018 at 8:22 am

    What a great and informative post. this can be a big help especially for moms.

    Reply
  14. Marcie says

    October 4, 2018 at 10:46 am

    The 4 month sleep regression is the worst! Just when you finally start getting some sleep, it’s violently ripped from you! Great tips to survive!

    Reply
  15. Catherine Santiago Jose says

    October 4, 2018 at 10:58 am

    Those are really great and helpful tips that need to know by all first time moms. As a mother of two, I also experienced this struggles and now I am happy that I am done with that stage.

    Reply
  16. Kristine Nicole Alessandra says

    October 4, 2018 at 12:11 pm

    I do struggle a lot with my first baby and it’s really make me crazy and I thank God with the love and support that I received from my family but in times of sleepless night coffee really helps me a lot to stay up.

    Reply
  17. Karissa Martinez says

    October 4, 2018 at 4:56 pm

    You’re baby is so precious and adorable! Great tips, definitely helpful for all the new moms out there

    Reply
  18. serena says

    October 4, 2018 at 10:38 pm

    Such an adorable baby and I can see why you created this post for sure. I totally can relate.

    Reply
  19. Ana Ojha says

    October 5, 2018 at 12:40 am

    I don’t have kids but can totally relate your experience with my sister-in-law. Initial years are tough but they grow so fast!

    Reply
  20. Geraline Batarra says

    October 5, 2018 at 12:42 am

    Such a great tips and I am sure it will be a great help to all first time parents out there.

    Reply
  21. Faneshia says

    October 5, 2018 at 2:24 am

    I have a friend who recently delivered. I will share this with her. Thanks for the tips.

    Reply
  22. Tiffany Yong says

    October 8, 2018 at 11:52 am

    My sister-in-law is going to have a baby soon and she’s going to be living in the same house as I do. So I’m definitely going to be experiencing some of the mummy’s woe in advance. Thanks for the heads-up!

    Reply
  23. Peps Goh says

    October 8, 2018 at 11:55 am

    My sister is due in 2 months and I’m going to be an uncle again! Woohoo~ I am supposed to help with taking care of the baby, so reading this will definitely help prepare me for what’s to come!

    Reply

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For the first time in history, a woman is Vice Pre For the first time in history, a woman is Vice President. Today is a historical day. ⁣
⁣
This post isn’t about how you feel about politics or how you feel about or if you think the Vice President is a role model nor is it about who you or I voted for. ⁣
This post is about the little girl I am standing next to. A little girl who has her entire life ahead of her to see women in powerful positions, women in charge and female leadership that is celebrated. ⁣
⁣
A little girl who may grow up and want to pursue becoming a doctor, a writer, a politician, a professional athlete, a teacher , an accountant or take after her mom and become a nurse. Whatever her dreams may be; today signifies that the sky is the limit, that she and all the other little girls out there watching this historic day, can become whatever they want. ⁣
⁣
So no matter what you think about today, let’s celebrate encouraging our children to pursue their dreams and someday making history of their own. ⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
#womensupportingwomen ⁣
#girltribe ⁣
#girlmomlife ⁣
#thefutureisfemale ⁣
#themommydiary
🍿 It’s National Popcorn Day! ❤️⁣ ⁣ An 🍿 It’s National Popcorn Day! ❤️⁣
⁣
Anyone else have children that fight over the bowl of popcorn?! ⁣
We are celebrating National Popcorn Day (who knew that was actually a thing?!) with you guessed it; homemade popcorn!⁣
It is one of our go to snacks and a must every time we go to the movies! ⁣
⁣
Anyone else have kids that are obsessed with popcorn?! ⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
Follow along with the hashtag #MamasWhoHoliday to see all the things me and some of my favorite mamas come up with to celebrate all these fun and different holidays! 😄 ⁣
⁣
If you’d like to join in on the fun, post your own photo and use our hashtag so we can check it out! ❤️⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
#momswhoblog ⁣
#lifewithlittles ⁣
#motherhoodlens ⁣
#motherhoodlife
Anyone else feel like they are constantly chasing Anyone else feel like they are constantly chasing around a toddler in the mornings? Thankfully @Dunkin is helping me have a little bit more energy with their Extra Charged Coffee. Just in time to keep up with this very busy lady and if you couldn’t tell she loves mornings as much as I do.⁣
 ⁣
The extra caffeine (20% to be exact) is derived from green coffee extract giving that extra boost of energy! It is available in hot or iced and through January 16, a medium is only $2. So, head to @Dunkin to try it out today.!⁣
How are you getting your energy boost to keep up with your busy lifestyle?⁣
 ⁣
 ⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
#DunkinMaine⁣
#DunkinPartner
#momlifestyle 
#motherhoodunfiltered 
#coffeemom
Raise your hand if you love salsa! 🙋🏻‍♀️⁣
Our family uses salsa on just about everything from tacos to omelets. Our go to salsa? @freshcravingssalsa ⁣
⁣
Made from small batch recipes with vine ripened tomatoes and hand cut vegetables, @freshcravingssalsa is a smooth blend of authentic, bold flavors. So good even my kids love it! ⁣
You can find Fresh Cravings In the dips and dressing section of the produce aisle at your local Walmart or grocery store. ⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
#freshcravings ⁣
#salsabrate2021 ⁣
#freshcravingssalsa ⁣
#healthyjourney ⁣
#easysnackideas
9 + years since my first was born and almost 3 sin 9 + years since my first was born and almost 3 since my second and I have to say I still have no idea what I’m doing when it comes to parenting. ⁣
⁣
The great thing is; these two have no idea that most days I’m just winging it. Now more then ever, it’s important we admit to ourselves this motherhood thing is hard and as long as we keep the small humans happy and fed we are totally winning at this #momlife ⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
#thisismotherhood ⁣
#thisisparenthood ⁣
#momlifeunfiltered ⁣
#motherhoodintheraw ⁣
#mombloggers
Grateful Warrior; a print from the lovely and tale Grateful Warrior; a print from the lovely and talented @lindsey.erin. A wonderful artist (for real check out her stuff) and person who inspires me daily with her creativity and positivity. ⁣
⁣
This print means so many different things to me in this season of my life. ⁣
It’s a reminder that I am a strong woman who doesn’t give up easily. Someone who aspires to do more, be more. As a partner, mother, friend. ⁣
⁣
It’s also a reminder to be grateful for the opportunities I have and the power of my light I send out into this world. I glance at it everyday, hanging in my office reminding me to be the grateful warrior that I am.⁣
What is inspiring you during this time in your life? ⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
#fineartprints ⁣
#maineartist ⁣
#motivatedmindset ⁣
#motherhoodunfiltered
Getting organized is on my to do list this year be Getting organized is on my to do list this year because if I’m being honest my life is a mess most days. ⁣
⁣
@zulily has everything I need to do just that. From now until Friday, they have amazing deals on items to help you get more organized in every aspect of your home. Check out my stories for all my favorite organization items and where you can grab them! ⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
#zulilyfinds ⁣
#organizedhome ⁣
#realmomlife ⁣
#organizedhome
It’s a New Year and all I’ve managed to do tod It’s a New Year and all I’ve managed to do today is take this photo and drink some wine so I would say I’m already winning at 2021.⁣
⁣
Here’s to a better year then last. Cheers! ⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
#newyearsgoals⁣
#bye2020⁣
#mamaneedswine⁣
#momlifeunfiltered⁣
#mombloggerlife
Follow Me on Instagram
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