*Newborn babies have tiny stomachs and therefore they need to eat frequently both during the day and at night. At 4 months of age most babies have gained weight and are able to go for slightly longer stretches between feedings at night due to their stomach capacity. However, that does not necessarily mean that your baby no longer needs a feeding at night. It is always important to check with your pediatrician (and lactation consultant, if applicable) to see what your individual baby needs when it comes to nutrition/feedings. If your baby still needs a feeding or two at night it does not mean that you cannot sleep train… it just means you have to work with a sleep consultant who is supportive of night feedings.
*As babies get older their coordination and physical control improves, allowing them better ability to self-soothe. Self-soothing is essential when it comes to learning how to fall asleep independently and very few babies under 4 months of age are able to soothe without assistance. Some babies may not even be fully able to self-soothe until closer to 6 months of age, which is why it is recommended to be extra supportive when sleep training 4 & 5 month old babies.
*Around 4 months of age babies’ sleep cycles are becoming a bit more established. Nighttime sleep is starting to fall more into place followed by the first nap of the day and then subsequently by the rest of the naps.
*By 18 weeks, age adjusted, babies have typically gone through (at least the thick of) the 4 month sleep regression. This sleep regression impacts all babies, some more than others, and can lead to more interrupted sleep, even for the best of sleepers. By waiting until the 4 month sleep regression has passed (for the most part) you can save yourself and your little one from unnecessary frustration and tears.
If your baby is not getting the sleep he/she needs and you are interested in learning more about the supportive sleep solutions that Rest Well Baby offers, please contact Tracie at: [email protected] to schedule a FREE 15 minute call to learn more about her professional sleep services.