You’ve just settled into a rhythm. Your baby had been sleeping a little longer, feeding less frequently at night, and you were starting to feel like you could breathe again. But suddenly, your once-sleepy angel is now waking up every hour, crying more, feeding erratically, and resisting naps like a tiny protestor. 

If this sounds like your life right now—welcome to the infamous 4-month sleep regression. I’m Debra, a certified Sleep Sense™ Consultant at Lullabub Sleepers, and I want you to know that what you're experiencing is completely normal. You're not doing anything wrong. 

Let’s talk about why this happens, what’s changing in your baby's body and brain, and how you can respond—with lots of love, practical tips, and confidence. 

🌙 What Is Baby Sleep Regression, Really? 

Baby sleep regression refers to a period where your baby suddenly starts waking more often at night or skipping naps after previously sleeping better. While regressions can happen at 8, 12, or even 18 months, the 4-month sleep regression is the first—and often the most shocking. 

This isn’t just a phase—it’s a permanent developmental shift in how your baby sleeps. 

At 4 months old, your baby's brain is developing sleep cycles similar to an adult's, transitioning between light and deep sleep. That means they now wake up more easily during the night. 

You’re not alone. Almost every parent in Singapore (and around the world!) goes through this. The good news? There are ways to respond with purpose—not just power through. 

📈 Signs You’re Dealing with the 4 Month Sleep Regression 

If your baby is around 16 weeks old and you’re seeing any of these signs, chances are, it’s not random—it's baby sleep regression: 

• Frequent night wakings (every 1-2 hours) 

• Short naps that last 30 minutes or less 

• Cranky behavior during the day 

• Resistance to being put down drowsy but awake 

• Increase in feeding, but without hunger cues 

4-month sleep changes are not your fault—they’re a sign your baby is growing. 

💡 Why the 4 Month Sleep Regression Happens 

Here’s what’s going on behind the scenes: 

1. Brain Development – Your baby’s brain is organizing sleep into light and deep phases, meaning they’re more likely to wake fully between cycles. 

2. Sleep Associations – If your baby has been rocked, nursed, or held to sleep, they may struggle when they wake up alone in a crib. 

3. Increased Awareness – Babies around this age are more aware of their surroundings and more stimulated by their environment. 

4. Physical Changes – Growth spurts and changes in feeding also play a role. 

The key takeaway? Your baby's sleep architecture has matured. Now, it’s time to help them learn how to sleep independently. 

✅ Sleep Training Tips During the 4 Month Sleep Regression 

As a certified infant sleep trainer in Singapore, I work with parents just like you every day. Here are my top sleep training tips for navigating this regression: 

1. Stick to a Predictable Bedtime Routine 

A calming routine (bath, feed, story, cuddle) signals to your baby that it’s time to sleep. It’s the first step in healthy sleep habits. 

2. Introduce Consistent Sleep Times 

Your baby is ready for 3-4 naps a day. Try to anchor the first nap of the day, and bedtime should be between 6:30–8:00 PM. 

3. Let Baby Practice Self-Soothing 

Put your baby down drowsy but awake. This teaches them to connect sleep cycles on their own, reducing wakings. 

4. Create an Ideal Sleep Environment 

Use blackout curtains, white noise, and a cool room to promote deeper sleep. This is essential for minimizing external disruptions. 

5. Feed During the Day, Not at Night 

Tank up your baby during the day with full feeds to avoid unnecessary night feeds. (Unless advised otherwise by your pediatrician.) 

6. Don’t Introduce New Habits You’ll Later Regret 

It’s tempting to rock, feed, or carry your baby all night. But this teaches them that they need help falling back to sleep each time. 

If you're feeling overwhelmed, remember—you don’t have to do this alone. 

🧘 Parents, Be Kind to Yourselves Too 

Your mental health matters. The 4-month sleep regression is a tough time for families in Singapore and beyond. Whether you're a working parent juggling Zoom calls or a stay-at-home mum counting down the hours until naptime, your exhaustion is valid. 

Let’s work on finding gentle, personalized sleep solutions that work for your family. As your dedicated infant sleep trainer, I’ll walk with you every step of the way. 

🌟 Explore Our Sleep Solutions Today 

At Lullabub Sleepers, I offer one-on-one sleep consultations tailored to your baby’s needs and your parenting style. If you're struggling with baby sleep regression, stuck in the middle of 4-month sleep chaos, or just need solid sleep training tips—I'm here. 

👉 Explore our Services and take the first step toward peaceful nights again. 

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