Regulating baby’s sleep can be a real challenge for parents, especially in the case of “4-month sleep regression”
In the first months of life, the baby’s routine is full of novelties, which will inevitably influence his rest. In this sense, a “4-month sleep regression” occurs, a common phenomenon in this process, which can make the routine more challenging for parents.
According to Eliana Dias, infant sleep specialist, when the baby reaches 4 months, unlike the previous months, a significant change occurs in his development.
Why does baby’s sleep change at 4 months?
“At this stage, he reaches neurological maturity and begins to perceive the environment more, reacting to visual, auditory and other stimuli, such as a light bulb or a noise. It is something he was not able to do before, but he begins to happen and it only tends to increase”, explains the professional.
The phase, often called “the age of intelligence”, is marked by the child’s new learning, as he begins to perceive space in a sensorial way. Now he can understand that crying causes his parents to come to his rescue.
It is therefore important to pay attention: the womb is important for the development and emotional part of the child, but it is necessary for him to have more contact with the bed before going to bed, warns Eliana.
“If in this initial period you teach your baby to sleep only on the lap or when breastfed, at four months he will constantly demand it,” says the consultant, who sees many guardians every day blaming the “4-month gap” ” or the “developmental leap.”
“This doesn’t exist. What happens is that this child has not learned good sleeping habits, and when he reaches this more intelligent stage, where he already better understands his parents’ behavior and what he has been taught, he will understand that sleeping in lap is more relaxing than sleeping in bed, for example,” adds the professional.
According to the infant sleep specialist, this is the so-called “4-month sleep regression”.
What if the baby cries?
The tiredness of the parents perhaps leaves no alternatives, but Eliana contraindicates leaving the child to cry until he falls asleep. “At every age, babies need different strategies. So, if they cry, it’s a sign that they need you. It is not advisable to let them cry to learn to sleep. At that moment, all they need is comfort, from here is the importance of flexibility,” he says.
Educate your baby to sleep better
The maternal and child consultant emphasizes that it is necessary to remember that educating your child’s sleep is not military training. It is therefore not a question of imposing rigid rules, but of teaching gradually.
“Habits are acquired and this applies to everything. Therefore, educating the child’s sleep is a flexible process in which we guide him to spend more time sleeping,” he emphasizes.
Therefore, it is essential to teach and reinforce healthy sleep habits from birth. “But if this has not been done until now, we can start at 4 months, when he will already be able to understand and learn everything that is taught to him”, adds the professional.
According to her, sleep regression NO It’s a setback, but an opportunity to encourage your baby to develop sleep independence. “Remember that he is now prepared for this,” concludes Eliana Dias.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
