Hello, weary but wonderful parents! If you've stumbled upon this blog post, chances are you're navigating the beautiful yet often bewildering world of baby sleep and settling. Fear not, for you're in the right place! I'm here to offer you some tips and insights from my years of experience as a Baby Sleep Consultant and Paediatric Nurse. This blog is filled with words of encouragement, friendly advice, and gentle techniques to help you and your little one find some much-needed rest.
In those early months of your baby's life, quality sleep can feel like a distant memory. You may have heard that babies need to wake at night to feed, and it's true! Those tiny tummies need frequent nourishment for growth and development, both day and night. But fear not, there are ways to manage those difficult to navigate nights for you and your little bundle of joy.
Let’s start by busting some infant sleep myths:
Myth One: Spoiling your baby by settling them. You cannot spoil your baby by responding to their settling needs. Whether it's rocking, patting, or speaking gently to them, your comforting touch is like a soothing balm for their restlessness.
Myth Two: Drowsy but awake is the only way. I’m sure you’ve already been told ‘drowsy but awake’ is the only way to get a ‘good sleeper’ but the reality is, the drowsy but awake technique isn’t achievable for all babies. It is fantastic for those that do settle this way but some little ones just need different techniques.
Myth Three: Babies will just fall asleep when they’re tired. While some babies will fall asleep when they’re tired, the vast majority of babies though will simply stay awake until they’re overtired, making it impossible for them to settle easily or sleep well.
If you're feeling like your baby is a bit trickier to settle compared to others, and none of the advice you've received seems to be hitting the mark, please take comfort in knowing that you're not alone in this. Every baby is wonderfully unique, with their own quirks and preferences right from the get-go. It's all about finding what works best for you and your little one, armed with tips and techniques that help you tune into your instincts and set yourselves up for success.
So, what do you need to know about baby sleep for 3 – 6 months:
What's the typical sleep pattern for a baby aged 3 to 6 months? Well, it can vary quite a bit! Some babies might enjoy 2 or 3 longer naps during the day, while others might opt for shorter catnaps. When it comes to night-time, it's just as diverse: a lucky few might snooze soundly for a solid 12 hours, some might manage a good 8-hour stretch, while many others may wake up fairly regularly for feeds. There’s a wide range of normalcy when it comes to sleep patterns at this age.
Transitioning away from the swaddle
There are so many exciting milestones in this wonderful age group, and one of them is when your little one starts showing signs of rolling over. It's a thrilling moment that marks their growing mobility and independence. When you notice this milestone, it's a signal that it's time to transition away from swaddles or sleep suits that restrict their arm movements. Allowing their arms the freedom to move can help them adjust comfortably to their newfound skills.
Emphasising the difference between night and day
From around 3-4 months old, babies begin to distinguish between night and day, learning that night-time is for sleeping (hallelujah!). Here's how you can help reinforce this concept:
Keep the room dark or softly lit during night-time awakenings.
Respond to your baby's cries promptly during the night, offering comfort and feeds as needed.
Reserve night-time feeds for the bedroom to differentiate them from daytime feeds.
Keep night-time interactions soothing and calm, saving the playful antics for daylight hours.
Neurological sleep changes
Around 3 to 4 months old, your little one experiences a remarkable shift in their sleep patterns—a milestone we often affectionately refer to as the 4-month sleep regression. During this time, they start sleeping much like adults, with distinct daytime and night-time sleep cycles.
From this age onwards the way babies are put to sleep at the start of a nap or at bedtime is the method they completely rely on to go to sleep. When your baby then naturally wakes at the end of a sleep cycle, if that same sleep association isn’t there they will not be able to go back to sleep without it.
Start a simple sleep routine
Now is a great time to start to establish a simple sleep routine can help your baby (and you!) find comfort and predictability:
During the day, follow a pattern of feed, play, sleep, allowing your little one to recognise the cues for rest.
At night, focus on settling your baby back to sleep promptly, minimising stimulating activities.
Building sleep associations
Around 3 to 4 months old, your little one experiences a remarkable shift in their sleep patterns—a milestone we often affectionately refer to as the 4-month sleep regression. During this time, they start sleeping much like adults, with distinct daytime and night-time sleep cycles.
From this age onwards the way babies are put to sleep at the start of a nap or at bedtime is the method they completely rely on to go to sleep. When your baby then naturally wakes at the end of a sleep cycle, if that same sleep association isn’t there they will not be able to go back to sleep without it. Some examples of positive sleep associations that can gently guide little ones towards more independent sleep associations and habits include:
Baby sleeping bags
White noise
Dark rooms
As you navigate the ups and downs of baby sleep, remember that you are doing a wonderful job and in the tough times support is always available. If you have any questions or would like some customised recommendations to help create a great sleep environment and positive sleep associations please reach out.
Kirsty – Baby & Child Sleep Consultant
Sleep Little One