Introduction: When Sleep Goes Sideways at Four Months
If your baby was starting to sleep for longer stretches and then, suddenly, begins waking every two to three hours again, you are not alone. This phase, often called the “four-month sleep regression,” can leave even the most prepared parents feeling confused, exhausted, and concerned.
At Starshine Montessori, we work closely with infants from just two months of age. One thing we’ve observed consistently is that around the four-month mark, sleep patterns take a noticeable turn. Babies who once fell asleep easily may now resist bedtime. Those who previously enjoyed five to six hours of uninterrupted rest may now wake frequently crying or fussing. This change is not a step backward, even if it feels like one.
What your baby is experiencing is not regression, but progression. This is a time of rapid neurological and physical development. Their sleep cycles are changing, their senses are sharpening, and their social awareness is blossoming. For many families, this shift marks the beginning of more complex sleep behaviour that will continue to evolve throughout infancy and toddler-hood.
In this article, we will explore what causes these changes, how they impact your baby’s sleep, and what you can do to support your little one through this stage without relying on harsh methods or unrealistic schedules. Guided by Montessori principles and child development research, we aim to help you understand your baby’s needs and respond with empathy, structure, and care.
Let’s begin by understanding what’s actually happening inside your baby’s brain during this pivotal stage.
What’s Happening Inside Your Baby’s Brain?
Sleep architecture shift: From newborn to infant
During the early newborn phase, babies spend most of their sleep time in a lighter form of sleep known as active sleep. This stage often involves twitching, irregular breathing, and frequent movement, which can be mistaken for wakefulness. Around the age of four months, babies begin to transition into a more mature pattern of sleep that includes both light and deep stages. These stages begin to resemble the sleep cycles seen in older children and adults.
This transition is a sign of healthy development. However, it also means that babies now have more frequent opportunities to wake as they move between stages. If they have not yet learned how to settle themselves independently, they are more likely to cry out for support during these transitions.
Developmental leaps: Vision, awareness, movement
Alongside changes in sleep cycles, your baby is also going through significant cognitive and physical development. Around four months, their eyesight becomes clearer, and they begin to focus more intentionally on faces and objects. They also gain awareness of their surroundings and the people in their lives, which can lead to increased alertness during the day and more difficulty winding down at night.
Physically, your baby might begin rolling or attempting to, and will likely start kicking, stretching, and grabbing more confidently. These new skills are signs of progress, but they can also disrupt sleep. Some babies wake themselves while practising movements in their cot or become unsettled when placed on their backs after rolling.
Why circadian rhythms start forming now
Another important change that occurs at this stage is the gradual development of your baby’s internal body clock, also known as the circadian rhythm. From birth, babies sleep in short cycles spread evenly throughout the day and night. Around four months, the brain begins to produce melatonin in response to darkness and lower cortisol levels during the night. This hormonal shift helps the body start to differentiate between day and night sleep.
However, the adjustment does not happen overnight. It takes time for babies to learn when to expect sleep and how to respond to environmental cues such as light, sound, and routine. Until these rhythms become well established, sleep may remain irregular or fragmented.
These neurological, physical, and hormonal changes all converge around the four-month mark, creating a perfect storm for disrupted sleep. Understanding this can help parents respond with patience and empathy rather than panic or frustration.
The Science Behind the “Four-Month Sleep Regression”
What the term actually means
The phrase “four-month sleep regression” has become widely used among parents and sleep consultants, but it is not a clinical term. Rather than a setback in development, this phase represents a major progression in how your baby sleeps. The shift from newborn sleep to infant sleep is a milestone. Babies begin sleeping in lighter, more cyclical patterns, making them more aware of their surroundings and more easily disturbed during transitions between sleep phases.
This change is permanent. Unlike earlier disruptions caused by growth spurts or illness, your baby is unlikely to “go back” to newborn-style deep sleep. Instead, the goal becomes helping them learn to adapt to this new way of sleeping.
Biological versus behavioural changes
The disruption in sleep that many parents experience at four months is influenced by two overlapping forces. The first is biological. As mentioned earlier, sleep architecture, melatonin production, and circadian rhythm maturity are all developing quickly. These changes affect not just how much babies sleep, but also how they fall asleep, stay asleep, and connect sleep cycles.
The second influence is behavioural. Babies become more alert and responsive to the world, which means they may begin to protest when put down for sleep or struggle to self-soothe when they wake during the night. You might also notice changes in their feeding and daytime sleep patterns, both of which affect night-time rest.
Although this combination of factors can be exhausting for families, it is important to remember that frequent waking is developmentally normal at this stage. It does not necessarily indicate a sleep problem or that anything is wrong with your parenting approach.
Normal versus concerning patterns
In most cases, disrupted sleep at four months is temporary and manageable with supportive care. However, there are a few signs that may suggest a need for further guidance. These include:
- Your baby is waking more than every hour for extended periods
- They are inconsolable at night and difficult to settle during the day
- Feeding patterns have changed significantly, and your baby is not gaining weight as expected
- There are concerns about overall development or responsiveness
If you notice any of these, it may be worth consulting your paediatrician or infant care provider. At Starshine Montessori, our infant educators are trained to observe and support sleep development alongside feeding, sensory stimulation, and comfort care. Regular updates and open communication with families allow us to partner with parents through this transitional phase.
In the next section, we will explore the everyday factors that may be making sleep even more difficult for your baby and how to address them gently.
Common Sleep Disruptors at This Age
Feeding habits: Night hunger or comfort nursing?
At four months, many babies continue to need at least one or two feeds during the night. However, this is also the age when parents may begin to wonder whether their baby is waking out of hunger or simply for comfort. It is entirely normal for a baby to seek the breast or bottle during night wakings, not only for nourishment but also for reassurance.
Some babies nurse for only a minute or two before falling asleep again. This is not a sign of manipulation but rather a coping tool your baby is using during a time of neurological change. Over time, and with gentle routine support, many babies begin to connect sleep cycles more independently.
Day-night confusion re-emerging
Although most babies start to establish a clearer difference between day and night around this age, this rhythm can still be disrupted by environmental factors. Irregular light exposure, late naps, or overstimulation before bedtime can all interfere with the development of healthy sleep timing.
It helps to keep a regular nap-wake routine during the day, expose your baby to natural daylight in the morning, and begin dimming lights in the evening to support melatonin release. Babies thrive on consistency, and even small changes to their environment can affect their ability to wind down.
Growth spurts, teething, and new skills
Sleep is often disrupted during periods of rapid growth. Around four months, many babies experience a growth spurt that increases their appetite and may lead to more frequent night feedings. Teething can also begin, bringing discomfort, drooling, and a desire to chew or suck more often.
In addition, this is a time when babies start experimenting with rolling, reaching, and babbling. While these new abilities are exciting, they can lead to more restless sleep as your baby processes and practises these skills, sometimes even in the middle of the night.
If your baby begins to roll during sleep and seems unsettled, ensure that they are placed to sleep safely and have room to move. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies continue to be placed on their backs to sleep until their first birthday, but once they can roll independently, it is safe to let them find their own sleep position.
Understanding these common disruptors helps you take practical steps to support your baby without panic or unnecessary changes. In the next section, we will explore how Montessori principles can guide you through this transition with calm and clarity.
How Montessori Routines Can Support Sleep
Respecting natural rhythms instead of rigid schedules
A key principle in Montessori education is the importance of observing and responding to the natural rhythms of the child. For a four-month-old baby, this means recognising patterns in their behaviour rather than enforcing strict sleep schedules. At this stage, babies are not developmentally ready for rigid routines. However, they do benefit greatly from a consistent flow to their day.
Montessori-informed caregivers and parents aim to respond to signs of tiredness such as rubbing eyes, turning away from interaction, or increased fussiness. A predictable sequence of activities, like feeding, quiet play, and winding down with soft music or a cuddle, helps signal to the baby that sleep is approaching. Over time, this calm repetition fosters trust and ease during transitions to nap or bedtime.
At Starshine Montessori, our infant programme reflects these values. We build daily rhythms around each child’s natural needs, using observation to gently guide when and how sleep is introduced. This allows babies to rest when they are truly ready, rather than at set times on the clock.
Environment matters: Calm, order, and predictability
Montessori classrooms and homes are intentionally designed to promote peace and order. The sleep environment is no exception. A soothing, uncluttered space helps babies relax and fall asleep more easily. We recommend creating a sleep area that is quiet, dimly lit in the evening, and free from unnecessary visual or auditory distractions.
Rather than using electronic devices or motion-based gadgets to induce sleep, Montessori environments rely on natural cues. A comfortable cot or floor bed, breathable sleepwear, and a soft lullaby can all support a baby’s transition to sleep. At Starshine, our nap areas are kept calm and consistent, helping babies associate these spaces with rest.
Parents can apply the same principles at home. Use soft lighting, minimise background noise, and repeat the same bedtime cues in the same order. This creates a predictable rhythm that helps babies feel safe and ready for rest, even when their internal rhythms are still developing.
Infant care the Montessori way: Home and school
Whether your baby stays at home or attends a care programme, consistency in approach is important. When environments reflect each other in tone, pace, and structure, babies feel more secure. At Starshine Montessori, we collaborate with parents to ensure smooth routines between home and school. This includes aligning nap timing, feeding cues, and methods of soothing.
Our Montessori infant care programme includes low adult-to-child ratios, quiet rest areas, and respectful interactions that support not only sleep but also emotional and cognitive development. By encouraging autonomy and predictability, we help babies build positive sleep habits from an early stage.
Now that we have explored how routines and environment can help, let us look at gentle strategies you can apply right away to ease your baby’s night-time waking, even before considering any form of formal sleep training.
What You Can Do (Without “Sleep Training” Yet)
Gentle strategies to soothe and settle
At four months, your baby is still adjusting to many internal changes, so expecting them to sleep through the night without support is unrealistic. That said, there are gentle, respectful ways to help your baby feel calmer at night and begin to connect their sleep cycles more smoothly.
Start by responding promptly when your baby wakes, but allow a moment of observation before intervening. Some babies will stir or fuss briefly and then settle on their own. If they need help, try soothing without immediately lifting them. A calm hand on the chest, quiet shushing, or soft humming can offer reassurance.
Avoid overstimulation during night wakings. Keep the room dim, your voice low, and movements slow and predictable. If feeding is necessary, make it calm and quiet without additional stimulation. Over time, these cues help your baby learn that night-time is for rest, not for play.
Predictable routines, responsive comfort
Establishing a consistent evening routine can be one of the most effective ways to prepare your baby for restful sleep. This does not need to be complicated. A simple pattern of bath, feed, soft song, and cuddle signals that the day is ending. When repeated gently and consistently, this routine becomes a powerful tool for emotional regulation.
Responsive care is also key. Your baby is learning to trust that you will come when they need you. This trust lays the foundation for self-regulation later in infancy and toddlerhood. Comforting your baby does not mean you are spoiling them; rather, you are teaching them that the world is safe and that their needs will be met.
At Starshine Montessori, we believe that emotional security is closely linked to sleep readiness. Babies who feel secure and understood often settle more easily over time. By building this trust through consistent and compassionate responses, you are creating the conditions for better rest.
Sample 4-month Montessori-informed evening rhythm
Each baby is different, but the following rhythm offers an example of how you might gently prepare your four-month-old for sleep using Montessori-aligned principles:
- 6.00 pm: Quiet play in a calm, uncluttered space
- 6.30 pm: Warm bath or gentle massage
- 6.45 pm: Final feed, with low light and soft sounds
- 7.00 pm: Story or lullaby while being held
- 7.15 pm: Into the sleep space awake but drowsy
- 7.20 pm: Parent nearby, offering quiet presence or gentle reassurance if needed
This rhythm is not a strict schedule but a flow that respects your baby’s signals. Some evenings may require more support than others, and that is completely normal. With time and consistency, many babies begin to settle into a pattern that suits both their developmental needs and the family’s routine.
To further support families through this process, the Sleep Foundation’s guide to four-month sleep regression offers a helpful summary of developmental changes and solutions backed by sleep science.
In the next section, we will look at how to distinguish between typical changes and signs that may indicate a deeper issue, and when it might be time to consult your health professional or infant care provider.
When to Worry (and When Not To)
What is typical at this age
Most of the time, frequent night waking at four months is part of a normal developmental phase. It may last a few days or persist for several weeks, depending on the baby. During this stage, it is common for sleep to become lighter and more interrupted, with babies waking every two to four hours. They may also begin to resist naps or wake early from them. These changes can be tiring for parents, but they do not usually signal a problem.
You may also notice increased clinginess, changes in feeding patterns, and more alert behaviour during the day. All of these are signs that your baby’s brain and body are maturing. Although the sleep disruption feels challenging in the moment, it often marks the start of more consistent sleep down the road.
Signs that may need attention
While many changes in sleep are expected, some patterns could benefit from closer observation. It is a good idea to speak with your paediatrician or infant care provider if your baby:
- Consistently wakes every hour or less for more than two weeks
- Cries inconsolably during the night and cannot be soothed with usual methods
- Has difficulty feeding or shows sudden changes in appetite
- Appears unusually lethargic or irritable during the day
- Is not gaining weight or growing as expected
In these cases, sleep challenges may be linked to other issues such as reflux, food intolerance, illness, or sensory sensitivity. If you are unsure, keep a simple sleep and feeding log for a few days to help identify patterns that can be discussed during your visit.
How Starshine caregivers support infant sleep
At Starshine Montessori, we take a whole-child approach to sleep support. This means observing each child carefully throughout the day and noting how their sleep is influenced by activity, environment, and social interaction. We use individual sleep logs to track patterns and share insights with families, helping them understand what is happening and what can be adjusted.
Our team works closely with parents to identify both short-term disruptions and longer-term needs. We recognise that each baby has their own timeline for settling into sleep routines. Our role is to support this journey with consistent care, calm environments, and gentle transitions.
If you are navigating sleep challenges at home, our Montessori toddler sleep tips may offer additional ideas to prepare for the months ahead, as your baby continues growing and learning to sleep more independently.
Next, we will explore whether this age is the right time to consider formal sleep training and how to approach it in a Montessori-informed way.
Should You Start Sleep Training Now?
What the experts say
The question of when to start sleep training is one that many parents face around the four-month mark. At this age, some babies are capable of longer stretches of night sleep, but not all are ready to fall asleep independently or connect sleep cycles without support.
Paediatric sleep experts offer differing views. Dr Marc Weissbluth, author of Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child, suggests that between four and six months is often an ideal window to begin establishing sleep habits, provided the baby is growing well and there are no medical concerns. Others, like Dr Richard Ferber, recommend introducing self-settling techniques gradually once a baby shows signs of being able to tolerate short periods of waking without distress.
It is important to remember that sleep training is not a one-size-fits-all solution, and it does not always mean leaving your baby to cry without comfort. Many methods involve gradually reducing the amount of help you offer at bedtime while still responding to your baby’s cues.
Montessori-aligned views on independence and self-regulation
Montessori philosophy values independence, but it also recognises that independence develops through security and trust. Rather than focusing on sleep training as a task to complete, the Montessori approach encourages parents to support the child’s natural process of learning how to rest. This means providing a peaceful environment, consistent routines, and opportunities for the child to try settling with minimal intervention, while still offering comfort when needed.
The goal is not to “train” a baby into silence, but to support their growing ability to self-soothe, in ways that are respectful and responsive. This might include placing the baby into their sleep space while drowsy but still awake, reducing stimulation at night, and using the same gentle settling methods each time they wake.
At Starshine Montessori, we see each baby as a unique individual. Our approach to sleep supports the development of emotional security, which in turn supports healthy sleep habits. We also collaborate with parents to ensure consistency between home and school, especially during periods of transition.
Tips if you are considering starting gradually
If you feel your baby is ready for more independent sleep, here are some Montessori-informed steps you can take:
- Begin by establishing a calming, consistent evening routine
- Allow your baby to fall asleep in their cot while you sit nearby, rather than holding them all the way to sleep
- Use a gentle voice and soft touch rather than lifting immediately when your baby stirs
- Create a simple bedtime ritual that signals sleep, such as a song, a phrase, or a soft light
You can also explore additional guidance from trusted resources like the Taking Cara Babies blog, which offers practical advice for parents going through this exact stage. This can be helpful in reinforcing your own instincts with supportive information.
In the next section, we will highlight some helpful sleep tools and further reading you may find useful as you support your baby’s sleep journey.
Gentle Sleep Tools and Resources
Books and resources grounded in evidence
For parents seeking clarity during the four-month sleep transition, the right resources can offer reassurance and practical strategies. Not all sleep advice is created equal, so it is helpful to choose guides that align with your parenting values and are backed by developmental science.
Two highly regarded books often recommended by paediatricians and infant care specialists include Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child by Dr Marc Weissbluth, and Solve Your Child’s Sleep Problems by Dr Richard Ferber. These books explain the biological foundations of infant sleep and outline methods that can be adapted to your child’s temperament. If you prefer a more structured approach later on, these references can help guide your decision-making.
Simple tools to support sleep routines
You do not need expensive equipment to help your baby sleep better. In fact, a Montessori-informed approach encourages minimalism and trust in the child’s own developmental pace. The following tools can be helpful without overwhelming your baby:
- A blackout curtain or dim lighting in the evening to support melatonin production
- A soft, consistent lullaby or white noise to provide a familiar sleep cue
- A wearable blanket or sleeping bag for comfort and safety
- A basic sleep tracker or journal to note patterns in naps, feeds, and wakings
Using these tools mindfully can support the gentle development of healthy sleep associations. If you prefer digital guidance, the Bright Futures four-month well-child handout from the American Academy of Pediatrics provides useful sleep and development advice tailored to this age.
What we recommend at Starshine Montessori
At Starshine Montessori, we encourage a holistic view of infant sleep that includes emotional well-being, physical environment, and family rhythm. We recommend that parents begin by focusing on routines and responsiveness rather than outcome-focused training. Sleep is a developmental process, and with the right support, most babies begin to sleep more predictably in their own time.
We also believe in supporting parents through community and shared learning. If you are interested in understanding how much sleep your child needs during each stage of early development, our article on how much sleep supports learning may offer helpful guidance.
In the next section, we will list all the references used in this article for further reading and credibility, followed by a series of frequently asked questions to support you through this stage.
FAQs
Is my baby waking out of hunger or just out of habit?
At four months, many babies still require at least one night feed, especially during growth spurts. However, some babies also wake for comfort or due to light sleep transitions. Try to observe your baby’s behaviour when they wake. If they feed quickly and return to sleep, hunger is likely the cause. If they nurse or bottle-feed only briefly before dozing off, they may be seeking comfort. Both are developmentally normal at this age.
Will this sleep disruption last forever?
No, it will not. The four-month sleep regression is a transitional phase. Once your baby adjusts to their new sleep cycles and internal rhythms, sleep often becomes more consistent. This may take a few weeks, and some babies continue to need gentle support for a while longer. Patience and routine are key. Most families notice gradual improvement between five and six months.
Should I stop night feedings at four months?
Unless your paediatrician has advised otherwise, there is no need to eliminate night feeds at this stage. Babies have different needs, and many continue to require night-time nutrition until six months or beyond. If your baby is feeding frequently overnight and not making up for it during the day, you may gradually adjust feeding schedules with guidance. Always monitor weight gain and overall health to determine readiness.
What if my baby only sleeps on their tummy?
Once a baby is able to roll independently from back to front and front to back, it is considered safe to let them choose their sleep position. However, always place your baby on their back to sleep at the start of the night or nap, as this remains the safest practice according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. If they roll onto their tummy during sleep and continue resting comfortably, you do not need to reposition them.
How can Montessori principles help me stay calm through sleep disruptions?
Montessori values respect for the child and trust in their natural development. This includes sleep. By observing your baby, creating calm environments, and offering predictable rhythms, you provide the conditions for secure sleep without pressure or rigid training. At Starshine Montessori, we encourage families to take a long view of sleep as part of overall growth and to meet this journey with curiosity and compassion.
References
The information in this article is supported by a combination of trusted paediatric sources, Montessori principles, and sleep science research. Below is a list of key references used to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content:
- Weissbluth, M. (2015). Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child. Ballantine Books.
- Ferber, R. (2006). Solve Your Child’s Sleep Problems. Touchstone.
- Wikipedia contributors. (2024). Infant sleep. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infant_sleep
- Wikipedia contributors. (2024). Infant sleep training. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infant_sleep_training
- American Academy of Pediatrics. (2024). A Parent’s Guide to Safe Sleep. Retrieved from https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/sleep/Pages/A-Parents-Guide-to-Safe-Sleep.aspx
- American Academy of Pediatrics. (2024). Bright Futures Parent Handout: 4-Month Visit. Retrieved from https://publications.aap.org/patiented/pages/Well-Child-Visit-Handouts
- Sleep Foundation. (2024). Four-Month Sleep Regression. Retrieved from https://www.sleepfoundation.org/baby-sleep/four-month-sleep-regression
- Taking Cara Babies. (2024). Why Is My 4-Month-Old Waking Up at Night? Retrieved from https://takingcarababies.com/why-is-my-4-month-old-waking-up-at-night
- Starshine Montessori. (2025). Effective Sleep Training Tips for Toddlers. Retrieved from https://www.starshinemontessori.com/effective-sleep-training-tips-for-toddlers/
- Starshine Montessori. (2025). How Much Sleep Does My Child Really Need for Optimal Learning? Retrieved from https://www.starshinemontessori.com/how-much-sleep-does-my-child-really-need-for-optimal-learning/
- Starshine Montessori. (2025). Infant Care in Singapore. Retrieved from https://www.starshinemontessori.com/infant-care-in-singapore/
These resources provide a balance of professional insight, scientific evidence, and real-world experience to support parents during this transitional period.
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