Angelic four month old suddenly a right grump! Feel like a failure

[GimmeeCaffeine]

Hi all. As the title says, my previously super content, good sleeper, hardly-ever cries four month old has transformed into a cranky little grump almost overnight! She’s almost 18 weeks.

For the past few days she’s whinged pretty much all day. She’ll be happy chatting away to you/playing on her playmat for maybe five/ten minutes before she starts griping again.

She is also not eating or sleeping as much. Previously she would sleep from 10pm - 5am, wake for a feed (she’s formula fed) and then sleep until 8am. Last night she fell asleep at 10:30pm and woke up at 12:30, 3, 4, 5, and 7! I’m exhausted She does still nap during the day but it takes a fair bit of rocking and shushing, and she’s very easily woken by noise/movement. She also doesn’t sleep for longer than 20/30 minutes at a time during the day.

I ALSO suspect she may be teething as her cheeks are quite red today and she’s drooling like a tap!

All of this has resulted in a baby that seems quite unhappy She does still have her sunny, smiley moments, but they’re becoming rarer! She doesn’t scream inconsolably, but she does whinge and grumble a lot.

I’m a FTM and starting to feel like I’m failing. I’m knackered and cranky and feel like my precious baby hates me. And they say babies are supposed to get easier at 3/4 months?! I’ve found the last few days the hardest so far! My partner does help out when he can, but he works full time so it’s just me home most of the week, and I feel bad getting him to help me at night as he has to be up for work at 6am.

Please tell me this is normal and will pass? I miss my super happy, content baby.

Thanks.

Sleep regression, heat and teething. I bet you are making things much better for her.

Try the Wonder weeks app. It tracks pretty accurately when and why your baby is having a sunny period or a leap period and helps make sense of her moods.

They do not get easier at this age because you get the 4 month sleep regression. Have a look at the app a pp suggested, it won't make DC sleep better but it gives you some comfort that this too shall pass. Don't stress yourself out, take it easy while this stage is ongoing make things as easy for yourself as you can.

sleep regression and a new awareness of the world.

Definitely google the 4 month sleep regression. I didn’t know about it until my eldest was 4 months. And I though I’d broken him. Turns out it’s totally normal but hell for you!