17 week old - ready to sleep train?

[Isabellamt]

my daughter is 17 weeks tomorrow. Over the past week her sleep has gotten SO bad. Previously I was able to put her down in her cot for naps And she would sleep 20-30 minutes each time. Now she wakes immediately the second she is placed in her cot with no chance of being able to settle her back down so we are having to contact nap. She also used to sleep in her cot at night with a first stretch of up to 5 hours and then subsequent stretches of 2-3 hours until morning, but now she won’t stay asleep in her cot for more than 5 minutes. At night we are often able to get her back to sleep without picking her up by stroking her face/chest and shushing but she never stays asleep longer than 5 minutes and we have ended up co-sleeping. Is this the 4 month sleep regression? I’m ready to sleep train her using the Ferber method as this worked well for our son, but he was a bit older when we did it (around 5 months). Is my daughter too young for sleep training? Does anymore have any success stories or advice on sleep training a baby of this age? Thank you.

I think Ferber isn’t recommended at this age? I’m prepared to be corrected though. I thought it wasn’t appropriate or safe below 12 months?

And yes, it’s the 4 month sleep regression. She’ll grow out of it as naturally as she fell into it

Sleep is awful at this ages but you can’t train them! They just want to feel safe.

You can get help in other ways for your own sleep deprivation though and that is what’s important here- some strategies to get you through. Shifts with your partner. Friends and family taking her out in the pram while you rest and shower. Anything you can think of but don’t be afraid to ask.

It's likely to be the 4 month sleep regression. Sleep training during that time is much less likely to be effective, and sleep training is generally not recommended before 6 months anyway.

I would consider putting Epsom salts in her bath. The magnesium in it is very calming and the sulphate is really important for the nervous system as well as for the brain and digestion. Lots of people find sleep improves with using magnesium, and most people are supposed to be deficient. I'd start with a tiny pinch and work up from there. My baby and I used to take Epsom salts baths together.

the general advice is 6 months

i found having a warm cot (hot water bottle) and muslins that smelt of me helpful.

Far too young. She's so so tiny. And it's advised you are with them and Ferber involves leaving the room
Take shifts with your partner, cosleep if it works, and wait to put her to bed until you do, so your longest stretches align.