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Original poster

4 month sleep regression

17 replies

Elfontheedge · 18/02/2012 09:59

Do they just grow out of it? DD is 5 months and waking every 2 hours during the night and has been for the last 6 weeks or so. I am on my knees with exhaustion! We've just moved her from a crib into a cot in the hope that more space to move would help her sleep longer but all is done has meant that I have to get out of bed to get her!

Any advice?

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Flisspaps · 18/02/2012 10:04

Yes, they do. Sleep regressions only last about a week...but occur every 6 weeks or so.

Original poster
Elfontheedge · 18/02/2012 10:11

But it's been going on for ages now so maybe it's not a sleep regression? Don't know what else it could be though. No other signs of teething. Not really windy any more. Tempted to just buy earplugs and ignore! Sad don't know what else to do!

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BumbleBee2011 · 18/02/2012 10:19

Could it be an ear infection? If it was a few days it could be a cold (that kept my DD up for quite a few nights), but if it has lasted for weeks it might be that?

Hope it passes anyway :)

Original poster
Elfontheedge · 18/02/2012 10:49

Hmm. She's perfectly happy during the day though. She just doesn't bloody sleep!

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WillSingForCake · 18/02/2012 11:00

How was her sleep before the regression? Has she never slept for long stretches, or is this something totally new? Does she seem hungry when she wakes?

Does she nap ok in the day?

Sorry for list of questions!

MrsCLH · 18/02/2012 18:48

Our 4 month sleep regression/growth spurt/whatever lasted about 6 weeks too and then suddenly things started to improve, I hope its the same for you!

Original poster
Elfontheedge · 18/02/2012 22:08

She's never been a great napper, a 2 to 3 hour nap in the afternoon most days. Used to go 4 hours in the night between feeds with the odd occasion of sleeping 6 hours. She really fights sleep. Have been trying since 7 this evening to get her to sleep!

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Original poster
Elfontheedge · 18/02/2012 22:10

Feeds at every waking although some of these are very short. More to get her to sleep as she doesn't really self settle anymore.

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awopbopaloobop · 18/02/2012 22:20

Our DS (21 wweeks tomorrow) hasn't slept for longer than 3 hrs since he was 13 wks and wakes several times in the night, usually to feed sometimes to resettle. Have read endless threads on here and elsewhere as we've definitely found this the hardest bit so far (1st time parents), much harder than first 3 months.
I am trying to keep the faith that this will pass and stick to my instincts namely feeding on demand, soothing to sleep etc and trying to adjust to survive - have had to start cosleeping for some of the night and am finally managing to settle myself with baby in bed, although poor patient DH is in spare room. He is also available to take DS in early mornings so I can get a couple of hours uninterrupted sleep. May not be of any help to you or what you feel comfortable with or is practical but just thought I'd post to reassure you that you're not alone and yes, it's hideous!

Original poster
Elfontheedge · 18/02/2012 22:33

She just keeps screaming now like she doesn't know what to do with herself. We are just at the end of our tethers now. This is far worse than the colic. At least then she slept!

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JazleEd · 18/02/2012 22:40

Hello. My 5month sometimes end up in bed with us cos shes happier beside us, or pop her in a bouncy chair and on vibrate ( if it does so ) it'll soothe your little one. hope it helps in a way.

Original poster
Elfontheedge · 18/02/2012 22:58

We have been co sleeping half the night but it makes for a somewhat uncomfortable nights sleep for me and DP so I really would like to get her sleeping on her own again soon Sad

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Original poster
Elfontheedge · 18/02/2012 22:59

God I sound so bloody negative Angry

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awopbopaloobop · 19/02/2012 10:30

Sorry elf forgot to add last night (was knackered and about to embark on my usual broken night of 'sleep') but we have been advised endlessly by well meaning friends, family, people at children's centre etc to wean early or try formula at bedtime (DS is ebf). We didn't feel confident about starting to wean early, at that point he was only 18 wks, but some people told me it had worked for them. Equally bedtime formula seems to have its fans, and opponents. In the end we felt more comfortable trying that but DS has never had a bottle so it's been a few weeks of trying different teats etc and I'm not sure whether we'll get there. I know that either approach might only help the baby to sleep another hour or so but I'd be delighted with that given the current situation.
How was your night last night?

WillSingForCake · 19/02/2012 13:14

No wonder you're feeling negative Elf, you must be exhausted. Was last night any better? Could she be overtired? My DD (5 months) sleeps a lot better if she goes to bed 6.30pm than if she goes at 7pm?

Original poster
Elfontheedge · 19/02/2012 20:37

Last night was a 4 hour marathon from 7 pm to get her to sleep. Yes I think she is chronically overtired which makes it all worse so I'm trying to make sure she get plenty of daytime sleep and keeping the bedtime routine consistent. Hopefully she'll get the idea eventually! I can see the edge of a tooth just underneath her gum so maybe once that comes through she might be a bit better (wishful thinking?)

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Original poster
Elfontheedge · 22/02/2012 12:48

Just to update we started weaning her on Saturday and from Sunday started putting her down awake at around 7:30pm. Since then her sleep has improved hugely and last night she slept from 8pm to 2am then through until 6am! Is this the light at the end of the tunnel?

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