help - what is happening?

[potas]

My baby is 17 weeks old - usually a great sleeper. For some reason for the last week we are having problems getting him to sleep - like he is fighting it even though he seems tired - rubbing eyes etc. This can be at bedtime (7/8ish) at dream feed or when he wakes in the middle of the night. Usually if I hold him he will fall asleep but wake as soon as I try to put him down. Last night it took 3 hours from him waking with a wet through nappy (fair enough) to actually staying asleep. Is this the four month sleep regression - Ive heard about it but cant find anywhere that tells me what it actually is. Do I just grit my teeth and sit up all night holding him or do i try to get him back down each time. Co-sleepiing is not an option due to sleep problems that I have.

It probably is a sleep.regression. From what I undestand, they often relate.to.big developmental or growth spurts. When dd was small, I used notice that when her sleep.was bad for.a.few days, suddenly she went up a clothes.size (one day all her trousers were suddenly.too.short!). It also.happened.when she started to.be able to sit up herself, roll over etc. Dd also.had some terrible nights with teething (first tooth at 14 weeks) - that could also.affect your dcs sleep.

Growth spurt - there is one around 18 weeks, and the 4 month sleep regression is part of it for many babies. Shouldn't last longer than about 3-14 days.
Just keep doing what you normally do, and rest when possible.