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4 month sleep regression hell

2 replies

Clumsasaurus · 01/12/2012 20:51

We are 2+ weeks into what I can only assume is the fabled 4 month sleep regression. At about 12 weeks my DS stopped napping so at 13,weeks I started ensuring every 90 mins (ish) I did whatever it took to get him to sleep - usually in the pram. This has been working ok ish for 2 weeks except naps are only 30 mins long. He wakes up cheery enough but he still looks tired.

As we started implementing scheduled naps (so not be but I had to run with something!) his nights started to get messed up. He has ALWAYS been good at night and just used to wake for one feed, v occasionally 2 between 930 and 800. I know, I was spoiled. It has now deteriorated to an all time low of waking every 90 mins last night and each time wanted to feed back to sleep (EBF DS) it only took 10-20 mins but I'm on my knees with exhaustion as is DS.

I'd there anything I can or should be doing through this sleep regression to help him? I have turned in white noise as it can soothe him and I'm leaving it on all night, we at now co sleeping for ease for me and hopefully comfort for him but nothing is making a debt in the carnage that is night time. It is also taking 2+ hours to get him to sleep at night, he is just feeding, dozing, waking, crying repeat times a million until he finally conks out.

He always used to sleep 4+ hours at a stretch overnight but that hasn't happened reliably for a while, yet out if the blue he'll sleep 930-730 straight through for no reason as to why or why not.

Anyone got any bright ideas? I'm out completely!

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Clumsasaurus · 02/12/2012 20:11

Anyone? I'm out of ideas and feel like I'm not doing enough/anything to help him..

OP posts:
lucylookout · 02/12/2012 22:40

Hi Clumsasaurus,
I just thought I'd sympathise, I don't have any great ideas and am in the middle of our own 4 month sleep regression.
I think you're doing all the right things. Regular naps sound good, and my DS only naps for 30 mins a go at the moment too. I think that should change to longer naps around 6 months. As for the night time, I'm torn between not getting into 'bad' habits and taking an 'any means necessary' approach. For naps and bed time DS goes to sleep quite easily, drowsy but awake in his cot. He's never slept very well, but at the moment does a first stretch of 3 hours, then a couple of 2 hour stretches and finally a few 40 minute stretches. I feed him to sleep and from about 3 or 4 am when he's harder to settle I take him in with me and we both sleep better for a bit until 7.30ish.
I'd say to just keep doing what you're doing to get by. They can be 'trained' back to sleeping well when they're older. For now you just need to get through this.
I started a thread on this topic a few weeks ago and one but of advice that someone did write was to not look at the clock. It's helped me as I've stopped counting and then feeling despairing at how many times he's woken up already.
Sorry, this is all a bit rambly and probably not very useful but I didn't want you to go unanswered. You are not alone!

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