Can a 4 month old sleep independently

[Rachel1210]

So far my LO will only sleep if fed or rocked. Before I take steps to try and wean LO off these - my question is - is a 4 month old actually capable of falling asleep independently? Do they have the ability/ capacity or are they still too young?

Yes, plenty of 4m babies can but there are some who need help to get to sleep at that age.

DD self-settled from a few days old but that was not because I had planned that. My milk supply was struggling so I had to express every 3 hours so I'd put DD in her basket while I pumped milk. She got used to being there and would fall asleep. I honestly believe that this played a big part in DD being a good sleeper.

Of course they can. Both my children slept in their cribs from birth

Some can some can’t. DS definitely couldn’t, DD is not quite 4 months and definitely can. People who have only had children who could or children who couldn’t will argue until they are blue in their face that only their experience is true and anyone who had the opposite experience is doing something wrong (making a rod for their own back vs neglecting their child). Not sure this helps you much though!

Mine did from day one. They were premature and spent the first 14 days incubators, once home they always slept in their cots for day and night sleep.

Mine couldn’t....only now at 6 months is he starting to self settle (but only if I’m next to him)

But then I know of some babies that can. Thinks it’s just luck of the draw

My 9 month old still struggles to sleep on his own.. he just won’t go down in his cot, he’s just wormed his way back into my bed and fallen asleep with his bottle - I feel like he has me wrapped round his finger!

They're all different / my first one did, second one didn't. Did exactly the same both times. But - it does get better - all sorts itself out relatively soon.

I agree that some can and some can't. There's no harm in trying but if it's not going well then don't worry about it too much. They get there in the end! My DS didn't start settling himself until 14 months and still needs me to sit with him until he falls asleep. You'll know if it's the right time when you try it!