Worried about going out in the evening and putting 4 month old to sleep in pram

[LucretiaBorgia]

We are going away for a week and have planned a trip to the pub tomorrow evening with friends. I have a nearly 4 month old who is in bed by 8pm normally. I am planning to feed him to sleep tomorrow evening and then let him sleep in the pram, but I'm wondering if it will work? I have never done this before and am really worried it will mess with his sleep routine. It's making me quite anxious and I'm thinking of cancelling the outing, am I being ridiculous?

It might be fine. Someone will tell you babies are portable (like backpacks, one imagines) but whether they sleep depends on what they're used to

I'd give it a go, he will be going through the 4 month sleep regression soon anyways! I always found that my son slept really well when we went out as the ambient noise settled him

It very much depends on your child.

We had to abort several nights out before we gave up trying, because DS steadfastly refused to nap in the pram for any length of time and devoted his efforts to screaming the place down instead.

So, I'd say worth a try but be prepared to give up if necessary. Or (you say "we") to play tag team with your OH.

I always found that my son slept really well when we went out as the ambient noise settled him
Hopefully this is going to be the case! He is used to sleeping through a lot of noise during the day but not in the evening. He only sleeps on his front, but he can't roll over in the pram of course so that may be a problem too.
I just hope that it doesn't kick start the 4 month sleep regression if it doesn't work!

I've done this plenty of times. You'll be fine.

I'd do the bedtime routine as normal, pop him in the pram and then do a good walk to get him off to sleep, vaguely all scheduled to arrive at the pub for 8pm! I hope it goes OK and you have a lovely evening x

Try not to worry, nothing is permanent with their sleep when they're little, good or bad. Chances are it'll be absolutely fine and if it's not you can always leave. You won't do any damage to his sleep patterns with one night out. The 4 month sleep regression is to do with a biological chance in their sleep cycles so there's no kickstarting or avoiding it really!

@Nannylp

I'd give it a go, he will be going through the 4 month sleep regression soon anyways! I always found that my son slept really well when we went out as the ambient noise settled him

Not overly helpful to just add another worry to OPs worry! OP the 4 month sleep regression wasn't a thing for either of my babies (currently 8 months and 24 months) so don't fret about that.

Totally depends on the baby but I'd give it a go. DS was great and would have had 0 issues with this but they're all their own little people.

How did it go OP?

This has never ended well for me. If we're out my DS simply will not sleep. Even a 5pm reservation results in me standing outside trying to settle the screaming session while my food goes cold.

@Nannylp it went so well we went out again yesterday! He had his last feed at 7.45 pm as usual but was still wide awake when I put him in the pram. I was expecting the worst but he dropped off after 5 minutes of rocking the pram. The rest of the night went okay as well. I am over the moon that I've managed 2 nights out with friends despite having a 4 month, what a treat!

Oh I'm so glad, well done you! It makes such a difference when you can go out and do normal stuff again

Well done!

Tbh you'd best make the most of it!!!

DS was brilliant at sleeping in his pram as a small baby and we managed quite a few nice meals out that way alone or with friends.....but that all stopped when he hit 12 months and it became clear he really needed to be in his cot to settle.

So honestly if it's working enjoy it, as when it doesn't any more your baby will sure let you know

Glad it went well, personally I think it's a really good thing as it means you can get out. Some babies just won't have it though no matter what you do.