4m sleep regression - how to stop being used as a dummy throughout the night?

[Keepingbusyeating]

My 4mo has never slept well at night. Wakes every hour, other than recently doing a first stretch of 2-3 hours (it’s been brutal). I co-sleep, otherwise I’d be getting 40 mins sleep in between wakes so it’s kept my sanity but also means he will wake up, “snack” or use me as a dummy to get back to sleep.

How do I stop this? I had a formula fed 1st born but this baby has recently started refusing a bottle as well (!!!). Although did take one the other night, randomly, hasn’t taken one since though so I know he CAN do it just chooses not to?

I tried last night putting in cot awake, then drowsy but awake, shh-ing, holding my hand on his chest, keeping it really calm etc and he fell asleep. Then woke up literally minutes later (happens most nights).

He mainly pram / carrier naps as he has to kind of fit in with my other DC.

He was awake so many times last night using me as a dummy and it’s really frustrating - I’m sure it’s the 4m sleep regression but does it naturally get better, or do I NEED to change this habit right now? Please send any helpful tips!

Just to add I have tried sitting up to feed, putting him back in next to me - he wakes up 45 mins - 1 hour later still so I then co-sleep because it doesn’t improve the stretch. Even after full feeds (sat upright or lying down).

Could you try giving him an actual dummy? If he needs to suck something to get back to sleep?

Sadly we tried as our DD loved a dummy but he just never took one!

This was my DD, she was ebf and never took a dummy. Used me as one for the entire time we were breastfeeding. Keep responding to his needs, he needs comfort especially during the regression. Let him suck as much as he needs and hang in there, it will pass!.

Do try a few different ones. I didn't BF and my baby loves dummies, but only certain ones - they'll reject others.

The Tommee Tippee all in one silicone ones worked for us.

I know it can be a money sink to go trying different types of dummies but you'd be surprised how fickle babies can be when it comes to that sort of thing. I'd try at least three different brands, and try them over a period of a week each, before giving up.

I did the shh pat thing for bedtimes and every waking after at that age (dd was exactly the same and woke every 40 mins). It worked within a few nights and at 15 she is a brilliant sleeper 😆
You have to be consistent though.

Yeah this is what I did. It improved over time. Mine never took a dummy. Can you / are you doing side lying BF as then you barely have to wake. I wouldn't restrict night feeds at that age, or until after 12 months, unless baby doesn't want them.