If you're a new parent, congrats! Your life is about to change in ways you never imagined—and not just because of the uncontainable love that will fill your heart. One of the biggest lifestyle shifts will be getting used to the sleep (or lack thereof) schedules of your little one. Babies can go from happy-go-lucky cuddle bunnies one minute to screaming banshees the next, all based on whether or not they're well-rested.
So how do you know if your 4-month-old baboon is snoozing enough? Let's explore their sleep habits and uncover some unintuitive ways to get them settled in for sweet dreams.
When should my baby take naps?
You may think it's clear-cut that babies need lots of nap time during the day, but this isn't necessarily true. In fact, sometimes forcing too many daytime zzzs could actually result in more frequent nighttime screaming fits from an overly energetic infant. So how do we find balance here?
Ideally, infants between three and five months old should be taking no less than two naps per day (obviously)—one around mid-morning and another after lunchtime as their bodies adjust (hopefully) into a routine schedule. These naps don’t always have to happen at home either; strollers are great options for fresh air excursion snoozes when moms need a sanity break away from being cooped up indoors (seriously pack sunscreen!).
What happens when my baby’s sleeping patterns shift?
Babies are creatures of habit yet horrible with schedules simultaneously—all part of parenthood’s charm crying inside. Just when parents feel cozy with what feels like “normal” sleep behavior (if there’s such a thing!), things switch up once again; Often suddenly--because, well--BABIES (eye roll).
At around 4-months-old, your little monkey will begin a developmental leap where things like sleep patterns and eating habits may not be what either you or they expect. Suddenly naps are shorter (or non-existent) waking hours longer and the time between feedings increased making parents feel slightly crazy attempting to “read” baby's cries (good luck).
It’s essential to remain calm during this time and know that this too shall pass. If anything seems out of the ordinary for an extended period seek guidance from a pediatrician. Trust us; empathy for you right now is high because we’ve been there!
What about nighttime sleep?
After all-day playing as much as little bodies can take, babies usually conk out fast upon their perchance slumber party after bath-time but don’t break out the booze just yet parents! Yes, it feels like success begets exhaustion—your mission ISN’T COMPLETE quite yet:
In order to reduce chances of overnight somersault tantrums, position your furry rugrat onto their back while sleeping but still cozy enough via swaddle technique so they remember/believe its mom/dad holding them all night long (awww). Extra bonus points if they’re in bed by seven- nights when parents can eat dinner sans one arm cradling the infant cannot go unmatched (cheers)!
If those nighttime disrupters occur ring-along with over-tiredness during day playtime schedules revision May need some reconsideration or even reassurance of familiarity/comfort given through pajama/sheet favorite blanket stimulants as necessary
Also critical—avoid turning on lights or loud noises within two hours before bedtime unless anxiousness won't allow anything else until feeling secure again.
Bedroom temperature control also presents itself significant sleeper effects resulting from overheating [toxic] conditions leaving both kid/cinder-block sweating throughout the night. Using a thermometer in their room prevents this from happening.
How much sleep do infants need at 4 months?
At times it feels like parents are walking on eggshells when trying to discern Z’s for their flirty eye-watering drool monsters, but there is actually a general pattern of necessary snooze time (woohoo!):
Infants up to three-month-old will require anywhere between 14-17 hours each day. Four and five-month-olds generally downscale numbers by about an hour to get between 14-16 hours each day instead.
Remember, these naptime lengths extend across both daytime naps AND laying prone during nighttime hours (buttefly kisses). Consistency here remains essential as aforementioned too many or too few may pose issues leading to possible developmental delays such as trouble with weight gain or inadequate enrichment via memory/language or attention function
Tracking your baby's sleep routines over time assists in establishing healthy patterns providing better insight through recognizing irregularities needing addressing (just add caffeine if needed---kidding)
If necessary—meet with pediatrician regarding concerns despite the changes possible flexibility can alleviate stress surrounding temporary improvisations throughout experience becoming flourishing joys within present/future happenings after all life "is" a development change…forever ongoing!