Can you sleep train during the 4 month regression?
For some reason, there’s a myth that you shouldn’t sleep train through the 4 month regression (or any regression), but the truth is…..
Sleep training is often HOW you get THROUGH the regression!
Here’s why:
the 4 month regression is caused by maturing sleep cycles meaning, your child no longer sleeps the way they used to
this means sleep isn’t just going to suddenly turn around in the near-ish future
if often means that how your child fell asleep is required to get them back to sleep
which means if they were assisted to sleep, they’ll need that assistance over and over (read about sleep props here)
sleep training means you are working on independent sleep (ie your child falls asleep from wide awake without assistance to sleep)
this is often needed to help bridge sleep cycles through the night (and stop them from waking you EVERY single sleep cycle)
sleep training also provides a consistent response to your child
consistency in our response is what actually helps to maintain a secure attachment (predictability is HUGE) and helps get through other regressions as well
There’s no reason to wait until the 4 month regression is over because…. well, it doesn’t really end. Since it’s a permanent change to how they sleep, that end may not come without your intervention in changing some of their habits around sleep. That doesn’t mean you HAVE to sleep train! Only you know what you have the capacity for if sleep is a little messy at the moment and what is sustainable for you.
You are definitely free to wait out their sleep habits until it feels like the right time to make changes. That time may never come for changes! The beauty of it all is your’e the parent, you’re the one up with them, so you get the say :)
Wanna read more about the 4 month regression? Check out these blogs:
If you’re ready to dive deep into sleep training, let’s chat! Set up a discovery call and learn more about your options for working with us.
