Be sure that you’ve checked off all of the items on our Sleep Coaching Preparedness List (LINK to 10 steps before chart). Double check that your baby is definitely at least 2 weeks beyond the end of the 4-month regression. You need to have realistic expectations for yourself and expect real change in your baby’s sleep to take 7 to 10 days. Once you start coaching, it’s not uncommon to see progress fairly quickly at the beginning of the night, only to have the end of the night be more challenging. Given that your baby is under 6 months, this is normal and expected. When you do start sleep coaching, start with bedtime, as it is the easiest time for your baby to fall asleep. Do not worry about nap coaching at this young age, because naps develop after nighttime sleep Be sure to start sleep coaching at bedtime after a day of good naps anyway you can get them. You do not want to start sleep coaching with an already overtired baby. It’s okay...

Keeping bedtime routines simple and consistent will help him recognize the pattern of night-time sleep. At night keep wakings dark with the least amount of distractions possible while doing what you know will help him get back to sleep. And your mantra for these few weeks? My baby is growing. My baby is developing. My baby will be back to his sweet self soon. You may be experiencing more challenging sleep during this time but keep in mind that after this 4-month PROgression your baby will emerge being more aware and engaged with the world around them. If you still need help: 8 Strategies to Improve Infant Sleep Naturally Gentle Sleep Strategies for 4-6 Month Olds SOS Emergency Checklist It’s fine to offer more support at this age and continue until what you are doing no longer works or until you are ready to make changes. It’s a good idea to wait until your baby is more...

Your main goal for day sleep at this age is to try to keep your baby from getting over-tired. This will make it easier from your baby to fall asleep and back to sleep. Being over-tired may be the cause of some of your night wakings and may play a role in early morning waking. Since day sleep does not develop consistently until about 6 months of age, it is not appropriate to do nap coaching with a baby until he is older. You can however try to extend short naps (under 45 minutes). Try for 5-10 minutes to get your baby back to sleep if he is wakes up before 45 minutes. This process should not involve any crying and you can use any method that works for you. Including, rocking, giggling, feeding, swing, stroller etc. You will likely notice that if your baby sleeps for at least 45 minutes, he will be able to stay awake longer (usually 1-2.25 hours). However, if he sleeps under 45 minutes, he is likely to be tired much sooner often within 1 hour. So shorter nap = shorter wakeful...