With over 10 years of experience as a sleep consultant, we share sample 4 month old sleep schedules with feedings. These sample schedules include milk feedings for breastfeeding and formula-feeding babies, solids, naps, and nighttime sleep.
4 Month Old Baby’s Sleep and Development
Pediatricians disagree high and low about when a baby is capable of sleeping through the night and only a handful of parents who reach this page will have a 4 month old who sleeps all night without even a single feeding (those that do are LUCKY!).
Most 4-month-olds need 11-12 hours at night and 3-4 hours during the day. And, many 4-month-olds are still eating 1-2 times a night and some naps are just 30 minutes. In addition, most 4 month olds will take 4 naps a day. Consequently, short naps are normal development at this age as it’s highly unusual for babies to take four 1-hour naps.
At this age, if you are not lucky enough to have a baby who sleeps through the night, many 4-month-olds are still waking 1-3 times to eat at night and many breastfeeding babies will continue to eat 1-2 times until 9+ months of age. On the other hand, formula-fed babies will often be night-weaned by 6 months old. More night feedings than that and likely you have a sleep association problem.
How Many Naps for a 4 Month Old?
Most 4 month old babies take 4 naps each day totaling 3-4 hours of sleep. The reason for so many naps is primarily because babies this age can’t stay awake longer than 1-2 hours at a time. They still have short wake windows so it’s still common to spread out daytime sleep among multiple sleep periods. However, some babies this age can stay awake longer and drop the fourth nap transitioning to a 3-nap schedule early.
When Your 4 Month Old’s Sleep Gets Worse
If your baby has recently started sleeping worse, you may want to read more about 4 month old baby sleep. Keep in mind that one of the biggest sleep challenges families face around 4 months is the 4 month sleep regression. During this time period, babies change their sleep permanently and will wake up frequently at night and take shorter naps.
Obviously, all babies vary, but here are some sample (loose) schedules you can use to make your own for your unique baby. Most babies, at this age, can’t be on a strict schedule because many babies are still taking shorter naps while their brain matures and they simply can not stay up very long to get to the next scheduled nap-time. So, at this age, it’s likely naps are still on the short side, but come frequently and every day will still likely be different.
Don’t worry, that will change!
Babies typically transition to just 3 naps around 6 months or 7 months.
If you’re having trouble with naps, you might be interested in helping your baby nap better.
4 Month Old Feeding
Breast milk or formula should be the primary nutrition for the first year and solids come secondary. Below are the amounts we recommend if your pediatrician recommends solids before 6 months, the age at which most are recommending now. For more information on starting your baby on solid food, we have a series of blog posts dedicated to the subject. We include recommendations about how and when to start solids, as well as helpful information on food allergies, recommended products, baby-friendly recipes, and more.
Average amounts per day:
• At least 5-6 breastfeeding sessions per day or 2 1/2 ounces formula for each pound of weight (approx. 20-30 ounces) (decrease solids if your baby is not taking in at least this much)
• Water is unnecessary (breast milk and formula have plenty of water in them).
And, if your pediatrician recommends solids this young (it is now recommend at 6+ months):
• Up to 1-2 servings baby cereal (1 serving = 1-2 Tablespoons dry)
• Up to 1-2 servings fruit (1 serving = 1-2 Tablespoons)
• Up to 1-2 servings vegetable (1 serving = 1-2 Tablespoons)
Note: With your doctor’s approval and guidance, you will start with just one teaspoon of solids (before mixing w/ breast milk or formula) and work your way up. Don’t forget to wait at least 3-4 days before introducing a new food for food allergy reasons.
“Thank you for your articles, they’ve shown me that my 4 month old baby is perfectly normal and I’m doing the right things in relation to his sleep. This is such a relief! So many sources just don’t seem to give realistic information about baby sleep – not for myself or for any other mum I know.
Great care has obviously been taken by The Baby Sleep Site in reflecting a realistic and true picture of what a ‘normal’ baby is. Thank you.”
-Sincerely, Elizabeth
Sample 4 Month Old Schedule
This schedule assumes a baby can stay up 1 hour 15 minutes before needing to sleep again. At this age, wake-time should be 1-2 hours TOPS, to avoid baby getting overtired.
4-Month-Old Sleep Schedule | |
---|---|
Time | Activity |
6:30 AM | Wake and Breast milk or Formula |
7:15 AM | Solids (Only if your pediatrician has recommended starting this early) |
7:45 | Nap |
8:15-8:45 | Breast milk or Formula |
9:45-10:00 | Nap |
10:45-11:15 | Breast milk or Formula |
11:45-12:00 | Nap |
1:15-1:45 | Breast milk or Formula |
2:00 | Nap |
3:45-4:15 | Breast milk or Formula |
4:45 | Nap |
5:45 | Begin bedtime routine |
6:00 | Breast milk or Formula |
6:15 | Bedtime (Goal to be asleep at this time) |
+Plus probably 1-3 nighttime feedings
Note: This schedule follows the eat-play-sleep routine, however, it is sometimes hard to do at this age when the amount of time between naps is not long enough and your baby wakes too early from his nap because of a feeding.
Want more information about how to help your 4 month old sleep well? Check out our detailed case study about Nadia, Brad, and their 4 month old, Abigail.
Abigail’s Story
Read how they helped Abigail learn to sleep longer stretches at night and take better naps – and how they helped to change those sleep associations that were keeping her awake! Just join our VIP Members Area, and access the case study instantly. And that’s not all – our VIP Members Area is packed with additional premium content and resources: e-Books, assessments, more case studies, peer support, and more. It actually costs less to join than buying products separately! And best of all, members receive 20% of all consultation services – should you need more help!
Want FREE sleep help that you can put to use right away? Download a copy of our free guide, 5 Ways To Help Your Child Sleep Through The Night! The guide is available to download instantly, which means you can start using the techniques in it as early as tonight. So download now, and learn why your baby is waking at night – and what you can do about it.
Click here to learn more about how to get your free guide.
A better night’s sleep could be just a few clicks away. So don’t wait – download now, and start your journey to better sleep tonight!
You May Also Be Interested In:
- The 4 Month Sleep Regression: What It Is and How To Fix It
- Which Sleep Coaching Method Fits? (Members Area quiz)
- Abrupt Changes In Sleep Habits (Members Area article)
- 4 Month Sleep Regression Checklist
Preksha says
Hi!
I have a four and a half (nearly five) month old baby girl. Three weeks ago, I had begun to wean my baby off rocking using the fading method. I managed to wean her off rocking and even had her sleeping on her own in bed for naps in about 7 days without crying at all. For two weeks, i had the luxury of her falling asleep on her own. She was wakign up at 6:00-6:30 am, was taking three naps a day 1.5 hours, 1 hour and 45 mins, and bed time at 6:30 pm (3 hours after her last nap). She has always been a happy baby.
Suddenly for the past two days, she is refusing to nap – she’s been staying up for 3 hours between naps, barely getting two naps in.
She rubs her eyes and is clearly very sleepy but fusses or cries if i leave and wants to play if i am in the room. She has NEVER cried as much as she has cried in the last two days. She’s extremely happy when awake and even when sleepy but playing so I don’t think she’s in any kind of pain.
Last two days, she’s been sleeping at 8 pm after a LOT of struggle. She did sleep well at night – woke up for two feedings but that’s it.
WHAT HAS GONE WRONG? Why is my child not sleeping? She fights and eventually sleeps on the bed on her own because I won’t carry her. I even tried nursing her to sleep but she still doesn’t sleep – just plays, fusses, cries and repeats that cycle!!!!
I am at my wits end and I don’t know what to try?
Debbye @ The Baby Sleep Site says
Hi @ Preksha –
Thanks for visiting! I am sorry that sleep has suddenly gone wrong! Because it was sudden, you may want to double check with your baby’s Doctor, before you start/re-start with any sleep training. Ruling out any medical/health issues will help you feel better about moving forward with making changes. The 4-5 month mark can be a really difficult one for many babies, so you are NOT alone!! Here is our article that specifically addresses this 4 month sleep change:
https://www.babysleepsite.com/how-we-sleep/4-month-old-sleep-regression/
If things do not smooth out soon, please consider getting some kind and caring one-on-one help with an expert sleep consultant. If you would like additional support, please take a peek at our offerings here: https://www.babysleepsite.com/services
Good luck!
Erika says
Hi everyone 🙂
I have a 4month old wee boy, sleeping at night we have never really had an issue with which I am soo very pleased about! But day time sleeping has always been horrible! He will only sleep for 20minutes at a time maybe 3 times a day. He will go to bed at 8pm til 7am with 2 or 3 feeds in between, which use to only have 1 feed but this regression has taken a toll at night time! Someone give me some advice 🙂
Danielle says
Hi Erika,
Thank you for your comment! It sounds like your little one is right on track developmentally. We do usually see 2-3 night feedings at his age, and that is normal for optimum growth. We have a chart of night feedings by age you might like to see here: https://www.babysleepsite.com/sleep-training/baby-night-feedings-age-chart/
Naps can take some time to develop and lengthen naturally. You can, if you would like to, begin sleep coaching at 4 months-old, assuming your son is otherwise healthy and was born on time. We have some information on working to lengthen naps here: https://www.babysleepsite.com/sleep-training/25-baby-toddler-nap-time-tips/
I hope this helps – good luck!
Amy says
What does it mean by breakfast?? Is that if you’re starting solids?
Janelle Reid says
Hi @Amy! Thank you for commenting. Yes, that is if your baby is on solids already. 🙂 We included it since some parents choose to start solids at 4 months, while others wait until 6 months. Thanks for reading and using the Baby Sleep Site as a resource for sleep!
Summer Mohn says
Hi! Please reply as I am not sure if this this correct for her or not!! She is breastmilk only and I’ve designated breast or bottle since I work full time.
7:00-7:30 AM – Wake and Feed; She usually falls back to sleep by 8:00. (breast)
10:00 – Wake from morning nap, feed (5 oz bottle)
10:30-11:15 – Play
11:15-12:00 (sometimes 12:30) – Nap
1:00 – Feed (5 oz bottle)
1:30-2:15 – Play
2:30-3:30 – Nap (we try to get her to sleep until 4:00)
4:00 – Feed (5 oz bottle)
5:00-5:45 – Cat nap
6:30 – Feed time with mommy (breast)
7:30 get ready for bed time
8:00-8:45 Nurse to sleep
She will sleep from 8:00-9:00 until 7:30 AM, so we are getting a solid 10 hours. We nurse to sleep every night, but she can fall asleep on her own throughout the day. However, her naps generally are only about 45 minutes. Maybe 1 nap during the day will be 1.5 to 2 hours. Should her bed time be earlier?
THANK YOU!
Jessica Diller says
@Summer Mohn, Thank you for your comment. It can be difficult to help your child get on a formal schedule at this age, but it sounds like you are taking great steps to make sure your daughter is not overtired, which can be a big factor around 4 months old! Short naps are normal at this time, and you will begin to see her consolidate her naps around 6 months of age. In the meantime, you can take steps to ensure she isn’t developing permanent sleep associations, which can negatively affect her sleep. Here is an article about sleep associations that may help: https://www.babysleepsite.com/sleep-training/sleep-association/ In addition, I recommend reading this article about early vs. late bedtimes: https://www.babysleepsite.com/sleep-training/early-late-bedtime-baby-toddler/ You may find some helpful info for your daughter. Best of luck to you and your family!
Ram says
Hey Melanie,
Me too is having a 4 months boy. He too was sleeping in day last month. But now what we have done is we made his day time more interesting by talking to him, playing with rattles, just take him for a walk around so that he always find the time interesting.
At about 6.00 in evening we give him a bath in warm water. After which he is fresh, do his breast feeding, and his dinner. By about 07.30 pm she just takes him to bed and tell him a long-long story so that he just listens to it and then sleeps.
Being ‘worked so hard’ in day, naturally he sleeps quietly in night. Breast feeding is done at about 2 hours interval in night.
Initially, he was not responding to story and he was shouting and playing. Then my wife would just continue with the story without making his game uninteresting due to ‘lack of company’. Now he knows the story time and lies quietly for the “show” gradually leading to a peaceful sleep time… 🙂
Melanie says
4 month old…
7:00 Wake
9:00 NAP
9:45 Wake
11:45 Nap
12:30 Wake
2:30 Nap
3:15 Wake
5:15 Sleeps (ends up sleeping his longest stretch)
10:00pm Wake (ready to play… Grrr)
11:30 Sleep
3:00 Wake
4:30 Wake
7:00 Wake
HELP!!!!!!
P.S. I breastfeed him each time when he wakes up all day long.
Hajra says
My baby girl Minna had major sleeping issues when i use to put her back to sleep. now since i am putting he upside down she sleeps well n growing up nicely. otherwise due to sleep deprivation she was cranky n not eating well.
Brittany says
7:30 Wake up, eat 6 ounce bottle
7:45-8:30 Play and snuggle
8:30-9:00 Nap/quiet time
9:00-9:15 A few ounces of baby food (either bananas, applesauce, peaches, or pears), and more play time
9:15-10:00 Play time
10:00-11:00 Nap/quiet time
11:00-11:15 Eat 6 ounce bottle
11:15-1:00 More play time
1:00-1:15 A six ounce bottle
1:15-4:00 Nap
4:00-7:00 Platime, maybe another small nap, and a bottle
7:00-7:15 Baby food (carrots, peas, green beans, or sweet potatoes, etc.)
7:15-8:15 Bathtime, snuggle time, etc.
8:15-8:30 Six ounce bottle
8:30 or 9:00 Bedtime
(Of course this varies from day to day, there are days where there are less naps and more play time, and vice versa. Somedays he’ll take a 5 hour nap, or fall asleep at 6:30. This is just a typical day.)
Debbye says
@ Nicole- Thanks for sharing! Sounds like you’ve got a great sleeper! Yay!
@ Michelle- You sure do have an early riser on your hands! You are right about later bedtimes not helping babies sleep in, but I do think you could try to push bedtime just a little later, like shoot for 7:00? What are you doing when he wakes at 5? If you want to help him learn, that it is not time to get up yet, you can go and soothe him and see if you can help him back to sleep for a little while, keeping it dark and quiet and boring, and maybe he will “get it.”
Good luck!!!
@ Stacy- Back to sleep till 9:00! Wow! That is great! Thanks for sharing!
@Kate- Thanks for sharing your schedule and the name of the book you are using! I do really wish ALL babies could sleep so well at 4 months!
Best wishes!
Kate says
@ Michelle
I have been following a book ‘save our sleep’ by tizzie hall. It is fabulous. For your situation she would recommend – bed at 7am – strictly no later, dream feed at 10am and then they should sleep through to 7am. Bubs might wake up between 3-5am for the first couple of weeks but will eventually push to 7am. I did this routine with my baby and each week he pushed back a couple of hours till he got to 7am.
Also, 5am is around the coldest time in the morning so maybe he is waking up a little cold and not warm enough to re-settle.
Good luck! 🙂