Sleep and settling (4-6 months)

Helping your baby develop healthy sleep patterns 

At 4 to 6 months babies, may be fussier, cry or wake more often. It is okay and normal for baby to wake for overnight feeds.

You can help your baby sleep by being there for them when they need you and giving them responsive care that fits their age and needs.

Babies sleep best when you:

• have a regular sleep time and bedtime routine
• put them to bed when they seem tired
• keep their room dark
• make sure they get some daylight and age-appropriate exercise every day
• avoid screens or bright lights before bedtime
• keep the room cool if you can
• make sure they are fed, clean and calm before bedtime (try not to feed them to sleep).

Safety tips

• Put baby to sleep in their own bed, next to your bed or in your bedroom for the first 6 to 12 months.
• Use a safe cot or bassinet for your baby to sleep in.
• Instead of blankets you can use a safe baby sleeping bag or suit with a fitted neck, armholes and no hood (pictured).

Remember, every baby is different, and it may take time to establish a sleep routine that works for your baby. Stay patient and consistent, and speak to your nurse or family doctor for support.

Sleep associations 

Sleep associations are the things you or your baby do to help your baby fall asleep. Some common ones include:

• wrapping baby
• using music
• dummy use
• rocking in arms or cot
• patting to sleep.

When babies are only a few months old, sleep associations do not cause too many problems. However, as your baby develops and grows, you may find some sleep associations need to be changed to help keep your baby safe or because they are no longer helping your baby sleep.

When your baby starts rolling over, it is time to stop swaddling them. They might take some time to get used to sleeping without being wrapped up snugly.

Here's what you can do

• Loosen the wrap slowly over a few days, while comforting them in other ways.
• Then, wrap them only around their waist, leaving their arms free.
• Eventually, stop using the wrap altogether.
• Try using a safe infant sleeping bag instead.

It might take a few days or weeks for your baby to get used to these changes. Paying attention to their cues and responding consistently and gently will make it easier for them.

Feeding your baby to sleep is another habit that can affect their sleep. 

Sometimes babies wake up for reasons other than hunger, like being too hot, uncomfortable, sick, needing a nappy change or just being tired. Taking a moment to understand your baby's cues and responding appropriately can help improve their sleep quality and duration.

For more tips on settling strategies, read the Sleep and settling article.

You can also visit the Karitane website for sleep videos and brochures for infants and young children. 

Settling an Infant

Tired signs