👶Sleep and Your 4- to 7-Month-Old
Establishing healthy sleep patterns as your baby grows
Your Baby's Sleep Development
By this age, your baby should be well on the way toward having a regular sleep pattern. Some infants, particularly those who are breastfed, may still wake at night. But most no longer need a middle-of-the-night feeding.
This is an important milestone in your baby's sleep development, as they begin to consolidate their sleep and establish more predictable patterns.
⏰How Long Will My Baby Sleep?
Sleep Requirements:
Most babies this age should sleep 12–16 hours a day, which includes a longer stretch at night and at least two naps during the day, says the National Sleep Foundation.
Sleep Breakdown:
- • Total daily sleep: 12-16 hours
- • Daytime sleep: 3-4 hours (average)
- • Nighttime sleep: 9+ hours by 6 months
- • Brief awakenings during night
Key Milestones:
- •Most babies no longer need middle-of-the-night feeding
- •By 6 months, sleeping 9 hours or longer at night
- •Regular sleep pattern development
- •At least two naps during the day
🛏️How Should Babies Sleep?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends room-sharing without bed-sharing until the first birthday or for at least 6 months, when the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) is highest.
Room-Sharing (Safe):
Room-sharing is when you place your baby's crib, portable crib, play yard, or bassinet in your own bedroom instead of in a separate nursery. This keeps your baby nearby and helps with feeding, comforting, and monitoring your baby at night.
Benefits:
- • Easier nighttime feeding and comfort
- • Better monitoring of baby
- • Reduces SIDS risk
- • Convenient for parents
Bed-Sharing (Not Safe):
While room-sharing is safe, putting your baby to sleep in bed with you is not. Bed-sharing increases the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related deaths.
Important Warning:
Bed-sharing significantly increases the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related deaths. Always use a separate sleep surface for your baby.
⚠️Safe Sleep Environment Guidelines
Follow these recommendations for a safe sleep environment for your little one:
Sleep Position & Surface:
- •Always place your baby on their back to sleep
- •When babies consistently roll over, it's fine for them to remain in chosen position
- •Use a firm, flat sleep surface
- •Cover the mattress with a sheet that fits snugly
Items to Keep Out:
- •Plush toys, pillows, blankets
- •Unfitted sheets, quilts, comforters
- •Sheepskins and bumper pads
- •Items with cords, ties, or ribbons
Additional Safety Tips:
Temperature & Environment:
- • Dress baby for room temperature, don't overbundle
- • Don't cover baby's head while sleeping
- • Watch for signs of overheating (sweating, hot to touch)
- • Keep baby away from smokers
Pacifiers & Hazards:
- • Offer pacifier at sleep time, but don't force it
- • Don't replace pacifier if it falls out during sleep
- • Wait until breastfeeding is established
- • Check for hanging mobiles, wall hangings, blind cords
💤Helping Your Baby Sleep
Bedtime Routine:
You may have started a bedtime routine that you're sticking to. If you haven't yet, now is a good time to start. Soothing activities that lead up to "night-night" time can help relax your baby.
- •A warm bath followed by stories or singing
- •Signal an end to the day
- •These same activities can be used for years to come
- •Consistency is key to success
Sleep Independence:
You'll want your baby to fall asleep on their own. This may mean doing your nighttime routine and putting the baby into the crib while they're drowsy but still awake.
- •Put baby in crib while drowsy but awake
- •If baby cries, stay away for a few minutes
- •Baby may settle down and go to sleep
- •Give them time to settle down if safe
Handling Crying:
If the crying continues, soothe your baby for a moment without picking your little one up. This may go on a few times until your baby figures out that the crying is not getting results. This can be tough for parents, since it's upsetting to hear your baby cry.
If you know your baby is safe (and not hungry, wet, soiled, or feeling unwell), it's OK to give them time to settle down.
🌙Why Does My Baby Wake at Night?
Even a baby who has been sleeping through the night will sometimes wake in the wee hours, just as adults do. Some babies may call out or cry in the middle of the night, then calm down when mom or dad enters the room.
Separation Anxiety:
This is due to separation anxiety, a normal stage of development that happens during this time. It's a sign that your baby is developing healthy attachment and awareness of their caregivers.
- •Normal stage of development
- •Shows healthy attachment
- •Baby calms down when parent enters room
How to Respond:
Give your baby a few fussy minutes before you respond. After seeing that everything is OK and reassuring your baby without taking your little one out of the crib, leave your baby alone to fall back to sleep.
- •Wait a few minutes before responding
- •Reassure without taking baby out of crib
- •Leave baby alone to fall back to sleep
Important Reminder:
Remember: Cuddling, feeding, or talking when your baby wakes up may prompt your little one to wake regularly for this attention. Keep nighttime interactions brief and boring to encourage longer sleep stretches.
🏥When Should I Call the Doctor?
Most infants at this age will have a regular sleep routine and are able to sleep through the night. But there is a wide range of normal. If you have any questions about your baby's sleep, talk with your doctor. They can help you understand what's typical for your baby's age and development.
❓Frequently Asked Questions About Baby Sleep (4-7 Months)
How much sleep should my 4-7 month old baby get?
Most babies this age should sleep 12-16 hours a day, which includes a longer stretch at night and at least two naps during the day. The average amount of daytime sleep is about 3-4 hours. By 6 months, most babies are sleeping 9 hours or longer at night, with brief awakenings.
Should my baby still need nighttime feedings at this age?
Most babies no longer need a middle-of-the-night feeding by this age. However, some infants, particularly those who are breastfed, may still wake at night for feeding. This is normal and depends on your baby's individual needs and growth patterns. Consult your pediatrician if you have concerns about feeding frequency.
What should I do if my baby starts rolling over during sleep?
When babies consistently roll over from front to back and back to front, it's fine for them to remain in the sleep position they choose. Always start by placing your baby on their back to sleep, but if they roll over on their own, you don't need to reposition them. Make sure the sleep environment is safe with no loose bedding or items that could pose a risk.
How can I help my baby learn to fall asleep independently?
Put your baby into the crib while they're drowsy but still awake. If your baby cries, wait a few minutes before responding. If the crying continues, soothe your baby briefly without picking them up. This helps them learn to self-soothe and fall asleep on their own. It can be challenging for parents, but it's an important skill for healthy sleep.
Why does my baby wake up crying in the middle of the night?
This is often due to separation anxiety, a normal stage of development that happens during this time. Some babies may call out or cry, then calm down when a parent enters the room. Give your baby a few minutes before responding, and keep nighttime interactions brief and boring to avoid encouraging regular wake-ups for attention.
Is it normal for my baby to have brief awakenings during the night?
Yes, it's completely normal for babies (and adults) to have brief awakenings during the night. The goal is for your baby to learn to fall back asleep on their own without needing your help. These brief awakenings are part of normal sleep cycles and don't necessarily mean your baby needs anything.
What's the best bedtime routine for a 4-7 month old?
A good bedtime routine includes soothing activities like a warm bath followed by stories or singing. These activities signal an end to the day and can be used for years to come. Keep the routine consistent and relatively short (15-30 minutes). The key is to help your baby wind down and associate these activities with sleep.
Should I still be room-sharing with my baby at this age?
The AAP recommends room-sharing without bed-sharing until the first birthday or for at least 6 months, when the risk of SIDS is highest. Room-sharing means placing your baby's crib in your bedroom, not in the same bed. This keeps your baby nearby for feeding and comfort while maintaining safety.
What should I do if my baby's sleep patterns seem irregular?
While most babies this age develop regular sleep patterns, there is a wide range of normal. If you're concerned about your baby's sleep patterns, talk with your pediatrician. They can help you understand what's typical for your baby's age and development, and provide guidance on establishing healthy sleep habits.
How can I tell if my baby is getting enough sleep?
Signs that your baby is getting enough sleep include: being alert and content when awake, feeding well, gaining weight appropriately, and having periods of calm alertness. If your baby seems consistently fussy, has trouble staying awake during the day, or shows signs of overtiredness, they may not be getting enough sleep. Consult your pediatrician if you have concerns.