3-4 months: Less sleep, teething and big milestones

We’re out of the newborn stage now but months 3 and 4 with baby come with a new set of challenges.The past few months have been a whirlwind of sleepless nights, cuddles, teething and some very exciting milestones.

Having a three-month-old baby was exhausting at times, particularly when we found ourselves in the middle of a sleep regression that seemed to come out of nowhere. At just over three months, my baby girl suddenly started waking almost every hour throughout the night. Just when I thought we had found a bit of a routine, everything changed. The constant waking was exhausting, and those broken nights really started to catch up with me. It felt like every time I managed to settle the baby and drift back to sleep, it was time to wake up again. The days were spent trying to function on very little sleep while wondering when things would improve. The lack of sleep has affected my emotions and my poor husband has bore the brunt of my grumpiness!

Now, at four months old, we seem to have entered a completely different phase. Teething has arrived, bringing plenty of dribbling, chewing and general discomfort. We have been using teething gels and a variety of teething toys to try to give some relief. Some days seem easier than others, but it is clear that those little teeth are causing a lot of frustration for her. Teething has also affected her feeding, with baby girl sometimes seeming too uncomfortable to drink. However after allowing teething gel to kick in we do notice her appetite returning.

Alongside the teething, there have also been growth spurts and developmental leaps. It feels as though my baby is changing almost every week. These changes have brought out a much more emotional and clingy side. There are plenty of moments when all my baby wants is to be held, and putting her down or passing her to someone else can result in instant tears.

Although the clinginess can be challenging, I am also trying to remind myself that so much is happening for my baby right now. Her little body and brain are developing at an incredible pace, and all these changes can understandably be overwhelming.

One of the biggest milestones so far has been learning to roll over. Watching my baby discover how to move independently has been amazing. She has been frustrated about not being able to go so it is so nice now that she can get herself onto her front to have a look around. It’s early days with rolling but great progress. Now that rolling is achievable, sitting up is clearly the next goal. My baby girl  is absolutely desperate to sit up (and has been for a while) and seems determined to get there as quickly as possible! I do believe though that it’s not that far off, as she has fantastic core strength and such a desire to sit and observe. We’re encouraging rolling and sitting using toys, different surfaces, happy and smiley voices and faces and physical support, and we’re noticing all these efforts really paying off. Little girl’s physical development is thriving.

There is something incredibly special about watching these milestones unfold, even when they come alongside sleepless nights and difficult days. The sleep regression, teething and developmental leaps have certainly tested us, but they have also given us so many moments to celebrate.

Four months in, I am learning that babyhood really is a series of constantly changing phases. Just as you think you have figured one thing out, something new begins. It is exhausting, emotional and messy—but it is also incredibly rewarding to watch this little person grow, develop and discover the world around them. I know one day I’ll miss all these baby moments - the cuddles, contact naps and little achievements, so I am trying to treasure each moment, no matter how tired I am!

Until next time

Chloe x