Why Is My Baby Still Waking at Night?

What Night Wakings Mean After 4 Months of Age—and What You Can Do

If your baby is over 4 months old and still waking frequently at night, you’re probably wondering if this is normal—or if something needs to change. The truth is, night wakings can be age-appropriate… but they can also be a sign that your little one needs more support in learning independent sleep habits. Yes, sleep is a skill that needs to be learned!

At Smart Night Sleep, we work with families every day to uncover the real reasons their older babies and toddlers are waking—and help them sleep through the night confidently.

Let’s break it down.

1. When They Wake, They are Relying on You to Fall Back Asleep

By 4 months, babies begin cycling through lighter and deeper stages of sleep more like adults do. If your child relies on feeding, rocking, bouncing, or another external method (a sleep crutch) to fall asleep at bedtime, they’ll likely need that same method every time they wake between cycles.

💡 What to do: Teach your child to fall asleep independently. This one change often significantly reduces night wakings.

2. Habitual Night Feedings

Yes, some babies still need to eat at night after 4 months—but many continue waking to feed out of habit, not hunger. If your pediatrician confirms that night feedings are no longer necessary, it's okay to remove them if they are growing well and gaining weight well.

💡 What to do: Consider night weaning paired with sleep training, so your child learns how to fall asleep and stay asleep without a feed. You would then redistribute their feedings throughout the day.

3. Bedtime Is Too Late or Naps Are Inconsistent

An overtired baby or toddler is much more likely to wake during the night or in the early morning hours. Long wake windows, skipped naps, or bedtimes that are too late can make quality nighttime sleep harder to come by.

💡 What to do: Stick to an age-appropriate sleep schedule, prioritize consistent nap timing, and aim for an early bedtime (yes, earlier is better!).

4. They’re Hitting a Regression or Developmental Milestone

The 4-month, 8–10-month, and 18-month regressions are real. So are major developmental leaps like crawling, standing, walking, or talking—all of which can temporarily impact sleep.

💡 What to do: Stay consistent in your routine and how you respond to wakings. These phases will pass, and it’s best not to introduce new habits that are tough to break later.

5. The Sleep Environment Isn’t Optimal

Older babies and toddlers may be more sensitive to their sleep environment. Too much light, inconsistent noise, or even changes in room temperature can disrupt sleep cycles.

💡 What to do: Use blackout curtains, a white noise machine (under 50 decibels for babies under 12 months of age), and dress your child appropriately for the temperature in their room. A cool, dark, quiet room supports better sleep.

6. There’s No Clear or Consistent Routine

Children over 4 months thrive on rhythm and predictability. A regular, calming bedtime routine helps their brains wind down and signals that it’s time for sleep.

💡 What to do: Start a consistent bedtime routine each night (ideally 30 minutes long) that includes calming, screen-free activities like a bath, books, or cuddles. The more predictable, the better.

You Don’t Have to Struggle Through Sleepless Nights

If your baby is older than 4 months and still waking multiple times per night, it’s not just a phase you have to suffer through. With the right tools, guidance, and support, your child can learn to sleep through the night—and so can you.

✨ Book your free 15-minute discovery call with Smart Night Sleep today. Let’s talk about what’s going on and how we can help

Wishing you rest,

Jennie Clarke

Founder & Certified Child Sleep Consultant

Smart Night Sleep

*based in Orlando, Florida, but works remotely with families everywhere to achieve healthy sleep.