How To Sleep Train A 3 Month Old Baby

Can you sleep train a 3 month old? If suddenly sleep has gone from great to awful with your 3 month old, you are likely tempted to start the sleep training journey with them…yesterday!

Sleep around the 3 month old mark can start to rapidly decline, so you may be wondering how to sleep train a 3 month old and curious if it’s okay to start sleep training now!

If you are a parent struggling with your baby’s sleep routine around the three-month mark, you’re not alone! This transitional period can be challenging as your baby starts experiencing changes in their sleep cycles. 

Around the 12-14 week mark you start to feel like you don’t identify with the newborn stage, but somehow your baby seems too young to be considered older than that?

It can be a tricky time but in this blog I want to share advice on how to navigate this stage and successfully begin sleep training even before your baby hits 16 weeks.

 

Understanding the Three to Four Month Sleep Regression

Babies around three to four months old often experience what is commonly known as the four month sleep regression. This period is marked by frequent night wakings, which can be exhausting for both the baby and the parents. 

There seems to be confusion around this age: how can you sleep train if a baby is going through a regression?

The good news is that you can still sleep train during this age and make sleep a thing!

In fact, this is the optimal time to sleep train as baby is only maturing in their sleep and learning independent sleep skills will be incredibly beneficial!

The main reason behind the current decline in your 3-4 month old’s sleep is the maturation of your baby’s sleep cycles, transitioning from the erratic newborn patterns to more structured cycles similar to adults.

If you have a baby who is 14-16 weeks you may want to understand more about their upcoming schedule change, in which I’ve outlined their entire four-month old schedule for you here. 

 

Can You Sleep Train a Three-Month-Old?

Absolutely, yes! You can sleep train at 3 months old, you don’t have to wait until your baby is 16 weeks old to start sleep training. 

If your baby is around three months old and you’re finding naps, bedtime and night sleep is extremely challenging, you can begin sleep training. 

However, sleep training at this age means we need to check on some essential steps before proceeding.

 

Steps to Start Sleep Training at Three Months

1. Consult Your Pediatrician

• Before starting any sleep training, it’s crucial to check in with your pediatrician. Ensure your baby is growing well and their weight is on track. This check-up is vital to confirm that your baby is ready to start sleep training.
• Discuss with your pediatrician whether a single nighttime feed is sufficient based on your baby’s weight and health. Inside of my Baby Sleep Course we do have the option for your baby to have a night feed (detailed in the 4-5 month plan), so sleep training doesn’t mean you have to remove all night feeds. 

2. Transition Out of the Swaddle

• For effective sleep training, your baby should not be swaddled. Make sure your baby has their arms free to allow self-soothing movements like sucking on fingers or rolling over.
• If this seems like an overwhelming step, I lay out the exact steps for you over on this blog post. The goal is to make the arms out transition within one week (or less)!

3. Adjust Wake Times and Naps

• A typical three-month-old should have awake periods of about 60 to 90 minutes before needing another nap. As your baby approaches 14 to 15 weeks, this wake time can extend to 75 to 90 minutes.
• Your baby may need around four to five naps during the day, totaling about four to four and a half hours of daytime sleep. Nighttime sleep should ideally be 11 to 12 hours, possibly with one nighttime feed.

Why Sleep Training Matters

Sleep training helps your baby learn to self-soothe and go back to sleep independently. This is essential as your baby transitions through different sleep cycles! Instead of relying on external props like pacifiers, bottles, or rocking, sleep training empowers your baby to manage their sleep more effectively, leading to more sleep at night for both your baby and you!

If you’re new to the world of sleep training and have questions about harmful impacts and what to think about sleep training for your family, this read by Dr. Emily Oster of ParentData is a top resource to fully understand what Sleep Training is all about.

 

How To Sleep Train A 3 Month Old Baby

Are you ready to sleep train your 3 month old? Want step by step directions to make sleep a thing?

At Little Z’s Sleep we offer our Baby Sleep Training Course that guides you through each step of the sleep training journey. 

Whether you prefer a downloadable plan or a complete course with audio coaching, we have options to suit your needs!

Our plans are designed to deliver results within three to four nights, with a two-week schedule to ensure long-term success.

Additionally for this awkward three-month old age we’ve put together our Newborn & Baby Bundle that provides everything you need to know about newborn sleep with the Newborn Sleep Course plus our Baby Sleep Training Course to give you the step by step plan for sleep training! 

Key Takeaways

You can sleep train a 3 month old if you are ready to finally make sleep a thing! Before beginning the Baby Sleep Training Course please go through the following checklist:

1. Consult Your Pediatrician: Verify your baby’s readiness for sleep training.
2. Ditch the Swaddle: Allow your baby to self-soothe.
3. Follow a Structured Schedule: Implement age-appropriate wake times and nap durations.

Starting sleep training at three months can be a game-changer for your family’s sleep routine. By following these guidelines, you can help your baby transition smoothly through this developmental stage and ensure everyone gets the rest they need.