#askthepert
My 4 month old baby for the past 20 days is not sleeping during the day time, his sleeping cycle last for 30 to 40 mins only. He was a ok sleeper but now he just don’t want to sleep. He has started refusing milk when he is awake. While only sleeping he takes the milk. Can someone suggest me its just a phase or I should consult my pedia??

Question

Accepted Answer

It sounds like your baby is going through a phase where sleep patterns and feeding habits are changing. This can be concerning, but there are a few things to consider and try before consulting a pediatrician:

### Possible Reasons:
1. **Sleep Regression**: Around 4 months, many babies experience a sleep regression due to changes in their sleep cycle and development. This can cause them to wake more frequently and take shorter naps.

2. **Developmental Milestones**: Your baby may be reaching developmental milestones, like increased awareness of the environment, which can make them more restless and curious, leading to shorter naps and less interest in feeding.

3. **Growth Spurts**: Growth spurts can affect both sleep and feeding patterns. Your baby might be more distracted or fussy during this time.

4. **Discomfort or Health Issues**: Discomfort due to teething, gas, or other minor health issues can disrupt sleep and feeding.

### Tips to Help:
1. **Create a Calm Environment**: Ensure the room is dark, quiet, and cool during naps to help your baby settle down for sleep.

2. **Establish a Routine**: Stick to a consistent sleep and feeding routine to help your baby recognize when it's time to sleep and eat.

3. **Watch for Sleep Cues**: Look for signs of tiredness like yawning, rubbing eyes, or fussiness. Try to put your baby down to sleep before they become overtired.

4. **Offer Comfort**: If your baby wakes up after a short nap, try soothing them back to sleep without immediately picking them up. Gentle patting, shushing, or a pacifier can help.

5. **Feeding Adjustments**: If your baby is refusing milk when awake, try feeding them in a calm, low-stimulation environment. Sometimes feeding in a quieter, dimly lit room can help.

### When to See a Pediatrician:
- If your baby continues to refuse milk and is not gaining weight as expected.
- If you notice any signs of illness, discomfort, or pain.
- If the sleep and feeding issues persist for an extended period without improvement.

Consulting your pediatrician is always a good idea if you are concerned about your baby’s health or behavior. They can provide personalized advice and rule out any underlying issues.

Answer

it is important to rule out any type of discomfort the child is experiencing.
sometimes it can be due to colic pain / digestive issues as well as due to some irritability or some discomfort in the mattress on which the child is sleeping which has to be taken care of.
for small children you can use a swing as well as do swaddle as well as take a walk or you can take the child in the car which will help in improving the sleep of the child
you have to also rule out hunger which might be causing sleep discomfort.d
also rule out teething pain which might be causing sleep disturbance. d