Sleep regression? Teething? Who knows!

[CHoll251601]

Hi All

Advice needed and help!!

Baby just turnt 8 months and for the last 4/5 days he has totally changed.

He wasn't a big crier (always been very grateful) would only cry if he needed something otherwise he was very happy.

Now all he seems to do is whine and moan all day (no matter what I do, play with him, feed him, naps or even just trying to give him a cuddle)!! No matter what he doesn't seem to be satisfied!

His sleep has also took a dive. He overnight just went from sleeping to waking every like 2/3 hours, moaning/ moving around at night (It isn't hunger and I do feed him normally after the first 2/3 wakes)

So I'm not sure if this is regression or teething!!

Last time he was teething his behaviour was similar and then once his teeth came through slept all night and back to his happy self.

The difference this time is from bedtime last night he has fought his sleep!!! He is just just screaming if me and parter trying rocking him to sleep (and throw his body like he wanted to be put down, you put him down he cries to be picked up!) He has never done this ( he has always been rocked I've never had a problem and he can sleep through without help all night!) He went 5 hours without sleep this morning until I was finally able to get him to sleep (think he was just knackered at that point).

So anyone who tells me its because of rocking or he needs sleep training just keep that to yourself as it isn't actually helpful!! I will sleep train when I think its right and this is not be all end all to sorting babies sleep out! Thank you :)

Is this normal at 8 months and developmental? Will he grow out of it? How long can it last?

I just want him to be happy and thrive and right now he doesn't seem to be and I just feel like I'm failing him as his mum.

Thanks guys :) :)

First of all, it's only been a few days, so take a breath.

Secondly, you'll never know really what it is (unless it's completely obvious). New(ish) parents always strive to find 'the answer' so they can 'fix it', but even if there is one, it's likely you'll never really know. Yes, he could be cutting teeth – but that's all rather woolly too.

Thirdly, as I'm sure you've heard, baby sleep and temperament is an ever-moving thing. It only works til it doesn't, and then back again. This will likely to 'a thing' well into the toddler years, and even up to age 4 (and beyond – my 7yr old twins still go through these phases).

Whether overtiredness is a cause or a symptom, you can bet it's exacerbating his bad moods either way, so it's always a good idea to try to correct that.

What does his daytime napping and bedtime routine look like (with timings)?

I do agree that you may never find out what’s causing it.

I would try him with a dose of painkiller, just to see if that improves his demeanour.

There is also a huge sleep regression at around 9 months and he may just return to normal after a few days.