Why is my eight-month-old suddenly having trouble sleeping?

If you’re dealing with what's often called the “eight-month sleep regression”, a Mediclinic paediatrician explains what’s happening and why there’s no reason for despair.

Your baby was finally starting to sleep for longer stretches at night, possibly even sleeping through. Now, suddenly, everything seems to have gone backwards, and you might be wondering if you'll ever get a full night’s sleep again. This is what many parents refer to as the “eight-month regression."

However, Dr Graham Jones, a paediatrician at Mediclinic Sandton, says this terminology isn’t exactly right. “Paediatricians don’t usually use the term ‘regression’ because it suggests that babies have settled into a stable sleep pattern, but in reality, they’re going through different stages as they grow,” he explains.

Why is my baby not sleeping through?

The good news is that your baby is going through a normal part of their development and it’s normal for sleep patterns to change. Infancy is a time of fast growth and development and as your baby grows, their sleep needs change too. This could mean they sleep less, take longer to fall asleep, or wake up during the night. Dr Jones says up to 50% of babies older than six months may go through one or more of these changes.

Other factors that may affect your baby’s sleep: 

• Illness
• Allergies
• Alertness: As babies become more aware of light and sounds, these can become distractions
• Separation anxiety: This is a normal part of your baby’s development, but it can affect their sleep.

How long does the “eight-month sleep regression” last?

“Sleep disturbances are usually temporary,” says Dr Jones. “For it to be considered a sleep disorder, the symptoms must occur at least three times a week, last for at least three months, and cause significant problems for the child or family.”

If you’re concerned about your baby’s sleep or finding it hard to cope with your own exhaustion, Dr Jones suggests seeing your paediatrician. There could be several factors affecting sleep, and they can offer advice. “Your paediatrician can also advise you on establishing healthy sleep habits and create a personalised plan if you need to make changes to your baby’s behaviour,” he says. 

When to consider sleep training for your baby

“There’s no rush to ‘sleep train’ an infant because sleep habits and patterns are still being established during infancy,” says Dr Jones. “However, creating healthy sleep habits at home is really important during this time, as these habits will continue into your baby’s toddler and early childhood years.”  These are his recommendations:

• Establish a consistent bedtime: At this age your baby needs about 10 hours of sleep each night, so plan accordingly.
• Limit stimulation: Avoid screens for at least an hour before bedtime to help your baby wind down.
• Look for signs of tiredness: These include crankiness, clinginess, or fussiness.
• Be consistent: Set up a calming bedtime routine in a quiet, dimly lit room.
• Create a safe sleep environment: Make sure your baby falls asleep in a safe cot, lying on their back, on a firm, flat surface.
• Encourage self-soothing: Put them to bed while they’re drowsy but still awake, which helps them learn to associate their cot with sleep.
• Go slowly: When you start removing sleep aids (like dummies, rocking, or music), do it slowly and with plenty of comfort and reassurance.

Is sleep training harmful to babies?

“Establishing good sleeping habits should be a very gentle and responsive process – don’t rush it,” says Dr Jones. He suggests giving your baby plenty of physical and verbal comfort. “While some crying may occur, it should never feel stressful as it’s meant to help your baby feel calm and settled.” If you need advice, talk to your paediatrician.