At 8 months old, your baby is busy exploring the world—crawling, babbling, and maybe even pulling up to stand! These exciting milestones are wonderful but can sometimes cause disruptions in sleep. If your little one is suddenly fighting naps or waking more at night, you’re not alone. The good news? With a consistent routine and gentle adjustments, your baby can get the sleep they need—without tears or rigid schedules.
Understanding Your 8-Month-Old’s Sleep Needs
At this stage, most babies need about 12 to 16 hours of sleep in 24 hours, with 11-12 hours at night and 2-3 hours spread over two naps. You may notice your baby staying awake for longer stretches, especially before bedtime.
Here’s a quick look at common wake windows for an 8-month-old:
- Morning: 2.5-3 hours after waking
- Midday: 3-3.5 hours between naps
- Before Bed: 3-4 hours before bedtime
If naps are short or bedtime becomes a struggle, adjusting these windows slightly can make a big difference.
Managing the 8-Month Sleep Regression
Many babies go through an 8 month sleep regression around this age. This is temporary and often linked to developmental leaps like crawling, teething, or separation anxiety.
How to Gently Navigate Sleep Disruptions
- Stay Consistent: Keep a predictable nap and bedtime routine to provide comfort and security.
- Offer Extra Reassurance: If your baby is struggling with separation, spend a little more time together during the day with cuddles and play.
- Avoid Overtiredness: An overtired baby has a harder time falling and staying asleep. If naps are short, consider an earlier bedtime.
- Use Gentle Sleep Coaching: If your baby is waking frequently and struggling to fall back asleep, the Sleep Lady Shuffle can help. This approach allows you to be present and supportive as your baby learns to self-soothe.
Encouraging Independent Sleep Skills
Teaching your baby to fall asleep independently is a gradual process. At bedtime, put your baby down drowsy but awake, so they learn to settle on their own. If they wake at night, respond consistently—offering comfort but allowing them the opportunity to return to sleep without forming new sleep crutches.
Sample Gentle Sleep Schedule for an 8-Month-Old
Every baby is different, but here’s a schedule that works well for many families:
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 7:00 AM | Wake-up & first feeding (breast or bottle) |
| 9:30 – 10:30 AM | Morning nap (1 hour) |
| 11:00 AM | Feeding & playtime |
| 2:00 – 3:30 PM | Afternoon nap (1-1.5 hours) |
| 4:00 PM | Snack, play, and dinner later |
| 6:30 PM | Begin bedtime routine (bath, books, feeding) |
| 7:00 – 7:30 PM | Bedtime |
If your baby wakes at night, first pause to see if they resettle on their own. If not, comfort them in a way that encourages self-soothing—patting, shushing, or offering a lovey (if appropriate for their age).
Handling Nap Transitions
By 8 months, most babies have transitioned to two naps. If your baby is still taking a third catnap, you may notice bedtime becoming harder. Try gradually stretching wake windows to shift fully to a two-nap schedule.
Gentle Tips for Better Sleep
- Create a Calm Pre-Bedtime Routine: A warm bath, dim lights, and a soothing book can help signal that sleep is coming.
- Be Flexible but Consistent: Life happens! If naps are off one day, adjust bedtime slightly earlier.
- Encourage Daytime Sleep in the Crib: While car naps happen, aim for at least one solid crib nap per day to reinforce healthy sleep habits.
- Use The Sleep Lady Shuffle If Needed: This gentle sleep coaching for your 8-month-old is a method allows you to gradually step back while still offering comfort and support.
Safe Sleep Reminders
Always follow safe sleep guidelines:
- Place your baby on their back to sleep in a crib or bassinet.
- Use a firm mattress with a fitted sheet—no loose blankets or pillows.
- Keep the room cool and dark for better sleep.
Final Thoughts
Sleep at 8 months can feel unpredictable, but with gentle consistency, your baby will continue to build healthy sleep habits. If you’re struggling, take a deep breath—you’re doing great! Adjust wake windows as needed, keep routines predictable, and trust that your baby is learning this skill step by step
Citations
- Paul B. Tchounwou, Nour Makarem, Faris Zuraikat, E. Adams, Peyton Mosher, B. Armstrong, S. Burkart, R. Weaver, Michael W. Beets, E. R. Siceloff and R. Prinz. “Barriers to Optimal Child Sleep among Families with Low Income: A Mixed-Methods Study to Inform Intervention Development.” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20 (2023). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20010862.
- MedlinePlus. “Bedtime Habits for Infants and Children.” MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, October 21, 2022. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002392.htm.
- E. Jansen, Wentong Zhao, A. Jones, T. Marshall, K. Neiswanger, J. Shaffer, D. McNeil, M. Marazita and B. Foxman. “Early Childhood Diet in Relation to Toddler Nighttime Sleep Duration Trajectories.” Nutrients, 14 (2022). https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14153059.
- Belmon, Laura S., Vincent Busch, Maartje M. van Stralen, Dominique P.M. Stijnman, Lisan M. Hidding, Irene A. Harmsen, and Mai J.M. Chinapaw. 2020. “Child and Parent Perceived Determinants of Children’s Inadequate Sleep Health. A Concept Mapping Study” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17, no. 5: 1583. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17051583
- Holliday-Bell, Angela . “A Parent’s Guide to Sleep Training Infants and Toddlers – UChicago Medicine.” UChicago Medicine, 24 May 2023, www.uchicagomedicine.org/forefront/pediatrics-articles/2023/may/sleep-training-in-infants-and-toddlers.
- R. Spencer and Tracy Riggins. “Contributions of memory and brain development to the bioregulation of naps and nap transitions in early childhood.” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 119 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2123415119.
