The 8-month sleep regression (sometimes referred to as the 8-10 month sleep regression) typically happens between 8 and 10 months. This phase is often marked by frequent night wakings, difficulty settling at bedtime, and resistance to naps.
You may notice that your baby:
- Takes longer to fall asleep (even when they seem tired)
- Wakes more frequently at night (sometimes every 2–3 hours)
- Cries or protests more at bedtime
- Fights naps (even if they were previously good nappers)
- Wakes up standing in the crib, unsure how to get back down
- Seems extra clingy or fussy during the day
This sudden shift in sleep often catches parents off guard, but it’s a sign of progress. Your baby is developing physically, cognitively, and emotionally, and these changes can temporarily impact their ability to settle and stay asleep.
Good to Know: Not every baby experiences an obvious sleep regression at this age. Some babies go through mild disruptions, while others have more noticeable struggles.
8-Month-Old Developmental Milestones and How They Affect Sleep
At around 8 months, your baby is hitting major developmental milestones that may be affecting their sleep.
How Mobility Affects Sleep Patterns
Your baby is becoming more mobile, and that means their brain is busy practicing—even at night.
- Rolling, crawling, pulling up, and standing are exciting new skills. Some babies even wake up standing in the crib and don’t know how to get back down!
- If your baby is waking up more often, they may just be eager to practice their new skills.
Kim’s Tip: “Make it your mission to practice these new skills with your baby when they’re awake. Help them practice pulling up and gently guide them to sit back down. With time and repetition, they’ll gain confidence, and sleep disruptions will lessen.”
Separation Anxiety and Sleep
Around 8 months, your baby is developing a stronger attachment to you and may become more upset when you leave the room.
- Babies may wake up looking for you and have trouble settling back to sleep.
- If your baby suddenly fusses at bedtime or during night wakings, they may be experiencing separation anxiety.
💡 Kim’s Tip: “Offer extra comfort at bedtime, but try to avoid creating new sleep habits that could become a crutch. A gentle approach—like reassuring your baby with your voice instead of picking them up—can help them feel secure while still encouraging independent sleep.”
Sleep Patterns and Recommended Schedule for an 8-Month-Old
At this age, babies need 12 to 16 hours of total sleep per day, including:
- Nighttime sleep: 10-12 hours
- Daytime sleep: 2-3 hours (split into two naps)
Sample 8-Month-Old Sleep Schedule
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 7:00 AM | Wake-up & feed |
| 9:30 – 11:00 AM | First nap |
| 2:00 – 3:30 PM | Second nap |
| 7:00 PM | Bedtime |
Every baby is different, but keeping a consistent routine like an 8 month sleep schedule can help ease the impact of sleep disruptions.
How Long Does the 8-Month Sleep Regression Last?
This sleep regression usually lasts between 2 and 6 weeks. However, the duration varies based on factors like:
- Your baby’s temperament
- How quickly they adjust to new skills
- Whether they are experiencing teething or illness
Kim’s Tip: “If sleep disruptions last beyond 6 weeks, take a step back and evaluate. Is your baby getting too much or too little daytime sleep? Are you responding the same way every night? Consistency is key!”
Common Causes of the 8-Month Sleep Regression
Several factors can contribute to sleep disruptions at this stage:
- Teething – Sore gums can make it harder to settle and stay asleep.
- Increased Hunger – With all the energy they’re using, some babies wake up hungry. Consider offering protein-rich solids at dinner.
- Overstimulation Before Bed – Too much excitement late in the day can make it harder to wind down.
- Separation Anxiety – This can lead to night wakings and clinginess at bedtime.
How to Handle the 8-Month Sleep Regression
- Stick to a Consistent Bedtime Routine – Predictability helps babies feel secure.
- Give Plenty of Practice During the Day – Help your baby practice pulling up, sitting back down, and crawling so they don’t need to do it at night.
- Respond Comfortably but Consistently – Offer reassurance without picking them up every time. Try patting their back or using a gentle, soothing voice.
- Create an Ideal Sleep Environment – Use white noise, blackout curtains, and a cool, comfortable room to promote better sleep.
- Offer a Comfort Object – If your baby has separation anxiety, a lovey or small blanket (if safe) can help them feel secure.
- Make Sure Baby Is Getting Enough Food During the Day – If your baby is waking up hungry, check that they’re getting enough daytime calories.
- Consider Gentle Sleep Training – If night wakings continue, gentle sleep coaching methods can help your baby learn to self-soothe.
Taking Care of Yourself During the Sleep Regression
It’s completely normal to feel exhausted and frustrated during a sleep regression. Be kind to yourself, and try these self-care tips:
- Nap When You Can – Even a 20-minute nap can help.
Share the Load – If possible, take turns with a partner for night wakings.
Lower Your Expectations – Sleep regressions are temporary, and things will get easier.
When to Consult a Pediatrician
Most sleep regressions resolve on their own, but if your baby is experiencing ongoing sleep struggles (longer than 6 weeks) or showing signs of illness, talk to your pediatrician.
FAQs
How do I get my 8-month-old to sleep through the night? – Keep a consistent routine and encourage independent sleep skills.
Should I feed my baby at night? – If they seem genuinely hungry, yes. Otherwise, try soothing them back to sleep first.
Do all babies go through sleep regressions? – Not always! Some babies experience mild sleep disruptions, while others struggle more.
Citations
- Cleveland Clinic. “Infant Sleep Regression: What Parents Need To Know” https://health.clevelandclinic.org/the-4-month-sleep-regression-what-parents-need-to-know
- S. Paruthi, L. Brooks, C. D’Ambrosio, W. Hall, S. Kotagal, Robin M. Lloyd, B. Malow, K. Maski, C. Nichols, S. Quan, C. Rosen, M. Troester and M. Wise. “Recommended Amount of Sleep for Pediatric Populations: A Consensus Statement of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine..” Journal of clinical sleep medicine : JCSM : official publication of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, 12 6 (2016): 785-6 . https://doi.org/10.5664/jcsm.5866.
- Suni, Eric, and Dr. Nilong Vyas. “Sleep Training.” Sleep Foundation, December 17, 2020. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/baby-sleep/sleep-training.
- American Academy of Pediatrics, “Cognitive Development: 8 to 12 Months,” HealthyChildren.org, November 20, 2023, https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/Pages/Cognitive-Development-8-to-12-Months.aspx.
- American Academy of Pediatrics, “Movement: 8 to 12 Months,” HealthyChildren.org, April 7, 2021, https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/Pages/Movement-8-to-12-Months.aspx.
- Hernandez-Reif, Maria and Nahide Gungordu. “Infant sleep behaviors relate to their later cognitive and language abilities and morning cortisol stress hormone levels.” Infant behavior & development 67 (2022): 101700. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0163638322000145?via%3Dihub
- Quante, Mirja et al. “Associations of sleep-related behaviors and the sleep environment at infant age one month with sleep patterns in infants five months later.” Sleep medicine vol. 94 (2022): 31-37. doi:10.1016/j.sleep.2022.03.019
- E. J. Paavonen, O. Saarenpää-Heikkilä, I. Morales-Muñoz, Minna Virta, Niina Häkälä, P. Pölkki, A. Kylliäinen, H. Karlsson, T. Paunio, L. Karlsson and J. Paavonen. “Normal sleep development in infants: findings from two large birth cohorts..” Sleep medicine, 69 (2020): 145-154 . https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sleep.2020.01.009.
- MedlinePlus. “Bedtime Habits for Infants and Children.” MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, October 21, 2022. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002392.htm
