8 month sleep regression
- When
- Usually between 8 and 10 months
- How long
- Often 2–6 weeks
- Typical wake window
- 2.5–3.5 h
- Typical naps
- 2
Why it happens
- Big motor milestones: crawling, pulling to stand, cruising. Babies practise in the crib.
- Separation anxiety typically peaks between about 8 and 10 months.
- The move from 3 naps to 2 can leave babies overtired while the day re-settles.
Common signs
- Standing up in the crib and crying
- Protests when you leave the room
- Refused or short naps
- New night wakings
What helps
- Give lots of floor time to practise new skills during the day.
- Practise lowering from standing to sitting in daylight.
- Keep goodbyes short, warm and consistent.
- Check the wake windows: 2.5–3.5 hours is typical at this age.
Call your pediatrician if your baby has a fever, seems unwell, is feeding poorly, snores loudly or pauses in breathing, or if the disruption lasts more than a few weeks.
A steady daytime rhythm makes rough nights easier to ride out. Here's a typical day for this age:
8 month old schedule
Your day at a glance
- 7:00amWake up for the day
- 9:45am–11:00amNap 1 · 1 h 15 min
- 2:15pm–3:45pmNap 2 · 1 h 30 min
- 7:30pmBedtime · start routine 7:00pm
A flexible guide built from typical ranges. Watch your baby's sleepy cues and shift by 15–30 minutes as needed. Every sleep: on the back, in a clear, flat crib (AAP).
Questions
When does the 8 month sleep regression start?
Usually between 8 and 10 months.
How long does the 8 month sleep regression last?
Often 2–6 weeks.
Is it the regression or teething?
It can be both. Teething tends to cause a few rough nights around a tooth coming through; the regression usually lasts longer and comes with new skills or separation anxiety. If your baby has a fever or seems unwell, contact your pediatrician.
Other guides: 4 month sleep regression · 18 month sleep regression