8-Month Sleep Regression in Infants: Essential Tips for Tired Parents

As your baby approaches their first birthday, watching them grow can be a remarkable experience. However, you might find yourself feeling like they’re regressing, especially when sleep becomes a challenge. If your eight-month-old is struggling to sleep through the night or refuses to settle down, this might indicate an eight-month sleep regression. Typically, babies this age sleep around 12 to 15 hours a day, including nighttime sleep and naps. A lack of adequate sleep may result in a crankier baby, which no parent wants to deal with. Here’s what you need to know about this sleep regression phase and how to help your little one return to a more regular sleep pattern.

If your baby is having sleep troubles, consider exploring our complete sleep regression guide that covers regressions from three months all the way through to twelve months.

What Is Sleep Regression?

Generally, sleep regression refers to a phase—usually lasting two to six weeks—when a baby or toddler who previously had a somewhat consistent sleep schedule begins to struggle. This can manifest as frequent nighttime awakenings, difficulty falling back asleep, shorter naps, or outright nap refusals. This phase can be incredibly frustrating for parents who believed they were finally getting a handle on their baby’s sleep routine.

The concept of sleep regression has been studied since the 1940s, but researchers still lack a complete understanding of why and when these regressions occur. While there may not be a definitive timeline, many resources outline general “stages” of sleep regression that most infants experience. This can be reassuring for parents but might also add to their worries about their child’s development. Remember, each baby is unique, and sleep regression can vary widely, so if your child’s sleep pattern doesn’t match the expected timeline, it typically isn’t a cause for alarm. Always consult your pediatrician if you have concerns.

Signs of an 8-Month Sleep Regression

If you’ve recently navigated a similar situation during the four-month regression, you might find yourself in a familiar boat now. Many infants experience another sleep regression around six to eight months as they undergo significant cognitive and physical developments. According to Healthline, common signs of an eight-month sleep regression include:

More frequent nighttime awakenings and longer periods to fall back asleep.
Increased fussiness.
Shorter naps than usual.
Resistance to sleep.

Typical Sleep Schedule for an 8-Month-Old

Understanding what a standard sleep schedule looks like for an eight-month-old can help you identify if your baby is experiencing sleep regression. While every baby is different, most eight-month-olds require about 14 hours of sleep per day. It’s normal for them to sleep between nine to twelve hours at night and take a few naps during the day.

Here’s a sample sleep schedule to consider:

7:00 a.m. – Wake up
9:30 a.m. – Nap
11:30 a.m. – Wake up
2:00 p.m. – Nap
3:30 p.m. – Wake up
7:00 p.m. – Bedtime routine
7:30 p.m. – Sleep time

Strategies for Managing an 8-Month Sleep Regression

First, check to see if your baby has a fever, as this can also disrupt sleep. If everything seems normal but your baby is still not adhering to their usual sleep pattern, they might be going through an eight-month sleep regression. Here are a few strategies to help:

Maintain a consistent bedtime routine and nap schedule. While it may seem tempting to keep them awake longer in hopes they’ll sleep through the night, this can often backfire. A well-rested baby usually sleeps better.
Ensure your baby is fed and has a clean diaper before bedtime.
Expose your baby to natural light during their awake periods to help establish a healthy sleep-wake cycle.
Encourage your baby to fall asleep in their crib instead of in a swing, being held, or in the car.

Though nights of crying may feel endless, remember that this regression phase is temporary. It may take a few weeks, but your baby will return to a regular sleep routine.

How to Help Your 8-Month-Old Sleep Through the Night

At this age, babies are full of energy and love to move. To promote better nighttime sleep, engage your baby with various activities throughout the day. Here are a couple of suggestions:

Host a dance party. Babies can groove long before they learn to walk. Put on some music and dance with your baby; if they imitate you, that’s a bonus!
Create some noise. At eight months, your baby might be the loudest member of the household. Encourage them to make joyful sounds, as this can help tire them out just like crying does.

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Summary

Navigating the eight-month sleep regression can be challenging for parents, but understanding its signs and maintaining a consistent sleep routine can make a significant difference. Each baby’s sleep journey is unique, and patience is key during this phase. Remember, you’re not alone—many parents are experiencing similar struggles.

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