The 8-Month Sleep Regression: What’s Going On and How to Get Through It
Just when you thought you had a rhythm going… bedtime was (mostly) smooth, naps were predictable(ish), and you could enjoy your evening without the baby monitor going off every 20 minutes… your little one suddenly decides sleep is overrated again. Welcome to the 8-month sleep regression.
This one can feel like a bit of a plot twist. But let’s break down what’s happening, why it’s actually a sign of progress, and most importantly… what you can do to survive it (with your sanity intact).
What Is the 8-Month Sleep Regression?
The 8-month sleep regression is a temporary disruption to your baby’s sleep that usually happens anywhere between 7–10 months. You might notice:
Sudden night wakings (again!)
Fighting naps or shorter nap durations
Early morning starts (we’re talking 5am parties)
More clinginess at bedtime or during the night
Increased fussiness and resistance to being put down
And while it might feel like your baby has forgotten everything they ever knew about sleep, it’s actually linked to major developmental changes.
Why Does It Happen?
This regression is triggered by some pretty big leaps in your baby’s growth and development, including:
Separation anxiety kicking in—they now realise you're a separate person who can leave (gasp).
Crawling, standing, or cruising—your baby’s motor skills are exploding, and that excitement can disrupt their rest.
Language development—your baby’s brain is busy processing sounds, babbling, and beginning to understand speech.
Changes in sleep needs—they’re slowly transitioning to fewer naps or longer wake windows.
In short: their little brains are in overdrive, and sleep often takes a hit.
How Long Does It Last?
Like most regressions, this phase is temporary. It usually lasts around 2–6 weeks, but the good news is: you don’t have to ride it out alone or go back to square one.
Top Tips for Navigating the 8-Month Sleep Regression
1. Stick to your routine (as much as you can)
Even when things go a bit wobbly, try to keep a predictable bedtime routine. It offers your baby reassurance and signals that sleep is coming, even if they don’t seem thrilled about it.
2. Keep wake windows age-appropriate
Most babies this age need about 1.5–2 hours of awake time between naps. An overtired baby is a grumpy baby who struggles to settle.
3. Offer reassurance without overdoing it
It’s natural to offer more comfort during this phase… especially if separation anxiety has kicked in… but try to avoid introducing habits you’ll struggle to maintain.
4. Make the sleep space safe and supportive
Ensure the cot is safe for a baby who’s now on the move. You might need to drop the mattress if they’re pulling up to stand. Keep the room dark, cool, and free of distractions.
5. Pause before rushing in
Sometimes babies wake briefly between sleep cycles and can resettle themselves. Give them a moment before intervening… you might be surprised!
6. Adjust naps if needed
If naps are being resisted, your baby may be ready for a slight tweak—such as lengthening wake windows or reducing to two naps.
7. Be kind to yourself
This one’s important. Sleep regressions are tough on everyone. You’re doing your best, and it’s OK to ask for help.
When to Seek Support
If sleep has been rocky for a while or the regression shows no sign of easing, it might be a good time to reach out for more tailored support. Sleep doesn’t have to be a never-ending battle, and your wellbeing matters just as much as your baby’s rest.
Final Thoughts
The 8-month sleep regression is frustrating, yes—but it’s also a normal part of your baby’s development. With some gentle tweaks, patience, and perspective, this phase will pass.
And when it does, you’ll come out the other side more confident, more knowledgeable, and maybe… just maybe… getting a bit more sleep.