Babies need a lot of sleep to grow and thrive. But, do 8-month-old babies need as much sleep as a newborn? Not usually, but babies and young children need a lot of sleep! 8-month-olds typically need 10 to 12 hours at night and 2 to 3 hours during the day. Here are my best tips for your 8-month-old based on my 15+ years as a sleep consultant.
In this article:
- How Much Nighttime Sleep Should an 8 Month Old Get?
- How Many Naps Should an 8 Month Old Get?
- 8 Month Old Sleep Challenges
- 8 Month Old Sleep Tips
- More Resources
How Much Nighttime Sleep Should an 8 Month Old Get?
As I mentioned above, 8 month old babies typically get 10 to 12 hours of nighttime sleep. However, breastfeeding babies typically still wake once a night for a feeding. On the other hand, formula-fed babies can usually sleep through the night without any feedings. Of course, if your baby has a health issue such as reflux, this may or may not be the case.
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How Many Naps Should an 8 Month Old Get?
At 8 months old, it’s still important for your baby to take daytime naps to recharge their energy reserves. Typically, they should be taking around 2 to 3 naps per day, each ranging from 30 minutes to 2 hours. These naps serve as essential breaks in their active day, allowing them to process new experiences and grow. Each nap should be at least one hour long except for any third catnaps which can remain 20-40 minutes in length. Prioritizing these naps ensures your baby stays alert, content, and ready for all the adventures that come their way!
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8 Month Old Sleep Challenges
Navigating the world of infant sleep can sometimes feel like a rollercoaster ride, especially when you’re dealing with a curious 8-month-old. Here are four main sleep challenges parents often face at this stage:
- Teething Troubles: As those tiny teeth start to cut through their gums, discomfort and pain can disrupt your baby’s sleep routine, leading to restless nights and cranky days. Although teething remedies can help soothe sore gums, sleep can be disrupted.
- Developmental Leaps: At 8 months old, your little one is hitting new milestones left and right, from crawling to babbling. These exciting developments can sometimes throw a wrench into their sleep patterns, causing temporary regressions or disruptions. This is why the 8 month sleep regression is such a frustrating time for many parents.
- Changing Sleep Needs: Just when you think you’ve figured out your baby’s sleep schedule, they go and throw you a curveball! Around 8 months old, some babies may start consolidating their daytime naps or experiencing shifts in their nighttime sleep patterns, leaving parents scratching their heads and reaching for that extra cup of coffee. Transitioning to two naps is very common at 8 months old.
- Night Wakings: Waking up during the night is another common sleep challenge for 8-month-olds. Whether it’s due to hunger, discomfort, or simply a need for reassurance, frequent night awakenings can leave both babies and parents feeling exhausted and frustrated. The most common reason for waking up at night, however, is sleep associations!
But fear not, weary parents! With patience, consistency, and a little bit of know-how, you can tackle these sleep challenges head-on and help your 8-month-old (and yourself) get the restful sleep you both deserve. Here are sleep tips for you to put to use today!
8 Month Old Sleep Tips
Helping your baby sleep is our primary goal here at The Baby Sleep Site! Use these tips today to help your 8 month old sleep through the night and take better naps:
- Set an age-appropriate 8 month old sleep schedule and use appropriate wake windows.
- Be sure not to overdo solid foods. Although fruits and vegetables are good for us, babies need to drink enough milk each day. Breastmilk and/or formula should be your baby’s primary source of nutrition for the first year!
- If your baby is waking excessively at night, consider gentle sleep coaching.
- Depending on your baby’s mobility, offer interesting daytime activities to encourage tummy time, sitting up, and crawling practice.
More Resources
- Free Sample Sleep Schedules for Every Age
- How to Get My 6, 7, or 8 Month Old Baby to Sleep
- The 8, 9, 10 Month Sleep Regression
- Safe Sleep Tips
