Gina Johnson
As your baby grows, their sleep patterns and habits will change. It's important to know what to expect and how to help your baby sleep. An 8-month-old baby typically sleeps 12 to 16 hours a day, including 9 to 12 hours at night. They may still take two naps a day, but some babies this age may be transitioning from three to two naps. This is also a common time for babies to experience sleep regression, which can be caused by their budding abilities and excitement over new milestones, such as crawling and babbling. Here are some tips to help your 8-month-old sleep through the night and take restful naps during the day.
What can I give my 8-month-old to sleep?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of naps | 2-3 naps per day |
| Sleep duration | 12-16 hours per day |
| Nighttime sleep | 9-12 hours |
| Daytime sleep | 30 minutes to 2 hours |
| Sleep surface | Firm, flat surface with a fitted sheet |
| Sleepwear | Dress for room temperature, do not cover baby's head |
| Pacifier | Offer but don't force |
| White noise | Use low-pitched, consistent sounds |
| Sleep training | Establish a schedule, be consistent |
| Room-sharing | Recommended until the first birthday or for at least 6 months |
| Separation anxiety | May impact sleep, consider transitioning to their own room |
| Activities | Reading, singing, conversing, playing with baby-safe items |
| Feeding | Breast/bottle every 2.5-3.5 hours, solids 2-3 times per day |
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What You'll Learn
Sleep training techniques
Sleep training is an effective way to improve your baby's sleep. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach, most babies are developmentally ready for sleep training from 4 to 6 months of age. By 4 months old, most babies can sleep for six hours between feeds overnight, and by 6 months, most children can sleep through the night.
The Fading Method
This method involves gradually weaning your baby away from needing help to fall asleep. While some babies may protest changes to their sleep routine, this method is a good option for parents who wish to limit tears as much as possible.
The Pick-Up/Put-Down Method
This technique involves putting your baby down for bed, even if they are crying. You then allow your baby to cry for set time intervals (e.g., every 5, 10, or 15 minutes) before checking in on them. These intervals gradually get longer, allowing your baby to learn to soothe themselves.
The Ferber Method
Also known as "controlled crying" or "graduated extinction," this approach is similar to the Pick-Up/Put-Down Method. However, with the Ferber Method, you put your baby back to bed if they get up during the intervals.
Bedtime Routines
Establishing a consistent bedtime routine can help your baby get better sleep. A predictable routine lets your baby know that it's time to wind down and drift off to sleep.
- It's recommended to put your baby in their sleep space when they are drowsy but still awake. This helps them learn to fall asleep independently, which can lead to fewer night wakings and more rest for the family.
- If your baby wakes up in the night, give them a few minutes to settle down and fall back to sleep on their own. If the crying continues, provide brief reassurance without taking them out of the crib.
- Dress your baby according to the room temperature to avoid overheating, and keep their sleep area free from plush toys, pillows, blankets, and other items that could pose a safety hazard.
- Offer a pacifier at sleep time, but don't force it.
- Be mindful of your baby's calorie intake during the day. Respond to their hunger cues by offering the breast or bottle every 2.5-3.5 hours, and aim for 2-3 solid meals per day.
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Safe sleep environment
Sleep problems are common in the second half of a baby's first year. Here are some tips to create a safe sleep environment for your 8-month-old:
Room-sharing without bed-sharing
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends room-sharing without bed-sharing until your baby's first birthday or for at least 6 months, when the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) is highest. Room-sharing involves placing your baby's crib, portable crib, play yard, or bassinet in your bedroom instead of a separate nursery. This allows you to keep your baby nearby, making it easier to feed, comfort, and monitor them at night. While room-sharing is safe, putting your baby to sleep in the same bed as you are is not, as it increases the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related deaths.
Sleep position
Always place your baby on their back to sleep, not on their stomach or side. This helps to reduce the risk of SIDS. Once your baby can consistently roll over from front to back and back to front, they can remain in the sleep position they choose.
Sleep surface
Use a firm, flat sleep surface and cover the mattress with a sheet that fits snugly. Do not put anything else in the crib or bassinet. Keep plush toys, pillows, blankets, unfitted sheets, quilts, comforters, sheepskins, and bumper pads away from the baby's sleep area. Dress your baby according to the room temperature and avoid overdressing or covering their head while they sleep. Keep your baby away from smokers, as secondhand smoke increases the risk of SIDS.
Safe products
Do not let your baby fall asleep on products that are not designed for sleeping, such as car seats, feeding pillows, or infant loungers. Avoid using products that claim to lower the risk of SIDS, such as sleep positioners or monitors that detect heart rate and breathing patterns. Do not use weighted blankets, sleepers, or swaddles. Ensure that all sleep products you use have been approved by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and meet federal safety standards.
Crib safety
Check the crib periodically for any damage and keep wires and cords away from it. Lower the mattress setting as your baby grows taller and can stand.
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Daytime sleep
If your 8-month-old is still taking 3 naps and struggling to fall asleep, it may be time to transition from 3 to 2 naps. Separation anxiety is common between 8 and 10 months and can be a reason for disrupted sleep. To overcome this, you can give your baby independent playtime starting with 5-10 minutes each day and adding more time as they age. This helps in conditioning your baby to be alone and improves focus and creativity.
If your baby is still taking 3 naps, it might be a good idea to wake them up by a certain time every day so that the entire schedule doesn't slide forward too much. You can wake your baby within the same 30-minute window of time, for example, between 6:45 and 7:15 AM. If your baby is sleeping less than 10 hours at night, they might be ready for a 2-nap schedule.
If your 8-month-old is suddenly fighting naps, it could be because they are learning new skills. Give your baby lots of floor time to practice their new skills during their awake time so that they are less excited about it during sleep time.
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Nighttime routine
At eight months old, your baby should be sleeping for about 12 to 16 hours per day, including a stretch of 9 to 12 hours at night. Most babies at this age will still take two naps per day, but some may only need one. It is important to establish a consistent bedtime routine to help your baby sleep independently.
Firstly, ensure your baby's sleep environment is safe. Use a firm, flat sleep surface with a snugly fitted sheet, and avoid placing anything else in the crib or bassinet, such as blankets, pillows, or toys. Dress your baby appropriately for the room temperature to avoid overheating, and keep their head uncovered.
Now, let's talk about your nighttime routine:
- Step 1: Start with a calm and consistent pre-bed routine. This could include activities such as a warm bath, reading a book, or playing softly. Avoid stimulating activities and keep the lighting dim.
- Step 2: Offer your baby a bedtime bottle or breastfeed. Solid foods should be given 2-3 times per day, ideally 30-90 minutes after breast/bottle feedings.
- Step 3: If your baby is still awake, place them in their crib while they are drowsy but not yet asleep. This helps them learn to self-soothe and fall asleep independently.
- Step 4: If your baby cries, give them a few minutes to settle down. If the crying continues, provide brief reassurance without taking them out of the crib. You can offer soothing words or a gentle pat on the back. Gradually lengthen the time before responding to encourage self-soothing.
- Step 5: Be consistent with your routine and sleep expectations. If your baby wakes up during the night, give them a few minutes to settle back to sleep on their own. Avoid immediate cuddling, feeding, or talking, as this may prompt your baby to seek this attention regularly.
- Step 6: If your baby continues to struggle with sleep, consider sleep training methods. This doesn't have to mean the "cry-it-out" method; there are gentler techniques available, such as those outlined in sleep training guides.
Remember, every baby is unique, so you may need to adjust this routine to find what works best for your little one. If you have concerns about your baby's sleep or development, don't hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician for tailored advice.
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Separation anxiety
Sleep problems are common in the second half of a baby's first year. Separation anxiety is a common cause of sleep regression in 8-month-old infants. This anxiety can cause agitation before bed and difficulty falling or staying asleep. You may notice that your baby is fussier than usual and will only settle down for sleep if held.
To help your 8-month-old manage separation anxiety, you can try providing a lovey or comfort object. These items can provide a sense of security and help ease feelings of anxiety. However, it is important to wait until your baby is at least 12 months old before introducing a lovey or comfort object into their crib or sleep area.
- Stick to a consistent bedtime routine.
- Place your baby in the crib while they are drowsy but still awake. If they cry, stay away for a few minutes to see if they settle down on their own.
- If your baby continues crying, provide brief reassurance without taking them out of the crib. You can soothe them with a few loving words from the bedroom door and then make a quick exit. Gradually lengthen the time between these check-ins.
- Offer a pacifier at sleep time, but don't force it.
- Avoid overstimulation before bed by providing a calm and relaxing environment.
- Make sure your baby is dressed appropriately for the room temperature to avoid overheating.
- Keep your baby away from secondhand smoke, as it increases the risk of SIDS.
- Ensure your baby's sleep environment is safe by using a firm, flat sleep surface with a snug-fitting sheet. Do not put anything else in the crib or bassinet, including plush toys, pillows, blankets, or bumpers.
- Room-sharing is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) until your baby's first birthday or for at least 6 months to reduce the risk of SIDS. However, bed-sharing is not advised as it increases the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related deaths.
- Always place your baby on their back to sleep.
- Avoid letting your baby fall asleep on products that are not designed for sleeping, such as car seats, feeding pillows, or infant loungers.
- Respond to your baby's hunger cues by offering the breast or bottle every 2.5-3.5 hours during the day, along with solid foods 2-3 times per day.
- If sleep problems persist or you have concerns about your baby's development, consult your pediatrician for specific recommendations and guidance.
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Frequently asked questions
Most 8-month-old babies sleep for 12 to 16 hours a day, including a stretch of 9 to 12 hours at night. They may still take two naps a day to get the remainder of their sleep.
You can try using white noise to soothe your baby and mask outside disturbances. You should also ensure your baby's sleep environment is safe by using a firm, flat sleep surface with a fitted sheet and no loose items such as plush toys, pillows, or blankets. Dress your baby appropriately for the room temperature and keep them away from secondhand smoke, which increases the risk of SIDS.
It's common for 8-month-olds to experience sleep regression due to developmental milestones such as crawling or separation anxiety. You can try sleep training techniques, but if your baby's sleep struggles are accompanied by signs of illness, refusal to eat, or failure to gain weight, consult your pediatrician.
