How Much Sleep Does an 8 Month Old Need? On average, an 8-month-old baby needs around 12 to 14 hours of sleep per day, including naps. This sleep is typically divided into 2–3 naps during the day and a longer stretch of sleep at night. At this age, most babies will sleep for 9–11 hours at night and take 2–3 naps during the day, each lasting anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours.
It’s important to note that every baby is different and may have slightly different sleep needs, so it’s important to observe your own baby’s behavior and adjust their sleep schedule accordingly.
How Much Sleep Does Your 8-Month-Old Baby Need?
As a new parent, one of the most important things you can do for your baby is to ensure they get enough sleep. Sleep is crucial for your baby’s development, both physically and mentally. It helps their brain to develop, and it gives their little body the rest it needs to grow and thrive. But how much sleep does your 8-month-old baby really need?
On average, an 8-month-old baby needs between 12 to 14 hours of sleep per day, including naps. This sleep is typically divided into 2-3 naps during the day and a longer stretch of sleep at night. At this age, most babies will sleep for 9-11 hours at night and take 2-3 naps during the day, each lasting anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours.
It’s important to note that every baby is different, and some may require more or less sleep than others. While 12-14 hours is the average for an 8-month-old, your baby may require slightly more or less sleep, depending on their individual needs.
To ensure your baby is getting enough sleep, it’s important to establish a regular sleep routine. This includes creating a calming bedtime routine, such as a warm bath, a story, or a lullaby, to help your baby wind down and prepare for sleep. You should also establish a regular sleep schedule, with set nap times and bedtimes, to help your baby’s body establish a natural sleep rhythm.
Another important factor in ensuring your baby gets enough sleep is creating a sleep-conducive environment. This means ensuring their sleep space is comfortable, cool, and quiet. You may also want to consider using a white noise machine to help drown out any background noise and create a calming environment.
If you’re struggling to establish a regular sleep routine or your baby seems to be having trouble sleeping, there are a few things you can do to help. First, try to create a calm and peaceful environment for your baby before bedtime, avoiding any stimulating activities or bright lights. You can also consider using sleep aids, such as swaddling, a pacifier, or a gentle rocking motion, to help soothe your baby and prepare them for sleep.
In some cases, sleep difficulties may be a sign of an underlying issue, such as teething, illness, or a growth spurt. If you’re concerned about your baby’s sleep habits or you notice any changes in their sleep patterns, be sure to speak to your pediatrician. They can help you identify any potential issues and provide guidance on how to help your baby get the sleep they need.
Example Sleep Schedule for an 8-Month-Old Baby
Creating a regular sleep schedule for your 8-month-old baby is important to ensure they get the recommended 12 to 14 hours of sleep per day, including naps. Here’s an example sleep schedule that you can use as a guide:
7:00 am – Wake up and morning feeding
9:00 am – First nap (usually 1–2 hours)
11:00 am – Mid-morning feeding
1:00 pm – Second nap (usually 1–2 hours)
3:00 pm – Afternoon feeding
5:00 pm – Evening catnap (usually 30 minutes to an hour)
7:00 pm – Bedtime routine (bath, book, lullaby, etc.)
7:30 pm – Bedtime feeding
8:00 pm – Bedtime
It’s important to note that every baby is different, and your baby’s sleep schedule may not match this exact schedule. Some babies may need more or less sleep, or they may prefer to nap at different times of the day. The key is to observe your baby’s behavior and adjust their sleep schedule accordingly.
If your baby has trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, there are a few things you can try to help them sleep better. Establishing a calming bedtime routine can help your baby wind down and prepare for sleep.
You can also create a sleep-conducive environment by keeping the room cool, dark, and quiet. Using sleep aids, such as a pacifier, a white noise machine, or a gentle rocking motion, can also help soothe your baby and prepare them for sleep.
Remember, sleep is crucial for your baby’s development, both physically and mentally. By creating a regular sleep schedule and addressing any potential sleep issues, you can help your baby get the rest they need to grow and thrive.
8-Month Sleep Regression
Around 8 months of age, many babies go through what’s commonly known as an “8-month sleep regression.” This is a period where your baby’s sleep patterns may change, and they may have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, even if they previously had a good sleep routine.
There are several reasons why this sleep regression may occur. One reason is that at 8 months, your baby may be going through significant developmental milestones, such as crawling, sitting up, or pulling up.
All of these new skills may be causing your baby to be more active during the day, which can make it harder for them to wind down and fall asleep at night.
Another reason for the sleep regression may be teething. At around 8 months, many babies start to cut their first teeth, which can cause discomfort and pain. This discomfort can make it harder for your baby to fall asleep and stay asleep.
To help your baby get through the 8-month sleep regression, there are a few things you can try. First, make sure your baby is getting enough sleep during the day. Even if they’re resisting naps, try to stick to a regular nap schedule, and make sure they’re getting enough daytime sleep to prevent overtiredness at night.
Next, establish a consistent bedtime routine. This can include a warm bath, a book, a lullaby, or any other calming activity that helps your baby wind down and prepare for sleep.
Stick to a regular bedtime schedule, and avoid any stimulating activities before bedtime, such as TV or playing with electronic devices.
If your baby is experiencing teething pain, consider using teething remedies, such as teething toys or chilled teething rings, to help soothe their gums. You can also talk to your pediatrician about using pain relief medication, such as infant acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to help alleviate any discomfort.
Remember, the 8-month sleep regression is a common phase that many babies go through, and it typically passes within a few weeks.
By establishing a consistent sleep routine and addressing any potential issues, you can help your baby get through this period and back to a healthy sleep routine.
Can An 8-Month-Old Baby Be Sleep Trained?
Yes, an 8-month-old baby can be sleep trained. However, it’s important to note that every baby is different, and some may be more receptive to sleep training than others. Before starting any sleep training method, it’s important to talk to your pediatrician to make sure your baby is developmentally ready for it.
There are several sleep training methods that you can try with your 8-month-old baby, including the Ferber method, the Weissbluth method, and the pick-up-put-down method. These methods typically involve gradually teaching your baby to fall asleep on their own, without being rocked, nursed, or held to sleep.
One popular sleep training method is the “graduated extinction” method, which involves gradually increasing the amount of time you let your baby cry before going in to comfort them. This method can be effective in helping your baby learn to self-soothe and fall asleep on their own.
However, it’s important to remember that sleep training should be done in a gentle and loving manner, and should never involve leaving your baby to cry alone for long periods of time. It’s also important to establish a consistent sleep routine, with regular bedtimes and nap times, to help your baby develop healthy sleep habits.
It’s also important to note that sleep training may not work for every baby, and it’s okay if you decide not to try it. Every family is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to baby sleep.
The most influential thing is to ensure that your baby is getting enough sleep to support their growth and development and that you’re providing a safe and loving environment for them to sleep in.
8-Month-Old Baby Sleep Problems
It’s not uncommon for 8-month-old babies to experience sleep problems. Some of the most common sleep problems at this age include difficulty falling asleep, frequent night wakings, and early morning wake-ups.
There are several reasons why your baby may be experiencing sleep problems at 8 months old. One of the most common reasons is the 8-month sleep regression, which we discussed earlier. Other reasons may include teething, illness, or a change in routine or environment.
To help your baby overcome sleep problems, there are a few things you can try:
- Stick to a consistent sleep routine: Establishing a consistent sleep routine can help your baby feel more secure and comfortable, and can make it easier for them to fall asleep and stay asleep.
- Create a sleep-conducive environment: Make sure your baby’s sleep environment is dark, quiet, and comfortable. Use white noise or a sound machine to block out any outside noise that may be disrupting their sleep.
- Address any underlying issues: If your baby is teething, consider using teething remedies to help soothe their gums. If they’re sick, make sure they’re getting the medical attention they need. Addressing any underlying issues can help improve their sleep.
- Consider sleep training: If your baby is having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, sleep training may be an option. However, it’s important to talk to your pediatrician before starting any sleep training method to ensure your baby is developmentally ready for it.
Remember, every baby is different, and what works for one baby may not work for another. Be patient and persistent in addressing any sleep problems, and remember that it’s okay to ask for help if you need it.
By creating a safe and comfortable sleep environment and addressing any underlying issues, you can help your 8-month-old baby get the healthy sleep they need to support its growth and development.
Sleep Tips for 8-Month-Old Baby
Getting a good night’s sleep is important for the growth and development of 8-month-old babies. Here are some tips to help your baby sleep better:
- Establish a consistent sleep routine: A consistent sleep routine can help your baby feel secure and comfortable. Establish a regular bedtime and nap time routine, and stick to it as much as possible.
- Create a sleep-conducive environment: Make sure your baby’s sleep environment is dark, quiet, and comfortable. Use a white noise machine to block out any outside noise, and make sure the room temperature is comfortable.
- Use a consistent sleep association: A sleep association, like a favorite blanket or stuffed animal, can help your baby feel more secure and comfortable when falling asleep.
- Encourage self-soothing: Encouraging your baby to learn how to self-soothe can help them fall asleep on their own. You can try putting your baby down when they’re drowsy but still awake, or gradually increasing the amount of time you let them cry before going in to comfort them.
- Stick to a feeding schedule: If your baby is breastfed or bottle-fed, sticking to a feeding schedule can help ensure they’re not waking up hungry during the night.
- Get plenty of daytime activity: Making sure your baby gets plenty of physical activity during the day can help them sleep better at night. Take them for walks, play with them, and give them plenty of opportunities to move around and explore.
- Address any underlying issues: If your baby is teething or sick, make sure you address these issues to help them sleep better.
Remember, every baby is different, and it may take some trial and error to find what works best for your baby. Be patient and persistent, and remember that it’s okay to ask for help if you need it.
With these tips, you can help your 8-month-old baby get the healthy sleep they need to support their growth and development.
