Is there a Sleep Regression around 8 months old? It's All About Baby's Progress!

Are you hearing whispers of the dreaded "8-month sleep regression"? As a children's sleep consultant, I prefer to see these periods not as steps backward, but as exciting leaps forward in your baby's development! While it might feel like sleep is going haywire, understanding what's truly happening can empower you to navigate this phase with confidence.

What's Brewing Around 8 Months? It's All Progression!

Around the 8-month mark, your baby's brain and body are working overtime. They're often mastering new physical milestones like learning to crawl, pull themselves up, or even take their first wobbly steps. And guess what? When those new skills are being practiced, your little one doesn't care if it's daytime or the middle of the night! This newfound mobility and curiosity can definitely impact their sleep patterns.

The Great Nap Shift: 3 Naps Might Become 2

Also, around this time, your baby's daytime sleep needs are evolving. Between 8 to 10 months old, they'll start building the stamina to stay awake for longer stretches. If you've been following a 3-nap-a-day routine, you might notice it naturally starting to transition down to 2 naps.

A Word of Caution: Don't Rush the Nap Drop!

However, a crucial piece of advice from a baby sleep expert: avoid dropping that third nap too quickly! Just because your little one hits 8 months doesn't automatically mean they're ready for a consistent 2-nap schedule. It takes time for their bodies to adjust and build the necessary stamina. You might find that some days two naps work perfectly, while on other days, that third nap is still essential. That's completely normal – just go with the flow and follow your baby's cues.

It's also important to remember that even if that third nap is becoming harder to achieve, it doesn't necessarily mean they're ready for a permanent 2-nap schedule. Dropping that nap too early can lead to a build-up of overtiredness, which ironically often manifests as night wakings, making it feel like a sleep "regression."

Consistency is Your Anchor

During these developmental leaps, consistency is your best friend. Stick to your established bedtime routine and maintain predictable responses to your baby's nighttime needs. This provides a sense of security and helps them get back on track with their sleep.

Every Baby is Unique

Remember, every baby is different! What worked for one child might not work for another. If you're finding yourself struggling with your baby's sleep during this time, or any other sleep challenge, why not book a FREE Sleep Assessment call with me? As a certified sleep consultant, I can provide personalised guidance and discuss how I can help your little one (and you!) get more restful sleep.

To understand more about the developmental leaps your baby is going through in their first 12 months, use the link below for more information about the exciting changes your baby is experiencing.

Your baby’s mental leaps in the first year | The Wonder Weeks

Let's work together to understand your baby's individual needs and create a path to better sleep!