8 Month Sleep Regression
The 8 month sleep regression, sometimes called the 9 or 10 month regression, usually happens between 8 and 10 months. Crawling, pulling to stand and peak separation anxiety arrive together, so babies who slept well can start waking at night, standing in the crib and fighting naps. It typically lasts 2 to 6 weeks.
- Usually starts
- 8–10 months
- Typically lasts
- 2–6 weeks
- Main cause
- Crawling, standing and separation anxiety
Reviewed by Pediatric sleep consultant (TBC) · Updated 2026-09-25
Check today's nap times
Next nap
9:30 am
after 2 h 30 min awake · typical 2½–3½ hours
See the whole day
- 7:00 am Morning wake-up
- 9:30 am Nap 1 · until 11:00 am
- 2:00 pm Nap 2 · until 3:30 pm
- 7:00 pm Bedtime
Get a reminder before 9:30 am. The Wake Windows app pings you when the window is closing and re-plans the day when naps run short.
Why the 8 month sleep regression happens
- Crawling and pulling to stand are big motor leaps that babies want to practise constantly.
- Separation anxiety peaks for many babies between 8 and 10 months.
- Object permanence means your baby now knows you still exist when you leave the room.
- The move to 2 naps changes the shape of the day, and wake windows need to stretch to 2½–4 hours.
Signs of the 8 month sleep regression
- Standing up in the crib and crying because they can't get back down.
- Crying as soon as you leave the room at bedtime.
- Fighting the second nap, or both naps.
- New night wakings or early rising.
If your baby also has a fever, is feeding much less, or seems unwell, it is more likely illness than a regression. Check with your pediatrician.
What helps
- Practise getting down from standing during the day by guiding their knees to bend.
- Spend 10 minutes of focused, connected play before bed to fill their tank.
- Use the same short goodnight phrase every time you leave.
- Check wake windows: 2½–3½ hours at 8 months and 3–4 hours by 9–10 months.
- Keep 2 naps. Nap refusal at this age is almost always temporary.
Sample day at 8 months
8 month old schedule that helps
Overtiredness makes any regression harder. At 8 months, wake windows of 2½–3½ hours and 2 naps a day are typical. Here is a sample day for a 7 am wake-up:
- 7:00 am Morning wake-up
- 9:30 am Nap 1 · until 11:00 am
- 2:00 pm Nap 2 · until 3:30 pm
- 7:00 pm Bedtime
8 Month Sleep Regression questions
Is there a 9 month or 10 month sleep regression?
These are the same regression. It can start any time between 8 and 10 months, driven by crawling, standing and separation anxiety.
How long does the 8 month sleep regression last?
Typically 2 to 6 weeks.
My baby stands in the crib and cries. What should I do?
Lay them back down calmly a few times, then let them practise. Teaching them to bend their knees and sit down during the day helps most.
Should I drop to 1 nap during the 8 month regression?
No. Most babies need 2 naps until 13–18 months. Dropping a nap now usually leads to overtiredness.