The 8-9-10 month sleep regression can be a very frustrating and exhausting period of time when your baby starts to have trouble falling asleep, wakes up at night, and takes shorter naps. It starts around 8 months old and lasts 3 to 6 weeks so it is known as the “8-month sleep regression”, “9-month sleep regression”, and/or the “10-month sleep regression”. In this article, you will learn all about this sleep regression and 10 tips for surviving based on our experience of over 10 years working with families just like yours.
8-Month Sleep Regression: What It Is and Why Does It Happen?
If you suspect your baby might be hitting the 8-month sleep regression, you’re not alone! Thousands of parents research this regression each month and your entire sleep routine can be turned on its head.
Maybe your sleep problems are new after your baby was sleeping through the night. Or, maybe you feel like you never quite recovered from the 4-month sleep regression. Regardless of how they were sleeping before this, you might be struggling now.
The primary cause of the 8-month sleep regression is due to rapid growth and brain development. Your baby may be crawling, scooting, sitting up, pulling up, and/or cruising. It can be even more challenging when your baby starts standing in the crib and won’t sleep!
Aside from physical skills, your baby is also absorbing your language and beginning to put things into categories. For example, they are learning something is a cat, regardless of color or size. This is also connected to Mental Leap 6 if you follow the Wonder Weeks.
When your brain is busy, it can be very difficult to sleep, of course!
Here are the reasons this sleep regression happens with more details below:
- Schedule Change – Your 8 Month Old Baby Schedule might be changing. Your baby could be dropping their third catnap which can be brutal. Be sure to put them on a 2-nap schedule such as our sample 9-month old schedule or 10-month old schedule.
- Developmental Milestones – As described above, your baby’s newfound mobility and mental leaps can make sleep very difficult.
- Separation Anxiety – When your baby goes through a lot of changes, they tend to like to be close to you to help them through it.
- Teething – This is a common age for one or more teeth to cut through the gums which can be uncomfortable.
Signs of the 8 Month Sleep Regression
Signs your baby is going through this regression could include your baby starts having trouble falling asleep at night, waking up at night, taking shorter naps, separation anxiety, irritability, and clinginess. Many weeks when a baby is having trouble sleeping can be exhausting for your entire family and shorter naps mean less time for you to do things during the day and that can be frustrating!
On top of the developmental milestones, many 8-month old babies are also getting their first teeth or more teeth. Babies get teeth on and off for a good two years!
And, even more than developmental leaps and teeth, many 8-month old babies are transitioning from three naps to two naps. An 8 month old schedule often includes three naps but not always. The 9 month old sleep schedule has just two naps.
And, when your baby is going through a lot of changes, you can bet they don’t want to be apart from you very much. Some changes can feel exciting yet possibly a little unnerving! So, we see separation anxiety peak around this time, too.
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When Does the 8 Month Sleep Regression Start and End?
The 8-month sleep regression starts at 8 months old and lasts 3 to 6 weeks, on average. This sleep regression can start early at 7 months old though it’s not as common. At 7 months old, we see separation anxiety begins, though. Of course, this can start to feel like your baby is going through a never-ending sleep regression from 7 to 10 months old!
Can This Sleep Regression Start Early?
Yes, in some cases, we see the 8 month sleep regression start at 7 months old though it’s not as common. Parents may be searching for a 7-month sleep regression. All babies develop on their unique timetable so if your baby is experiencing a 7-month sleep regression, it’s likely the 8-month one simply started early.
What Is The 9 Month Sleep Regression?
The 9 month old sleep regression is really a continuation of the 8 month sleep regression when your baby is learning so many new skills. All babies develop at their own rate so it’s possible this regression doesn’t start until 9 months old, but it’s really the same. Since sleep regressions last 3 to 6 weeks, on average, this particular sleep regression can span over the 9th month and sometimes the 10th month depending on when it started.
What else can be happening with your 9 month old?
If your baby didn’t transition to two naps by 8 months, they most certainly have at 9 months. In addition, your more mobile baby likely needs to add another solid meal into their daytime schedule as they are burning through calories at a more rapid pace. We sometimes see babies increase their night feedings again around this age so you’ll want to make some adjustments to your daytime schedule.
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What Is The 10 Month Sleep Regression?
The 10-month-old sleep regression is the culmination of the 8-month and 9-month sleep regressions when your baby has finished this developmental leap. Your baby is likely much more adept at moving their body and being mobile. Before they complete the sleep regression, they may find it irresistible to stand up in their crib.
How Long Do These Sleep Regressions Last?
Again, most sleep regressions last 3 to 6 weeks, on average.
I know all too well how 6 weeks can feel like an eternity when you aren’t sleeping! With the 4-month sleep regression, your baby permanently changed how exactly she sleeps. The 8 month sleep regression isn’t a permanent change to how your baby sleeps. Luckily, it’s temporary. That doesn’t make it any less exhausting, of course!
How Much Sleep Do 8, 9, and 10 Month Olds Need?
8-month-old, 9-month-old, and 10-month-old babies all still need 11-12 hours of sleep at night and 2-3 hours during the day. As with all developmental milestones, night sleep can be disrupted while your baby is going through this developmental leap. Either they are too busy practicing their new skills (either by choice or impulsively) or their brain is just too wired to settle down. Ever have a big meeting, graduation, wedding, or event the next day and can’t sleep? You can relate.
Your 8 or 9-month-old is also likely going through a nap transition and losing the third catnap. As with most nap transitions, this makes your baby overtired and often even fussier than usual during this sleep regression. Finding a new age-appropriate baby nap schedule can be even more challenging during this sleep regression not only because of the nap transition but also due to the fact that the sleep regression can disrupt naps just like night sleep.
Is he not napping because you are trying naps at the wrong time or is it because he is too busy practicing his new skill?
Doubts can mount during this time and you might lose confidence in your parenting ability. Your baby might be clingier and fussier because she’s tired and these new changes can make her feel more insecure. Have no fear, there is likely nothing wrong with your parenting or your baby!
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Can You Do Sleep Training During This Regression?
Yes, although it’s not an ideal time for sleep training, if you don’t try to avoid long-term habits, both you and the baby can lose a lot of sleep during this time period. Sleep training during the 8 month sleep regression can take a lot of patience but can be very successful.
10 Tips to Handle The 8 Month Sleep Regression
Here are a few tips based on our experience working with families for over 10 years. These are in no particular order.
- Put your baby on the right 8 month schedule, 9 month schedule, or 10 month schedule. Although the right schedule is only one piece of the puzzle, it can make a huge difference in better sleep! Not sure how many naps? Use our Baby Nap Chart.
- Make sure your baby’s room is conducive to sleep including using a white noise machine, room-darkening blinds or curtains, and a comfortable room temperature.
- Get medical advice from your baby’s doctor. Occasionally, sleep can unravel for a medical reason such as an ear infection.
- Assuming your baby is healthy, don’t assume everything is due to the 8 month sleep regression – If your baby had sleep problems at 5 months, 6 months, or 7 months, then it’s unlikely that it’s this sleep regression at the root of your sleep problems, now. You likely have a lingering problem that needs to be addressed.
- Don’t assume everything is teething for similar reasons.
- If sleep problems are new to you, be careful about making a new long-term habit such as co-sleeping if that’s not what you want. As I mentioned above, this could be as short as a 3-week phase, but new habits or routines can last for months, or even years. Consistency is still important.
- Be patient – Your baby will only go through this particular developmental leap once (thankfully), so try to help her through it as best you can. Keep in mind that we can’t always remove our baby’s discomfort, but we can be there for support.
- Offer support to your 8 month old, 9 month old, or 10 month old, but try to continue with your sleep coaching as much as feels right to you. That means offer extra support just like you may help your baby solve a puzzle, but do let them do some of it on their own, so they can continue learning.
- If you never did cry it out before, this is probably not the time to try it. Instead, I recommend reviewing all the various sleep training methods.
- Have a teething protocol to follow in case your baby is cutting tooth after tooth.
I hope this post gives you a glimpse of what your 8, 9, or 10 month old is going through. I still believe that a baby can learn how to sleep better during this time, but keep in mind it might not be perfect, and that is okay. You can still start to lay the foundation, create new routines, and build confidence in her abilities. Getting more sleep will help her cope with the changes and likely help with any additional fussiness, too. If she can’t nap well, but she’s sleeping well at night, that will help bridge the gap. The vice versa is also true if she’s having trouble sleeping at night, but napping better.
Adding more sleep deprivation will usually only make this phase more difficult for all of you, so I don’t always recommend waiting it out. If it’s been months of sleep deprivation leading up to this point and can possibly be 6 more weeks and beyond. There is always something!
In my 10+ years of experience as a sleep consultant, I get e-mails every day from parents of babies of all ages and some parents of toddlers are still “waiting it out.” Don’t wait until the next toddler sleep regression to make a change. Just like it’s never a perfect time to have a baby, it’s never a perfect time to make a change in sleep habits!
8 Month Sleep Regression Case Study
Want more information about how to help your 8 month old sleep well? Check out our detailed case study about Carrie, Ben, and their 8 month old Elliot.
Read how they helped Elliot sleep through the night and take better naps – and how they helped to change those sleep associations that were keeping him awake! Just join our VIP Members Area, and access the case study instantly. And that’s not all – our VIP Members Area is packed with additional premium content and resources: e-Books, assessments, more case studies, live chats with a sleep consultant, and more. It actually costs less to join than buying products separately!
For more guidance on handling the 8-10 month sleep regression, check out our special members-only resources in our VIP Members Area:
- The 8-10 Month Sleep Regression Survival Guide [EXPANDED MEMBERS-ONLY EDITION]
- 8 Month Sleep Regression Case Study (With Breastfeeding Associations, Napping Problems, and Medical Concerns)
- Sleep Regressions Tele-seminar
- The 3-Step System to Help Your Baby Sleep e-book
How Do You Know When the 8 Month Sleep Regression Is Over?
Well, you don’t really. If you have developed some new sleep habits you’re not fond of, you may need to change those habits. Keep in mind that we have the wisdom your 8 month old baby may not have. It’s one thing for the entire family to lose sleep for one week, but week after week it’s not healthy for anyone. I work with families every day who start sleep coaching during this time period.
Katie says
My 9 month year old just got finished with a cold she had. But for some reason now she will not sleep at night time anymore. Stays up all night till like 7am then finally passes out for a little bit then wakes up. N starts crawling n pulling herself up on everything.. she isn’t getting enough sleep at all. Tried letting her cry it out. Tried making her tired by playing around with her. She is getting maybe 6 or 7 hours of sleep but that’s Scattered through out the day.
Neosha says
@Katie – Thank you for sharing, and how exhausting that must be! This regression can be a tough one for sure – Hang in there!
Julie says
My 9 month old takes 2 naps per day the first one an 1hr to 1hr and 30min and the second one from1hr 30min to 2hrs. She has always slept through the night but around 8 months she wakes up at around 1 or 3 and then at 6 or 7. Then she fully wakes up at 9-930am wanting milk. Is this sleep regression or maybe a long growth spurt growth spurt?
Debbye @ The Baby Sleep Site says
Hello @Julie –
Thank you for writing to us! It sounds like you have been working hard at getting your little girl to have great sleep habits, and this indeed could be due to the 8,9,10 sleep regression, but it has lasted a little long now for this regression or for a growth spurt. Is it possible she picked up some waking habits that she may need help with? One of our expert sleep consultants would love to take an in depth look at her sleep history and can help with 100% personalized and customized help for getting back on track. If you find that you would like more help, you can read about all of our sleep consultation packages here: https://www.babysleepsite.com/services/
Please contact us if you have any questions! : )
Samantha says
Hello. Thanks for your article!
My little 9month old boy has been a perfect sleeper. We normally say goodnight shut the door and he self settles for all naps… has been on routine since the start! All of a sudden he’s struggling getting to sleep. He’s tired he starts to drift off but it looks like he gets that “falling” feeling and wakes again; tosses and turns it’s a cycle. Once he’s asleep at night he’s still sleeps through. Would you consider this part of the developmental phase or something we need to look at?
Janelle Reid says
Hi @Samantha, thanks for writing! I’m glad you have a great little sleeper over there. As you read there is a sleep regression that happens around this age so it’s possible that’s whats going on and it will hopefully pass soon. Of course if things persist and you need more help or have any concerns, let us (or your doctor if you are concerned of anything medical as we are not medical professionals) know and we’ll be happy to help!
Roseanne says
Hello, my LO is 7.5 months and has never slept through the night since about 3/4 months! Things have got a lot worse in the past few weeks and some nights he will cry for a solid 2 hours. my husband has tried to go to him but he will not have anyone apart from me. typically he will wake at 2 and some nights i don’t get him back to sleep till 4/4.30. other nights he may wake every hour but will settle quickly and go back to sleep. he has no teeth in sight!
Please help me i am so exhausted. Is he too young for the 8 month sleep regression? He doesn’t sleep great in his day time naps either anymore.
thanks..
Janelle Reid says
Hi @Roseanne, thanks for writing to us. I am so sorry to hear you’ve been struggling with your son’s sleep. Here is a link to download a free guide with tips to help your baby sleep through the night: https://www.babysleepsite.com/sleep-through-night-free-ebook/
I will mention that 1 wake up at night would still be normal at this age, so if once you work through this you can’t seem to get a night without one wake up, that is ok, but hopefully he will drop it between 9-12 months sometime. If you need more specific help than the guide can provide, I think you would benefit from working one-on-one with one of our sleep consultants. To read about our personalized services you can visit here: https://www.babysleepsite.com/baby-toddler-sleep-consulting-services/ and you can of course email us directly at [email protected] if you have more questions and need more help. Hang in there!!
gabriela says
8 1/2 mo baby boy. we did cry it out and worked at abt 4 mo but now he can cry nonstop for 1 hour if I let him.
he always wakes up at 5am, so i try to put him down at 6, but thats when the crying starts. he takes 2-3 naps a day. how long do you advise I let him cry before going in for him? is this manipulation or regression? help pls
Neosha says
@Gabriela – Thank you for reading and for sharing. The 8 month sleep regression can definitely kick you in the you-know-where – it’s a tough one! Sometimes they are up not due to a lack of training but just because the CAN’T sleep due to all the activity going on inside of them. If he is working through the regression, this can go on for a few weeks. If he’s having issues due to a sleep association/sleep training issue, how long or at what intervals to let him cry before going in will be an entirely personal decision – what works for you and what feels right to you for him will guide you. If you need more one-on-one assistance, please consider connecting with one of our sleep consultants. You can read more about our lovely ladies, expert on baby and toddler sleep, here:https://www.babysleepsite.com/about We’d love to work with your family, Gabriela. Hang in there!
Marge Barilotti says
Daycare is weaning our 9 month old to one 2 hour nap per day, but at home she still naps twice a day. I’m worried that one nap per day isn’t enough sleep. Nighttime sleep is about 9 hours. Does she need more sleep
Debbye @ The Baby Sleep Site says
Hi Marge – Thank you for writing! Do feel free to keep your little one on two naps on the days where she is home with you, and perhaps an early bedtime on those daycare days is in order so that she does not get over-tired?
Good luck Marge and please contact us if you need more help with this!!
Sandra says
We are currently trying to change my 8 month olds schedule. I used to let her sleep until she woke up which was usually around 930 or 10. Of course this would end up with her staying up late and sleeping longer the next day. It just got later and later. So I initiated an earlier wake-up time…so she is on two naps a day and bedtime by 7:30. The problem is she will sleep for an hour and a half at bedtime and then wake up and cry or just stand up in her crib until I pick her up and then she will cry if I don’t take her out into the family room to stay awake. How do I get her to understand that bedtime isn’t a third nap since she’s so used to staying up late?
Janelle Reid says
Hi @Sandra, thanks for writing to us. Changing a schedule can definitely be tricky so hang in there! First off, here is a link to a sample 8 month old schedule: https://www.babysleepsite.com/schedules/8-month-old-baby-schedule/
You can see some 8 month olds need an optional catnap before bed, so I don’t know if her schedule would have room to try to add one of those in and see if it helps. You also would likely be interested in our ebook that is all about adjusting schedules. It is only available within our Members Area which is an inexpensive subscription that you are free to cancel at any time (you also get access to TONS of other amazing resources that can help, including a weekly chat with a sleep consultant where you can troubleshoot what you are implementing from the book and still having issues). Here is a link to read more about our Members Area and sign up here: https://www.babysleepsite.com/diy/
I hope that helps! If you have any more questions about the Members Area or need help signing up, feel free to contact us directly at [email protected]
Hang in there!
carol gallimore says
please can you help. My grandson is 8months old as has never slept through the night, he screams really loud for at least 2 hours when you put him in his cot. The only way he will sleep is if he is feeding off his mum and she lays next to him, as soon as she leaves he screams again. He hardly has sleep at night and only has a couple of cat naps in day. My daughter is so tired and doesn’t know what more she can do – please can you help.
Janelle Reid says
Hi @Carol Gallimore, thanks for writing to us about your grandson. I am so sorry to hear hes’ having such a hard time sleeping and the effect that is having on your daughter. We would love to help. Here is a link to a free guide with tips to help your baby sleep through the night that should give her a good starting point: https://www.babysleepsite.com/sleep-through-night-free-ebook/
It may also be beneficial to consider working with a sleep consultant since she is already so exhausted she may not have much energy to think. Here is a link to our different options of working with a consultant that can create a specific step by step plan to get her baby sleeping better so that everyone is happier: https://www.babysleepsite.com/baby-toddler-sleep-consulting-services/
Please let us know if you have any other questions!
Maria says
Hi ?
My daughter is 8 months old and at night she only stops crying when she wakes up if I go to her. My husband tries but she only wants me. I breastfeed her still. What can I do to change this. She hates bottles.
Thanks ?
Janelle Reid says
Hi @Maria. Thanks for writing to us. I am sorry you’re struggling with being the only parent your daughter wants at night. I know how exhausting that can be. How many times a night is your daughter waking? If it is just one time, she may still need that feeding to make it through the night. If she is waking up more frequently (every 2 hours or so) it may be a sleep association. Here is a link to a free guide with tips to help your baby sleep through the night (or sleep the appropriate amount of time based on her age): https://www.babysleepsite.com/sleep-through-night-free-ebook/
If you need more help, let us know! Hang in there!
Kelly says
Hello. My son is 7 months old. We typically put him to bed around 8 o’clock after a night time bath. He usually wakes up around 11:30ish, will cry and sometimes he will go back to bed and other times he will scream. I’ve let him cry it out but the crying just seems to get louder. He will cry usually until I feed him and then immediately go back to sleep. If he does end up going back to sleep on his own he will wake up around 2 and then again around 5 or 6. I just wanted to know if this is normal or if I should try to cut the feedings out. I usually only feed him twice , at 2 am and 5-6am. But it seems like right after I feed him he goes right back to bed
Neosha says
@Kelly – Thank you for reading and for sharing! Night feedings can really be confusing especially as you try to figure out if it’s truly hunger waking him vs habit. It’s a common question we help parents figure out and work through. If your little guy is truly hungry, yes, please feed him and he’s likely to happily go back to sleep (though sometimes habit will lead to this, too, unfortunately). It’s not uncommon for a 7-month old to still need 1-2 night feedings. Hang in there, Kelly – and please let us know if you need any further help working through this!