By 8 months your baby’s sleep rhythms have taken shape, but you probably still have a lot of questions. For example,
“How much should my 8-month-old sleep at night?” We’re here to help with that, and more.
IN THIS ARTICLE:
Sample Sleep Schedule for an 8-Month-Old Baby:
Every baby’s unique, including your own. Focus less on the specific clock times and more on wake windows – the
amount of time your baby is awake between naps or their last nap and bedtime.
Wake windows are a fundamental driver of sleep. Learn more about how they work by checking out the
Smart Sleep Coach by Pampers™. It guides you step-by-step so
you can teach your baby how to fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
Note: Your baby will transition from 3-2 naps around now. This can lead to a schedule shift and some fussiness,
especially in the afternoon. For more on nap transitions, read our article on how and why to nap transition.
Sample Sleep Schedule for 8-Month-Olds with 2 Naps:
|
7:00 AM
|
|
Nap 1
|
9:45-11:15 AM
|
Awake: 2 hrs. 45 min.
Nap: 1 hr. 30 mins.
|
Nap 2
|
2:30-4:00 PM
|
Awake: 3 hrs. 15 min.
Nap: 1.5 hr.
|
Bedtime
Routine
|
6:30PM
|
|
Bedtime/Asleep
|
7/7:30 PM
|
Awake: 3 hrs. 30 mins.
|
Sample Sleep Schedule for 8-Month-Olds with 3 Naps:
|
7:00 AM
|
|
Nap 1
|
9:15-10:30 AM
|
Awake: 2 hrs. 15 mins.
Nap: 1 hr. 15 mins.
|
Nap 2
|
1:00-2:15 PM
|
Awake: 2 hrs. 30 mins.
Nap: 1 hr. 15 mins.
|
Nap 3
|
4:45-5:15PM
|
Awake: 2 hrs. 30 mins.
Nap: 30 mins
|
Bedtime Routine
|
7:00PM
|
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“Good night”
|
7:30 PM
|
Awake: 2 hrs. 45 mins.
|
How Much Should an 8-Month-Old Sleep?
Typically, 8-month-olds sleep about 14-hours in a 24-hour period.
How Much Should an 8-Month-Old Sleep During the Day?
About 2-3 hours over 2-3 naps. Some babies may take a shorter 3rd nap in the afternoon. If yours does, keep it below
45 minutes and consider nap transitioning.
Learn more on
nap transitions
here
.
How Long is an 8-month-old’s Wake window?
Most 8-month-olds are awake for 2.25-3 hours between daytime sleeps or their final nap and bedtime.
How Much Should an 8-Month-Old Sleep at Night?
About 11-12 hours at night with occasional night feedings, depending on your baby.
Is there an 8-Month-Old Sleep Regression?
There is typically a regression in this period, though for some babies it’s closer to 7 months, others it’s closer
to 9. Regardless of specific timing,
this regression can be
caused by a few factors:
- New skills: 8-month-olds are learning to pull themselves up and move around more – this is
exciting and can keep them from sleeping consistently.
- Teething: Sometimes teething can be a bit uncomfortable – another potential sleep regression
cause.
- Separation anxiety: Babies this age are also understanding object permanence. This means they
understand that if you leave, you’re somewhere else. Where? With who!? These questions can cause a bit of
totally normal
sleep
regressions
.
- Overtired: Yes, being overtired can make it harder for babies to sleep. One reason a baby may
be overtired
is they’ve dropped their third nap.If your baby has transitioned from 3 naps to 2, move
bedtime up about 30 minutes for a few days until your baby adjusts.
- For more help on sleep coaching, download the
Smart Sleep Coach by Pampers™
. It’s an easy-to-use app that creates a personalized sleep plan for
your baby so you can both rest easier!