How much should an 8 month old sleep? (Free Schedule Printable)

Sleep is an elusive, magical state of unconsciousness that we all crave and yet never seem to get enough of. As new parents, we know all too well the importance of sleep, not just for ourselves, but for our little ones too. And if you’re the parent of an 8 month old, you might be wondering, how much should an 8 month old sleep?

Well, the short answer is… it depends. It depends on your baby’s temperament, their health, their routine, their environment, and a whole host of other factors that can influence their sleep patterns. But even if you know exactly how much sleep your 8 month old should be getting, actually getting them to sleep that much is a whole other ballgame.

Have you ever tried to put an 8-month-old to sleep? It’s like trying to get a cat into a bathtub – difficult, frustrating, and often ending in tears. You’ve got the lullabies, the white noise machines, the swaddles, the rocking, the bouncing, the shushing… and yet, sometimes it feels like nothing works.

In this post, I’ll dive into the world of 8-month-old sleep and give you some tips, tricks. We’ll talk about how much sleep your baby should ideally be getting (hint: probably more than you’re getting), as well as some common challenges and solutions for getting your little one to snooze.

How much should an 8 month old sleep?

At night: Most 8-month-olds need around 10-12 hours of sleep at night. Of course, there are always exceptions – some babies may sleep like logs, while others may be up and at ’em all night long. (And if you’re in the latter camp, I feel your pain.) But if your baby is sleeping for a decent stretch at night, you’re probably in good shape.

During the day: 8-month-olds typically take 2-3 naps a day, totaling around 2-3 hours of sleep. And let’s be real – getting your baby to take those naps can sometimes feel like a Herculean task. But hang in there, mama (or dad). It’s worth it for the sake of everyone’s sanity.

Common sleep challenges and solutions for 8-month-olds

Here are some common sleep challenges that parents of 8-month-olds may face, as well as some potential solutions:

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• Waking up at night: Many 8-month-olds still wake up at least once during the night, which can be exhausting for parents. To help your baby sleep longer stretches at night, make sure they’re getting enough daytime sleep, establish a consistent bedtime routine, and try gradually reducing the amount of time you spend comforting them when they wake up.
• Separation anxiety: Separation anxiety is common in babies around this age. Try to make bedtime a soothing and comforting experience by establishing a consistent routine and responding quickly to your baby’s needs.
• Night terrors: Night terrors can be scary for parents, but they are usually harmless. If your baby experiences night terrors, try to comfort them without waking them up. They will likely go back to sleep on their own.
• Trouble falling asleep: Some babies have a hard time settling down and falling asleep, especially if they’re used to being rocked or nursed to sleep. To help your baby learn to fall asleep on their own, try putting them down when they’re drowsy but not fully asleep, and gradually reducing the amount of time you spend helping them fall asleep.
• Refusing naps: As babies become more aware of their surroundings, they may become more interested in playing and exploring than napping. To encourage your baby to take their naps, make sure they’re getting enough physical activity during the day, establish a consistent nap routine, and try offering a comfort object like a blanket or stuffed animal.
• Sleep regression: Around 8 months, some babies may experience a sleep regression, which can cause them to wake up more frequently at night or have trouble falling asleep. To help your baby through this phase, stick to your usual sleep routines as much as possible, offer extra comfort and reassurance when they wake up, and try to be patient – this phase will eventually pass.
• Teething: Teething can cause discomfort and disrupt your baby’s sleep patterns. To help soothe your baby during this time, offer teething toys or a cold washcloth to chew on, and consider giving them a dose of infant pain reliever before bedtime.

Remember, every baby is different, and what works for one may not work for another. But by staying patient and consistent, you can help your 8-month-old develop healthy sleep habits that will benefit them (and you!) for years to come.

Signs That Your Baby Is Not Getting Enough Sleep

If your baby is not getting enough sleep, you will likely notice some signs. These may include:

• Irritability and fussiness
• Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
• Waking up frequently during the night
• Being overly sleepy during the day
• Not wanting to eat
• Lack of interest in playtime and other activities

Establishing healthy sleep habits for your 8-month-old

Establishing healthy sleep habits for your 8-month-old is important not only for their well-being, but for your sanity as well. Here are some tips to help your baby develop good sleep habits:

• Stick to a consistent sleep schedule: Try to keep your baby’s sleep schedule consistent, with set nap and bedtime routines. This can help your baby’s body get used to a regular sleep pattern, and make it easier for them to fall asleep on their own.
• Create a calming bedtime routine: Establish a calming bedtime routine that helps your baby wind down, such as a warm bath, a lullaby or story, and cuddle time. This routine can signal to your baby that it’s time to go to sleep, and help them relax and feel secure.
• Put your baby down drowsy but awake: Instead of rocking or nursing your baby to sleep, try putting them down when they’re drowsy but not fully asleep. This can help your baby learn to fall asleep on their own, without relying on external cues to do so.
• Encourage self-soothing: Help your baby learn to self-soothe by offering a comfort object like a blanket or stuffed animal, or by using a white noise machine to create a soothing environment. This can help your baby feel secure and calm, even if they wake up in the middle of the night.
• Avoid over-stimulating activities before bedtime: Try to avoid over-stimulating activities like screen time or rough play before bedtime, as these can make it harder for your baby to settle down and fall asleep.
• Be patient: Remember that it takes time for babies to develop healthy sleep habits, and there may be setbacks along the way. But by staying patient and consistent, you can help your baby learn to sleep on their own, and establish healthy sleep habits that will benefit them (and you!) for years to come.

how much should an 8 month old sleep

Tips for Creating a Sleep-Friendly Environment for Your Baby

Creating a sleep-friendly environment is important to help your baby fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Here are some tips for creating a sleep-friendly environment for your baby:

• Keep the room cool and dark: Babies sleep better in a cool, dark room. Use blackout curtains or shades to block out any light, and keep the room temperature between 68-72°F (20-22°C).
• Use white noise: A white noise machine or app can help create a soothing environment that masks other noises and helps your baby fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
• Invest in a comfortable crib and mattress: Your baby should have a comfortable, supportive mattress that’s firm and fits snugly in their crib. Use a fitted sheet that fits tightly to avoid any hazards.
• Create a calming bedtime routine: Establish a calming bedtime routine that helps your baby wind down, such as a warm bath, a lullaby or story, and cuddle time. This routine can signal to your baby that it’s time to go to sleep, and help them relax and feel secure.
• Use a sleep sack or swaddle: A sleep sack or swaddle can help your baby feel secure and cozy, and prevent them from waking up due to sudden movements or startle reflex.
• Avoid over-stimulating activities before bedtime: Try to avoid over-stimulating activities like screen time or rough play before bedtime, as these can make it harder for your baby to settle down and fall asleep.

Sample sleep schedule 8 month old

Below is printable version of sample sleep schedule 8 month old. To download the PDF, just click the button 8 month old sleep schedule below

• 6:00 AM – Wake up and morning feeding
• 7:30 AM – Morning nap
• 9:00 AM – Wake up and mid-morning feeding
• 11:30 AM – Mid-day nap
• 1:30 PM – Wake up and afternoon feeding
• 4:00 PM – Late afternoon nap (optional)
• 5:30 PM – Wake up and evening feeding
• 7:30 PM – Bedtime routine (bath, story, lullaby)
• 8:00 PM – Bedtime feeding and put baby down to sleep

Remember that every baby is different, and this schedule may not work for every family. Adjust the schedule as needed based on your baby’s individual sleep needs and preferences.

Conclusion

While every baby is different and may have unique sleep needs and preferences, most 8-month-olds require around 12-14 hours of sleep per day, including naps and nighttime sleep.

Remember, sleep is crucial for your baby’s growth, development, and overall well-being. By establishing a consistent sleep schedule, creating a sleep-friendly environment, and addressing any sleep challenges that arise, you can help your baby get the restorative sleep they need to thrive.

But let’s be real – getting your baby to sleep can be a challenge, especially when you’re running on caffeine and sleep deprivation. So if you’re feeling exhausted and overwhelmed, know that you’re not alone. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help, whether it’s from your partner, a friend, or a trusted pediatrician.

how much should an 8 month old sleep

Disclaimer: The content of this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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