8-10 month sleep regression

 Babies at 8-10 months are learning lots of exciting new skills, which can lead to sleep troubles. You might have heard this called the 8-10 month sleep regression. Let’s discuss it.

What is a Sleep Regression?

When a baby’s brain is going through big changes, their sleep can be affected. Here’s what you should know: sleep regressions are actually a sign that your baby is PROGRESSING. Their brain is working hard!

Signs of the 8-10 month sleep regression

Sleep regressions can vary for each baby based on their personality and development. So, how can you tell if your baby is going through the 8-10 month sleep regression? Here are some common signs parents notice:

• Your little one cries and gets more upset during her bedtime routine.
• Your bub is fussy all the time and won’t sleep unless you hold him.
• Your baby won’t nap or takes a long time to settle down for naps.
• Your little one is waking up every 2 hours at night when this wasn't a problem before.
• Your bub cries every time you leave the room during naps or bedtime.
• Your baby's naps are getting shorter or more disrupted.
• You’ve noticed a change in sleep patterns that just feels off.

If your 8, 9, or 10-month-old is still taking 3 naps a day, it's time to switch to 2 naps. This could be causing the sleep problems you're having. If your baby is taking more than 2 naps because they're short, try stretching the time they're awake and drop a nap.

What is causing the 8-10 month sleep regression?

Your baby is going through so much development! Between 8-10 months, babies usually reach major cognitive, emotional, and physical milestones. Around this age, your baby might be learning to sit up, crawl, pull up, babble, stack objects, and more. They might also be learning about object permanence, the idea that things still exist even when you can't see them, which can cause a surge in separation anxiety. As your baby learns these new skills, their sleep can often be disrupted.
 

Teething might also be disrupting your baby's sleep. If your baby is teething, address their physical needs while staying consistent as much as you can. If they need extra comfort for a couple of nights, it usually won't mess up a good sleep routine. Having a strong sleep foundation before teething can really help! If you're having trouble with sleep, my 5-24 Month Sleep Guide can help.
 

Also, around 8-10 months, babies often get more distracted while eating, which can affect their sleep. Make sure your baby gets enough to eat during the day, as this is important for good night sleep.

Expert tip: You might hear that a 4 hour feeding schedule is great at this age, but I recommend offering breast or bottle feedings every 2.5-3.5 hours based on your baby's hunger cues.

Can you sleep train during this sleep regression?

Yes, you can! It's actually a great time to be consistent and support healthy sleep foundations. If you need help my 5-24 Month Sleep Guide can help! I'll guide you step-by-step through an an emotionally supportive, holistic, and customisable approach to sleep training. The guide also includes practical advice for handling regressions, transitions, and other sleep challenges.

How long does the 8-10 month sleep regression last?

Sleep regressions usually last anywhere from two to six weeks. How you handle sleep difficulties during this period can significantly reduce the impact of the regression.

How can I help my baby during this regression?

1. Practise new skills while your little one is awake: Doing lots of practise during awake time makes it less exciting for bub to practise when it is time to sleep. So provide lots of opportunities to practise crawling, pulling themselves up, rolling etc. through floor time.
   
2. Pay attention to sleepy cues: With a mobile baby, it's easy to overlook their sleepy signals, but avoiding overtiredness is important. Aim for approximately 3.5 hours of awake time before bedtime: age-appropriate wake windows set the stage for a successful night. Consistently maintaining a bedtime routine also helps prepare an active body for sleep.
   
3. Consistent daily routine: Your little one's brain is really busy right now, so both naps and nighttime sleep are crucial. Having a consistent daily routine, while staying flexible, is key. If you're unsure how to begin, I have a free Daytime Routine, Wake Windows & Nap Guide. Get your copy here.
   
4. Play peekaboo: Your baby is starting to grasp that things still exist even when they can't see them (object permanence). Playing peekaboo is a fun way to help your baby develop this cognitive skill.
   
   Developing this skill could also lead to separation anxiety. So it is important to support your little one through this by spending 10-15 minutes of intentional 1:1 time with your child & also practise having time apart (you can start by playing separation games like peekaboo or letting grandma look after them for a short time). Practicing time apart can help your child feel comfortable being away from you for short periods and more confident that you'll come back.
   
5. Remain consistent: Avoid starting new habits or routines that you don't plan to continue. While this regression may be challenging for a few days, consistency will help it pass more quickly.

If your little one's sleep has been rough for several weeks, please know that support is available! I have 1:1 support options to help you raise a healthy little sleeper. I take a holistic approach, looking at every part of your daily life that might affect your baby's sleep to make sure my advice is tailored just for your little one and the entire family. Not sure where to start? Book a free 15 minute discovery call today! This is a perfect opportunity for us to discuss your little one's sleep challenges and what working together could look like.