8-Month Sleep Regression
Crawling, standing, and separation anxiety converge to disrupt sleep.
Duration
2-6 weeks
Can last longer if separation anxiety is severe
Timing
7-10 months old
Peak separation anxiety phase
Cause
Multiple Factors
Crawling, standing, separation anxiety, teething
What's Happening at 8 Months?
The 8-month regression is driven by multiple simultaneous developments—it's a perfect storm of physical, cognitive, and emotional changes.
Physical milestones: Most babies are crawling or army-crawling, pulling to stand, and some are cruising along furniture. This newfound mobility is exciting and they want to practice constantly—even in their sleep.
Cognitive leap: Object permanence solidifies—baby now understands that you still exist when you leave the room. This awareness triggers separation anxiety, making bedtime and night wakings more emotional.
Teething: Many babies are cutting multiple teeth around 8 months (incisors, molars starting), adding physical discomfort to sleep disruptions.
Signs of the 8-Month Regression
Bedtime Protests & Crying
Intense crying at bedtime. Baby clings to you and becomes distraught when you try to leave. Separation anxiety is peaking.
Standing Up in Crib
Baby pulls to stand in crib and gets "stuck"—doesn't know how to sit back down. You find them standing and crying.
Practicing Crawling at Night
Baby crawls around crib during sleep, sometimes crawling into corners and getting stuck or frustrated.
Multiple Night Wakings
Frequent wakings, often crying for you specifically. May refuse partner's attempts to soothe—only wants mom or dad.
Early Morning Waking
Waking at 4-5am ready to play. The combination of overtiredness and excitement about new skills disrupts morning sleep.
Clingy During Day
Increased clinginess all day, not just at bedtime. Cries when you leave the room, even for a moment.
How to Survive the 8-Month Regression
Address Separation Anxiety Compassionately
Practice "goodbye" games during the day—peek-a-boo, hide and seek. Show baby you always come back. At bedtime, establish a calming routine but don't linger too long—prolonged goodbyes increase anxiety.
Teach Baby to Sit Down from Standing
During the day, practice standing up and sitting back down repeatedly. Gently guide baby's bottom down while saying "sit down." This motor skill practice prevents middle-of-night panic.
Tire Out Those New Skills
Give ample floor time for crawling, cruising, and standing practice during waking hours. The more they practice while awake, the less urgency to practice at night.
Maintain Consistent Sleep Training
If you've already sleep trained, don't abandon it now. Respond to genuine distress but maintain boundaries. Consistency is key—intermittent reinforcement makes crying worse.
Optimize the Sleep Environment
Ensure room is very dark (blackout curtains), cool (68-72°F), and has white noise. Consider lowering crib mattress to lowest setting for safety now that baby is pulling to stand.
Adjust Nap Schedule
Most 8-month-olds are moving from 3 naps to 2 naps. Wake windows are typically 2.5-3.5 hours. Ensure baby isn't overtired at bedtime—move bedtime earlier if needed (6:30pm is OK!).
Manage Teething Pain
Offer cold teethers during day. Give appropriate pain relief before bed if pediatrician approves (Tylenol/Motrin). But don't assume every night waking is teething—it's usually skills/anxiety.
Use Transitional Objects
Introduce a safe lovey or small blanket (AAP-approved for 8+ months). Having a comfort object can ease separation anxiety and help baby self-soothe.
What NOT to Do During the 8-Month Regression
- Don't bring baby into your bed if that's not your plan: Responding to separation anxiety with co-sleeping can create a new habit that's hard to break.
- Don't stay in room until baby falls asleep: This can become a new sleep crutch. You can be responsive without creating dependencies.
- Don't blame yourself for separation anxiety: This is normal, healthy development! It means baby has a secure attachment to you.
- Don't skip daytime practice of motor skills: Preventing floor time won't stop nighttime practice—in fact, it makes the urge stronger.
- Don't compare to babies who "never had regressions": Every baby is different. High-energy, physically advanced babies often have more challenging regressions.
When to Call Your Pediatrician
Most 8-month sleep issues are developmental, but consult your doctor if:
- Baby shows signs of illness (fever, ear pulling, unusual crying)
- Sleep problems persist beyond 6 weeks with no improvement
- Baby seems to be in physical pain when lying down (possible ear infection or reflux)
- Separation anxiety is so severe it affects daytime functioning
- Baby is losing developmental skills or not progressing
Want help smoothing out those separation-anxiety nights? BabySleepPro Age-based nap and bedtime plans to keep little ones rested.