The 8–10 Month Sleep Regression
Sleep regressions can sound scary, but they’re really just part of how our babies grow. Their sleep isn’t meant to stay the same forever — it shifts as they develop, learn new skills, and become more aware of the world around them. I’m passionate about helping parents feel confident through these changes, because when you understand why they happen, everything feels less overwhelming.
The 8–10 month stage is a big one. Many parents notice sleep suddenly getting a bit tricky, and it can feel confusing or even discouraging. The good news is that this phase is completely normal, temporary, and actually a sign of some really exciting development.
What’s Going On at 8–10 Months?
Around this age, there’s a huge leap in your baby’s cognitive, emotional, and physical development. With so much happening, sleep often gets a little wobbly.
You might notice your little one:
Babbling constantly
Using more sounds and gestures to communicate
Beginning to understand simple words or cues
Developing object permanence (knowing you still exist even when they can’t see you), which can lead to a bit of separation anxiety
Rocking on all fours, crawling, or pulling themselves up
Taking supported steps or even beginning to walk
All of this takes so much brainpower and practice — and sometimes that “practice” happens at night in the cot instead of during the day.
How These Changes Affect Sleep
With all these new skills emerging, it’s really common to see:
Longer settling times because they’re too busy trying to crawl or babble
Early starts or short naps
More frequent overnight wakes
More upset when you leave the room, thanks to object permanence
Extra protesting when a different caregiver tries to settle them
None of this means anything is “wrong” — it’s simply your baby’s development showing up in their sleep.
The 3-to-2 Nap Transition
Another factor at this age is the shift from three naps to two, which usually happens between 6–8 months. If your baby was having:
A morning nap
A solid lunch nap
And a short afternoon nap
…that last nap often starts dropping away between 6-8 months. Adjusting to longer awake windows can cause some unsettled behaviour for a little while, which can add another element to the sleep regression.
How to Support Your Baby Through This Phase
You can’t prevent a developmental regression, but you can make it easier for everyone:
1. Give them lots of practice time during the day
The more chances they have to work on new skills when they’re awake, the less they feel the need to practice in their cot at night.
2. Stick to your normal routine
Keep your nap and bedtime routines steady and familiar. If sleep suddenly goes wonky, look back at wake windows or your troubleshooting tools.
3. Allow a little space during night wakes
If they’re awake but calm, give them a moment to see if they can resettle. Sometimes stepping back slightly can be surprisingly helpful.
4. Play games that support separation
Peekaboo, hiding toys, or simple “where did mummy go?” games help strengthen their understanding of object permanence — making separations at sleep time feel less stressful.
Remember: It’s Just a Phase
The 8–10 month regression can feel unpredictable, but it truly is a sign of healthy growth. With patience, consistency, and a little support, your baby will move through it and return to more settled sleep again.
You’re doing a great job — your baby is simply learning, growing, and becoming more aware of the world around them.
If you feel like you are stuck in this phase, please reach out to Amanda at hello@littlekippers.co.nz for your free 15 minute discovery call.
