8-month sleep regression

Sleep regression in 8-month-old babies is a common stage where babies who once slept well begin to wake frequently during the night or struggle with naps.

This can be a challenging time for parents as it often comes out of nowhere and disrupts the routine they have worked so hard to establish. Sleep regression is often linked to the rapid development of babies at 8 months old, including new physical skills such as crawling or pulling up, which can make it harder for babies to settle down and sleep peacefully.

• What is the 8-month sleep regression?
• Signs of 8-month sleep regressions
• What causes the 8-month sleep regression?
• How to sleep train a baby who is during the 8-month sleep regression?
• Conclusion

What is the 8-month sleep regression?

Sleep regression in 8-month-old babies is when babies who used to be good sleepers start waking up frequently during the night or have trouble falling asleep. This change usually occurs around 8 months of age and is often associated with important developmental milestones such as learning to crawl, stand, and even babble. These new skills can make it harder for your baby to relax and fall asleep. This is a temporary phase but can be frustrating for parents as it disrupts the sleep habits they have been establishing.

Signs of 8-month sleep regressions

Here are some signs of sleep regression at 8 months of age:

Increased night wakings:

Babies who used to sleep through the night may start waking up more frequently. This is usually because their brain is processing new skills, such as crawling or standing, making it harder to stay asleep.

Difficulty falling asleep:

Bedtime may become tough, with your baby taking longer to fall asleep. This may be because they are excited or frustrated by the new abilities they are developing.

Shorter naps:

Your baby's naps may be shorter or difficult for them to fall asleep peacefully. The change in sleep patterns may be due to their brain being more active during this stage.

Increased irritability:

Your baby may become more irritable or fussy, especially at bedtime. This may be a reaction to frustration at not being able to master new skills, or it may be due to disrupted sleep patterns.

Separation anxiety:

Around this age, babies may begin to experience separation anxiety, which makes them more clingy and harder to put down for bed. They may wake up more frequently just to be close to their parents.

Appetite changes:

Some babies may change their eating habits, either eating more or less than usual. This may be related to the sleep disruption and general malaise they experience during this time.

Increased activity during sleep:

Your baby may move around more during sleep, such as rolling over or trying to crawl. This physical activity, even while sleeping, can cause them to wake up or sleep more restlessly.

Resisting bedtime routines:

Babies who have always followed a bedtime routine without fuss in the past may suddenly begin to resist the bedtime routine. This resistance may be due to their growing awareness and curiosity about their surroundings, making it more difficult for them to fall asleep.

What causes the 8-month sleep regression?

Here are some reasons why your 8-month-old baby's sleep may be regressing:

Developmental milestones:

At about 8 months of age, babies begin to hit important developmental milestones such as crawling, pulling up, and even starting to say their first words. These new skills can be exciting and overwhelming, making it difficult for your baby to relax and fall asleep. Their brains are processing tons of new information, which can lead to more restless nights.

Separation anxiety:

Around this age, babies begin to understand that their parents are present even when they are not in sight. This newfound awareness can lead to separation anxiety, making babies more likely to wake up in the night seeking comfort and reassurance.

Changes in sleep patterns:

As babies grow, their sleep patterns will naturally change. around 8 months of age, they may begin to transition from three naps to two, or their sleep cycle may change, leading to more frequent awakenings. These changes can disrupt the sleep patterns they have become accustomed to.

Teething pain:

Teething usually begins or intensifies around 8 months of age. The discomfort of a new tooth pushing through the gums can cause your baby to wake up more often or have trouble falling asleep.

Increased awareness of surroundings:

During this stage, babies become more aware of their surroundings and more curious about the world around them. This heightened awareness can make it more difficult for them to settle down at bedtime, as they are more easily stimulated by noises, lights, and other distractions.

Growth spurts:

Babies go through a growth spurt around 8 months of age, which can affect their sleep. During this time, they may need more calories and wake up more often during the night to feed, which can disrupt their sleep schedule.

Changes in daily routine:

Any major change in your baby's daily routine, such as starting daycare, a family vacation, or even a change in your parent's work schedule, can lead to disrupted sleep. Babies thrive on routine, so changes in routine can be disruptive and affect their sleep.

How to sleep train a baby who is during the 8-month sleep regression?

Here are some strategies for sleep training during your baby's 8-month sleep regression:

Stick to a consistent bedtime routine:

Maintaining a consistent bedtime routine can help signal to your baby that it's time to relax and get ready for bed. A bedtime routine may include activities such as a warm bath, reading a book, or singing a lullaby. Familiar routines can bring comfort to your baby and help them transition from wakefulness to sleep more easily.

Use sleep training methods patiently and gently:

It's important to be patient and gentle when using sleep training methods during your 8-month-old baby's sleep regression. The key is to recognize that your baby may need extra reassurance and support during this challenging stage. Persistence is key, but understanding your baby's needs is equally important.

Provide comfort without reinforcing negative sleep associations:

When babies wake up during the night, it's natural for parents to want to comfort them. But it's important to comfort in a way that doesn't reinforce the baby's negative sleep associations, such as needing to be rocked or fed to fall asleep. Instead, parents can try soothing their baby with gentle words, patting them on the back, or picking them up to calm them down before putting them back in their crib.

Adjust nap times if necessary:

As babies grow, their nap times may need to be adjusted. If your baby naps too often or too late, it can interfere with nighttime sleep. Parents may need to try shorter or earlier nap times to see if this helps the baby sleep better at night. Keeping a sleep log can help track sleep patterns and make necessary adjustments.

Create an environment conducive to sleep:

Making sure your baby's sleep environment is conducive to sleep will make a big difference. This includes keeping the room dim, using white noise to mask household noises, and maintaining a comfortable room temperature. A calm and stable sleep environment will help your baby feel safe and ready for sleep.

Respond to night wakings in a calm and predictable approach:

When your baby wakes up during the night, it's important to respond calmly and predictably. This means keeping interactions short and boring so that your baby is not overstimulated. Consistent responses can help your baby understand that night wakings aren't meant to be playful or prolonged, making it easier for them to fall asleep.

Be consistent and give it time:

Sleep training an 8-month-old baby during sleep regression takes time and progress can be slow. Parents must stay consistent with their chosen method and give it time to work. Sleep regression is just a phase, and with patience and consistency, most babies eventually return to better sleep patterns.

Conclusion

As babies reach new developmental milestones, sleep regression at 8 months of age is a challenging and temporary stage that many parents face. While the increase in night wakings and disrupted sleep patterns can be frustrating, understanding the reasons behind this regression and employing consistent sleep training strategies can help keep it under control. It's important to remember that this phase will pass, and with patience and perseverance, most babies will return to more regular sleep.