8 Month Old Sleep Regression – Signs, Causes and Ways To Deal With It

The journey of parenthood comes with numerous joys and challenges. An area that often perplexes new parents is understanding and managing their baby’s sleep patterns. Transitioning from newborn sleep patterns to toddler ones can be challenging for both parents and their little ones. As a parent, you constantly learn and adjust to your baby’s needs. One such need you may face around this time is sleep regression. Among the various phases of sleep regression, the eight-month sleep regression is mainly known for its challenges. This article will discuss everything you need to know about the eight-month sleep regression – its signs, causes, management, etc.

What Is the 8-Month Sleep Regression? 

Eight-month sleep regression occurs when a baby who has been sleeping well suddenly starts waking up frequently during the night or has trouble going to sleep. It’s a phase when established sleep patterns change, causing the baby to regress in sleep habits.

This sleep regression phase is often associated with developmental milestones that the baby is experiencing. As frustrating as it may be, it’s important to remember that this is an entirely normal part of your baby’s growth and development (1).

Do all Babies Experience 8 Month Sleep Regression?

Not every baby will experience the eight-month sleep regression (4). Some might breeze through this time without any notable disruption to their sleep patterns, but for others, this can be a challenging period. This variance in experience is due to differences in individual growth rates, developmental milestones, and temperament.

What Are the Causes of 8-Month Sleep Regression?

As babies reach the age of 8 months, parents may encounter a common and sometimes challenging phase known as 8-month sleep regression naps. This period can disrupt their little one’s previously established sleep patterns, leaving both infants and caregivers exhausted and perplexed. Here are some common reasons behind this sleep regression:

1. Physical Development

Around this age, babies often learn to crawl, pull themselves up, and even begin to cruise (3). These new physical abilities can disrupt sleep as the baby is excited to practice these skills.

2. Mental Development

Eight-month-old babies are starting to understand the world better. Their minds are filled with new information, making it harder to wind down and sleep.

3. Separation Anxiety

At around eight months, babies begin to understand object permanence. They realise that their parents exist even when not in sight, leading to anxiety when they’re not around, especially at sleep times (5).

4. Teething

Many babies start teething around this age, which can be uncomfortable and interrupt sleep.

5. Changes in Sleep Schedule

As babies grow, they need less sleep during the day, which can affect their night sleep until a new sleep routine is established (2).

6. Changes in Appetite

Growth spurts often occur around this age, causing an increased appetite. This can lead to more wakeful periods as your baby may need to feed more often.

Signs of 8-Month Sleep Regression

Understanding the signs of the eight-month sleep regression can help parents better prepare and manage this phase. Here are some common 8-month sleep regression signs:

• Increased night wakings
• Difficulty in falling asleep
• Shortened naps or skipping naps altogether
• Increased fussiness around bedtime
• More nighttime feeding
• Waking early from naps or in the morning
• Greater clinginess during the day

How Long Does 8-Month Sleep Regression Last? 

Typically, the eight-month sleep regression lasts between two and six weeks. However, the duration can vary for each child, depending on the pace of their development and how they adapt to these changes.

How Can You Manage 8-Month Sleep Regression in Your Baby? 

Managing the eight-month sleep regression can be challenging, but some strategies can help:

1. Establish a Sleep Routine

Consistency is key. Implement a regular bedtime routine to signal your baby that it’s time to sleep (6).

2. Encourage Daytime Activities

Promote the practice of new skills during the day so that your baby is less likely to practice them at night.

3. Provide Comfort

Teething or separation anxiety can be eased by providing additional comfort and reassurance (7).

4. Adjust Feeding Times

If an increased appetite is causing night wakings, try giving more solid food during the day and adjusting the feeding schedule.

5. Patience and Understanding

Understand that this phase is temporary and part of your baby’s normal development.

6. Use Sleep Training Methods

If your baby’s sleep doesn’t improve after a few weeks, consider gentle sleep training methods. Always discuss these with your healthcare provider first.

7. Safe Sleeping Environment

Ensure your baby’s sleeping environment is safe, quiet, and comfortable.

When to Call a Doctor?

While the eight-month sleep regression is usually a normal part of development, there are times when it might be necessary to consult a doctor:

• If your baby’s sleep regression lasts longer than six weeks
• If your baby has trouble breathing or snores loudly
• If other worrisome signs like fever, loss of appetite, or lethargy accompany the sleep problems
• If your baby is losing weight
• If the sleep regression is causing significant stress to you or your baby

Tips for Self-Care During the 8-Month Sleep Regression

Caring for a baby experiencing sleep regression can be exhausting. Here are some self-care tips to help you through this phase:

• When your baby naps, try to get some rest yourself (8).
• If possible, share nighttime duties with your partner or a family member.
• Techniques such as deep breathing or yoga can help reduce stress.
• Connecting with other parents can provide emotional support and practical advice.

FAQs

1. Can the eight-month regression start early?

Yes, some babies may start experiencing sleep regression earlier than eight months. The timing is generally linked to their developmental milestones.

2. Does eight-month sleep regression affect baby naps?

Yes, during the eight-month sleep regression, your baby may have trouble falling asleep for naps, nap for shorter periods, or skip naps altogether.

3. Is it normal if my eight-month-old baby never had a sleep regression?

Yes, it’s normal for some babies not to experience sleep regressions at 8 months. Every baby’s sleep patterns vary, and some may not experience typical regressions.

4. Why is your eight-month-old baby fussy at sleep times?

The fussiness could be due to various reasons, such as teething discomfort, separation anxiety, or excitement from learning new skills.

5. What is the reason your 8-month-old baby is not sleeping well?

Reasons can range from physical and mental developmental milestones, changes in sleep needs, teething, or changes in appetite due to growth spurts.

Understanding and navigating the eight-month sleep regression can be challenging for both parents and babies. However, with patience, understanding, and appropriate strategies, this phase can be managed effectively. Remember, each baby is unique and will have an individual response to these changes. If you have any concerns, always consult with your paediatrician.

References/Resources:

1. Suni. E; 8-Month Sleep Regression; Sleep Foundation; https://www.sleepfoundation.org/baby-sleep/8-month-sleep-regression

2. Baby sleep patterns by age; Pregnancy, Birth and Baby; https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/sleep-patterns-for-babies

3. 8-9 months: baby development; Raising Children Network; https://raisingchildren.net.au/babies/development/development-tracker-3-12-months/8-9-months

4. Understanding and Navigating Sleep Regressions; Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health; https://www.lancastergeneralhealth.org/health-hub-home/motherhood/the-first-year/understanding-and-navigating-sleep-regressions

5. Emotional and Social Development: 8 to 12 Months; American Academy of Pediatrics; https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/Pages/Emotional-and-Social-Development-8-12-Months.aspx

6. Sleep and Your 8- to 12-Month-Old; Nemours KidsHealth; https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/sleep812m.html

7. Swanson. W. S; How to Ease Your Child’s Separation Anxiety; American Academy of Pediatrics; https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/toddler/Pages/Soothing-Your-Childs-Separation-Anxiety.aspx

8. Sleep in Infants (2-12 Months); Nationwide Children’s Hospital; https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/specialties/sleep-disorder-center/sleep-in-infants

Also Read:

9 Month Sleep Regression
How to Make a Baby Sleep at Night
Safe Baby Sleeping Positions
Sleep Training For Babies

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