8–10 Month Sleep Guide: What to Expect and How to Support Better Sleep

The 8–10 month period is full of change. Many babies are solidly on two naps, mastering new motor skills, and experiencing a wave of separation anxiety. Sleep can feel like it takes a step backward even when you've already put in a lot of work.

Typical sleep at 8–10 months

• Total sleep: 12–15 hours in 24 hours
• Night sleep: 10–12 hours
• Naps: Two naps totaling 2–3 hours
• Wake windows: roughly 3 / 3.5 / 4 hours

Common challenges at this age

• Pulling to stand in the crib and not knowing how to sit back down
• Separation anxiety at bedtime and during night wakings
• Short morning naps
• Early morning wakes
• Resistance to the second nap
• Increased night wakings linked to developmental progress

Gentle ways to support sleep

• Practice sitting and standing skills during the day so they're less novel at night.
• Keep night responses calm, boring, and consistent.
• Protect the morning nap — it anchors the whole day.
• Maintain a predictable bedtime routine.
• If your baby is standing and upset, gently help them lie back down while staying present and reassuring.
• Avoid big schedule changes during peak separation anxiety if possible.

The 8–10 month "regression"

Many families experience more night wakings and nap resistance during this window. It is usually driven by developmental leaps and separation anxiety rather than a true loss of sleep skills. Consistency and connection tend to work better than starting over with a completely new approach.

Curious what other families experienced? Read our parent success stories.

Keep reading

• The Gentle Sleep Training Guide
• Age-by-Age Sleep Expectations
• See our packages or book a free 20-minute discovery call

Educational content, not medical advice. Every child is different — if sleep challenges persist or you have concerns about your child's development or health, please consult your pediatrician or a qualified provider.