Is there an 8–10 month sleep regression?

Yes. Many families experience increased night wakings and nap resistance between 8 and 10 months, often linked to developmental leaps and separation anxiety.

Should I sleep train at 9 months?

You can begin or refine gentle, responsive sleep support at this age if your family is ready. Extinction or cry-it-out methods are not required.

My baby stands in the crib and cries — what should I do?

Gently help them lie back down while staying present and calm. Practice sitting and standing skills during the day so the skill is less novel at night.

How much sleep does an 8–10 month old need?

Most babies this age need 12–15 hours of total sleep in 24 hours, including 10–12 hours at night and 2–3 hours of daytime sleep across two naps.

Eight month old baby standing in a crib at bedtime

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

By Samantha Rosenberg, Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant & Founder, IACSC member

Published August 8, 2026

Quick answer

At 8–10 months, many babies take two naps and experience disrupted sleep linked to new motor skills and separation anxiety rather than lost sleep skills. Support them with predictable routines, calm and consistent night responses, daytime sitting and standing practice, and gentle help lying back down while you stay present and reassuring.

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.

Still not sure what's going on with your little one's sleep?

Every child is different — and sometimes you need more than an article. Send Sam a short message and you'll get a personal reply within one business day, or explore our gentle sleep consulting packages.

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

Keep reading

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.

Tell us about your child's sleep

If any of this sounds familiar, you don't have to keep guessing. At Slumber Squad Sleep Consulting we build personalised sleep plans around your actual child — no one-size-fits-all advice, no cry-it-out. Write to us below (or email sam@slumbersquadsleep.com), or explore our gentle sleep consulting packages.