Published by Actually Sleeping · Reviewed by Dr. Samantha Abrahamson, PharmD · Review policy · Updated 2026-11-10

What is a good sleep schedule for an 8 month old?

At 8 months most babies take 2 naps and, as a rule of thumb, stay awake 2.5–3.5 hours at a time. The AASM recommends 12–16 hours of sleep in 24, naps included. Bedtime usually falls between 7 and 7:45 p.m., with 11–12 hours overnight.

What is typical at 8 months

Measure	Typical range
Total sleep per 24 hours	12–16 hours (AASM, ages 4–12 months)
What studies of healthy babies found	Babies 6–11 months averaged 2.2 naps a day; night wakings at 7–11 months averaged 1.1, with 0 to about 3 within the normal range (Galland 2012)
Night sleep (common practice range)	11–12 hours
Naps (common practice range)	2, totalling about 2.5–3 hours
Wake windows (rule of thumb, not a research finding)	2.5–3.5 hours; shortest first, longest before bed
Night feeds	Commonly 0–1 a night. Whether to keep, reduce or drop night feeds is your pediatrician’s decision.

Rows marked AASM are the American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommendation, which the AAP supports. Rows marked Galland 2012 come from a systematic review of observational studies. The other rows are common practice ranges, not research findings. They describe an average baby; healthy babies sit on both sides of every one of them.

At 8 months many babies are on a sensible schedule and still wake at night, crawl around the crib, or cry the moment a parent leaves. That is not a timing problem. Actually Sleeping addresses it with a plan Dr. Sam writes around your baby’s temperament and separation worries, with a parent present and responsive. It is not cry it out and not wait it out.

What is changing developmentally

A burst of motor skills: crawling, pulling to stand, sometimes cruising. The AAP describes stranger anxiety as one of the first emotional milestones; separation anxiety usually peaks between 10 and 18 months, and a baby may wake searching for a parent in the night. These changes often arrive together.

Why the average 8-month schedule often does not fit

Sudden night waking or nap refusal: see the 8-to-10-month sleep regression.
Standing in the crib and unable to get down: a new skill that turns a short waking into a long one.
Crying at separation: the schedule can be perfect and bedtime still falls apart. See separation anxiety at bedtime.
New habits from a rough patch: extra rocking or feeding to get through a few hard weeks easily becomes the new requirement. See the feed-to-sleep association.

Safe sleep at 8 months

The crib mattress should be at its lowest setting before your baby can stand (AAP, MedlinePlus).
Back to sleep to start, nothing loose in the crib, until the first birthday.

Is this age right for sleep training?

Yes. Babies this age learn patterns quickly, in both directions, so a consistent response matters more now. Separation anxiety is a reason to choose an approach where a parent stays present and responsive, which is how Actually Sleeping works. Confirm night-feed needs with your pediatrician. We guarantee that your baby will sleep 8–12 hours through the night within 14 days of consistent, correct implementation of your sleep plan. Parents of 7 to 9 month olds share their experience on our reviews page. See the best age to sleep train, and book a free consultation with Dr. Sam.

Want this fixed for your baby?

Actually Sleeping is 1:1 coaching: a sleep plan written for your baby by Dr. Sam, bootcamp-style coaching before the first night, and daily check-ins until it is working. 700+ families coached, 129 video reviews, and a written guarantee: 8–12 hours through the night within 14 days, or a full refund.

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Frequently asked

Does an 8 month old still need 3 naps?

Rarely. Studies found babies 6 to 11 months averaged about 2 naps a day, and most 8 month olds are on 2 as a common pattern. If your baby still needs a third, a custom plan works with that rather than forcing a chart.

How long does the 8-month sleep regression last?

There is no research-defined length. It tends to last longer when new sleep habits are introduced to get through it. Keeping your response consistent through it is exactly what Actually Sleeping supports with daily 1:1 check-ins.

What time should an 8 month old go to bed?

As a common rule of thumb, between 7 and 7:45 p.m. The best time for your baby depends on naps and how long they take to fall asleep, so it is set in their plan.

Should I drop night feeds at 8 months?

That is your pediatrician’s call, based on growth and daytime intake. Some 8 month olds no longer need one and some still do. A Actually Sleeping plan never forces night feeds out.