Sleep Schedule for 8 month old

At 8 months, most babies are transitioning or have already transitioned from three naps to two naps per day. These two naps typically occur in the late morning and early afternoon. A common schedule involves wake windows of approximately 2.5 to 3.5 hours between sleep periods. For example: wake up, first nap 2.5-3 hours later, wake up, second nap 3-3.5 hours later, wake up, bedtime 3-3.5 hours later.

Each nap for an 8-month-old should ideally be between 1 to 1.5 hours long. Some babies might take slightly longer naps (up to 2 hours), but try to cap individual naps at around 1.5-2 hours to ensure they are tired enough for their second nap and have a good appetite for nighttime sleep. The total daytime sleep for an 8-month-old is generally 2.5 to 3.5 hours.

Short naps (often called 'catnaps') are common at this age, but ideally, you want them to be longer. They can be a sign of being overtired or undertired. Ensure appropriate wake windows before naps (not too long, not too short). Other strategies include creating a dark sleep environment, using white noise, having a consistent nap routine, and sometimes, letting them fuss for a few minutes to see if they can connect sleep cycles and extend the nap on their own.

It's generally recommended to wake your 8-month-old from excessively long naps. While tempting to let them sleep, a very long nap (e.g., over 2 hours for a single nap, or over 3.5-4 hours total for the day) can interfere with their next wake window and, more importantly, impact their nighttime sleep. Waking them ensures they build sufficient sleep pressure for a consolidated night's sleep and stick to a predictable schedule.

Consistency is very important for an 8-month-old's nap schedule as it helps regulate their circadian rhythm and makes it easier for them to fall asleep. Aim for predictable nap times or, more accurately, predictable wake windows before naps. While consistency is key, a little flexibility is normal and healthy. On occasion, if you're out and about, a slightly shorter or later nap won't derail everything. Focus on the routine and wake window cues rather than strict clock times every single day.