Most 8 month old babies will typically go to bed between 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM. However, every baby is different and there can be quite a bit of variation in normal bedtimes for this age group. When determining the right bedtime for your 8 month old, there are a few key factors to consider including your baby’s natural sleep rhythms, nap schedule, signs of sleepiness, and bedtime routine.
What is the average bedtime for 8 month olds?
According to most sleep experts, the average bedtime for 8 month old babies falls between 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM. Many babies will begin transitioning from two naps per day to only one nap at this age, so an earlier bedtime helps compensate for the lost nap and allows them to get enough total sleep over 24 hours.
Here are some typical bedtime ranges for 8 month olds:
- 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM – Most common bedtime range
- 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM – Early range for babies dropping to one nap
- 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM – Later range for babies still taking two naps
Of course, every child is different. Bedtime may be earlier or later depending on your baby’s unique sleep needs and schedule. The key is finding a consistent bedtime that allows them to get enough consolidated nighttime sleep.
How much total sleep does an 8 month old need?
At 8 months old, babies need an average of 14-15 hours of sleep per 24 hours. This includes both nighttime sleep and daytime naps.
Here is a breakdown of the typical sleep needs for 8 month olds:
- Nighttime sleep: 11-12 hours
- Daytime naps: 2-3 hours (typically 2 naps, but sometimes transitioning to 1 nap)
- Total sleep in 24 hours: 14-15 hours
Again, these are just averages. Some 8 month olds may need slightly more or less sleep. Ensuring your baby gets enough consolidated, high quality sleep during overnight hours will help them drop daytime naps as needed.
Signs your 8 month old is ready for bed
At around 6-8 months, babies become much more aware of sleep cues and their own tiredness. Watch for these common signs that your 8 month old is ready to start their bedtime routine:
- Rubbing eyes
- Fussiness
- Crying
- Decreased activity
- Loss of interest in toys and games
- Increased clinging to caregivers
- Yawning
- Slower blinking
Not every baby will exhibit every cue. Learn your child’s individual sleep cues. If you watch closely, you’ll learn the early signs that signal your baby is getting tired and needs to head to bed soon.
Setting the ideal bedtime for your 8 month old
When choosing the optimal bedtime for your 8 month old, there are a few factors to consider:
Night sleep duration
Aim for 11-12 hours of nighttime sleep. Count backwards from your desired wake time to choose a bedtime that allows this night duration.
Nap schedule
If baby is still taking 2 naps, an earlier bedtime allows them to get enough sleep. Babies down to 1 nap may need a slightly later bedtime.
Natural sleepiness
Watch for signs of sleepiness and begin the bedtime routine 15-30 minutes before your baby starts exhibiting tired cues.
Consistent timing
Keep bedtime within 30 minutes of the same time each night to regulate the circadian rhythm.
Individual needs
Adjust bedtime gradually if needed based on how long your baby sleeps at night and how they act in the morning.
Aim for the earliest bedtime that allows your baby to sleep soundly through the night. This helps them drop daytime naps when developmentally appropriate. An early, consistent bedtime also promotes healthy sleep habits.
How to transition from two naps to one
Around 8 months, many babies transition from taking two naps per day to only needing one nap. Here are some tips for making this transition smoothly:
- Move bedtime 15-30 minutes earlier to account for lost nap.
- Keep morning nap, drop afternoon nap first.
- Watch for signs of undertiredness like extra fussiness.
- Try capping naps at 1 sleep cycle (45 mins) to preserve nighttime sleep.
- Allow a few weeks for baby to adjust to new routine.
- Provide lots of activity and stimulation between nap and bedtime.
Some babies transition to one nap as early as 6 months, while others may still need two naps until 10-12 months. Follow your child’s cues and make changes gradually. The one nap schedule usually falls between lunchtime and midafternoon.
How to plan an evening routine for your 8 month old
A consistent, peaceful bedtime routine helps signal to your 8 month old that it’s time to wind down and prepare for sleep. Try incorporating these elements:
Timing
Start the routine 60-90 minutes before the desired bedtime.
Location
Conduct the routine in calm areas like the nursery.
Cue
Use a consistent “cue” like a lullaby to indicate routine start.
Activities
Relaxing activities like bath, massage, reading, singing.
Lighting
Dim lights and minimize stimuli near bedtime.
Order
Do activities in the same order each night.
Bedtime feed
Offer a feeding before bed if still needed.
Putting down awake
Put baby down awake but drowsy so they learn to self-soothe.
Following a soothing routine each evening encourages healthy sleep habits and signals to your baby’s body that it’s time to relax and prepare for sleep.
Tips for choosing baby’s first bedtime book
Reading is an excellent part of any bedtime routine. Here are some tips for choosing baby’s first bedtime stories:
- Short: Choose books with minimal text so baby stays engaged.
- Rhyming: Rhyming books are soothing and hold attention.
- Repetitive: Books with a repetitive line or phrase are easy to follow.
- Predictable: Books with a predictable plot build anticipation.
- Simple images: Bold, simple pictures in high contrast.
- Bedtime theme: Pick books about getting ready for bed.
- Interaction: Lift-the-flap and touch-and-feel books encourage participation.
- Songs: Sing-along books promote ritual.
A few beloved bedtime story options include Goodnight Moon, Time for Bed, and The Going to Bed Book. Reading together builds language skills and bonding while creating sleep associations.
Nighttime feeding tips for 8 month olds
Many 8 month olds no longer need night feeds thanks to increased nighttime sleep ability and intake of solids. Here are tips for night weaning:
- Increase daytime feedings and solids to reduce night hunger.
- Delay feeds by gradually increasing time between feeds.
- Comfort methods like pacifiers can help replace feed associations.
- Dad or another caregiver can take over soothing at night instead.
- Choose a consistent night to begin weaning to stay consistent.
- Expect some fussiness for the first few nights as baby adjusts.
- Rule out pain, illness or new teeth coming in as causes of night wakings.
Dropping night feeds helps baby learn to self-soothe and consolidate nighttime sleep. But go at your child’s pace and offer feeds if needed, especially during growth spurts or when working on developmental milestones.
Creating a comfortable sleep environment
Making the sleep environment comfortable, safe and distraction-free is key to promoting restful sleep for your 8 month old. Recommendations include:
- Crib/bassinet: Use a firm, clean mattress with tight-fitting sheet.
- No loose bedding: Omit pillows, blankets, stuffed animals.
- Wearable blanket: Use a wearable blanket instead of loose covers.
- Room temperature: Keep room around 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Noise machine: Use white noise to drown out disruptive sounds.
- Darkening shades: Install blackout curtains to block light.
- Night light: Use a dim night light for middle of the night feeds/changes.
- No screens: Keep TV, phones and other screens out of the room.
Follow safe sleep guidelines and make baby’s sleep space simple, soothing and free of clutter or distraction. Focus on keeping baby cozy and secure.
Sleep training at 8 months
Many parents consider sleep training around 8 months once signs of separation anxiety and sleep regressions appear. Here are some popular sleep training methods to try:
Graduated extinction (Ferber)
Also known as Ferberizing, involves letting baby fuss or cry in short intervals before offering comfort. Intervals are expanded incrementally on a schedule.
Fading (Camping out)
Parent stays with baby until drowsy, then moves farther away gradually over days/weeks to teach independent sleep.
Positive routines
Focusing on consistent bedtime routine and putting baby down awake but relaxed to encourage self-soothing.
Scheduled awakenings
Waking baby on a schedule before natural awakenings happen, to prevent crying and teach self-soothing. Schedule is faded gradually.
Extinction
Not offering any comfort/intervention for night wakings – allowing baby to cry and self-soothe independently.
Any form of sleep training should be approached judiciously and with realistic expectations. Respond gently to your baby’s needs and make gradual changes. Stay consistent once begun.
Handling sleep regressions and disruptions
Sleep regressions and night waking disruptions are common at around 8 months. Here are some tips for handling setbacks:
- Rule out hunger, pain, or illness
- Try a later bedtime or earlier morning wake-up
- Stick with consistent bedtime routine and training methods
- Provide extra soothing, comfort and affection during the day
- Make daytime feeding, play and naps high quality
- Accept that regressions are temporary and will pass
- Avoid bed sharing which can become a habit
- Stay patient, responsive and loving through rough periods
With a consistent routine and understanding that regressions are temporary, most babies resume healthy sleep habits within 2-6 weeks. Seek medical guidance if disruptions persist beyond that.
Common concerns and questions about 8 month old sleep
It’s normal for parents to have many questions and concerns around their baby’s sleep at this age. Here are answers to some common 8 month sleep issues:
Is it normal for my 8 month old to wake at night?
Some night wakings are still developmentally normal at this age. But expect them to gradually improve in the coming months. Night weaning and sleep training help minimize wakings.
Why is my 8 month old suddenly fighting sleep?
Sleep struggles at this age are often caused by separation anxiety as babies become more aware of time apart. Extra reassurance through the day can help reduce bedtime protests.
Should I start sleep training my 8 month old?
Many experts recommend 6-8 months for sleep training, but following your baby’s signs of readiness is most important. Look for separation anxiety, dropping naps, or frequent night wakings as cues baby may benefit from sleep coaching.
How do I know if my baby is overtired or undertired?
Overtired babies have difficulty settling and may become hyperactive. Undertired babies resist sleep, act fussy, and have trouble connecting sleep cycles. Adjust schedule based on these cues.
Why does my 8 month old nap poorly but sleep well at night?
At this age babies become more aware of surroundings and separation, making naps harder. Focus on nighttime sleep consolidation by allowing some fussing at naptime to establish healthy patterns.
Don’t hesitate to talk to your pediatrician if you have persistent concerns about your baby’s sleep habits. There is a wide range of normal at this age, but your doctor can check for underlying issues.
Conclusion
While every child develops at a different pace, most 8 month old babies are ready for an earlier bedtime between 7 and 8 PM. At this age, you can start establishing a consistent bedtime routine and work on night weaning or sleep training to help baby learn to self-soothe and sleep through the night. Have patience during temporary regressions. By responding lovingly and consistently, you can help your 8 month old build healthy sleep habits and get the rest they need to continue hitting developmental milestones. Don’t hesitate to ask your pediatrician for help if sleep issues linger or if you have any concerns about your baby’s sleep needs.