The 8-10 Month Sleep Routine
If your baby was settling into a routine and suddenly naps feel less predictable, nights become more unsettled, or bedtime starts to feel harder again, you are not imagining it. Between around eight and ten months, many families notice sleep shifting as babies move firmly into a two-nap day and their sleep needs continue to mature.
This stage is closely linked to rapid cognitive and emotional development, particularly separation awareness and object permanence, alongside ongoing changes in sleep pressure. While these shifts can feel challenging at times, they are a very common and developmentally expected part of this stage and, with the right routine in place, sleep can settle again.
What does sleep look like between 8 and 10 months?
By this age, most babies are capable of taking longer naps and coping well with consistent nap and bedtime timings. Sleep is generally more consolidated than in earlier months, but this stage can still bring temporary disruption.
This age range often overlaps with the 8–10 month sleep regression, where developmental leaps can temporarily affect naps and nights. Even babies who have been sleeping well may show nap resistance, increased night waking, or heightened sensitivity around sleep.
Some babies may also experience shorter naps again during this stage, which is often linked to catnapping, particularly if sleep pressure or emotional needs are shifting.
Separation anxiety and sleep at this age
One of the biggest influences on sleep between eight and ten months is separation anxiety. Your baby now understands that you exist even when they cannot see you, which can make separation at sleep times feel much harder.
This can show up as:
Increased distress at sleep
Difficulty settling at naps or bedtime
Waking overnight seeking reassurance
These changes are developmentally normal and commonly sit alongside the 8–10 month sleep regression. Supporting sleep during this stage often means maintaining a consistent routine while offering appropriate reassurance.
This can show up as:
How much sleep does an 8-10 month old need?
Most babies between 8-10 months are aiming for around 12–15 hours of total sleep across 24 hours, including both day sleep and overnight sleep.
Day sleep is typically spread across two naps, with most babies well and truly finished with a third nap by this age.
How many naps at 8-10 months?
From this stage onward, babies are on two naps only.
These naps generally fall into one of two structures:
Short / long, or
Medium / medium
Both patterns are developmentally appropriate and will depend on how well your baby consolidates naps.
Routine examples for 8–10 months
At this age, sleep is best supported by consistent nap and bedtime timings, rather than shifting sleep day to day.
A predictable routine helps regulate sleep pressure and supports more settled nights.
Short / Long Nap Routine
This routine suits babies who take a shorter morning nap and consolidate their second nap more easily.
Medium / Medium Nap Routine
This routine works well for babies who take two more evenly balanced naps across the day.
These routines are intended to remain consistent from day to day. Minor variations can happen if a nap runs short or long, but keeping nap times anchored is key at this age.
Common sleep challenges at 8–10 months
Frequent night waking
An increase in overnight waking is very common during this stage and is often linked to developmental changes, separation anxiety, or subtle shifts in sleep needs. Looking at frequent night waking as part of the full 24-hour picture can help determine whether the routine still fits.
Early morning rising
Early starts can also appear at this age, particularly if sleep pressure is out of balance or bedtime has crept too late. Reviewing the routine and nap structure can help address early morning rising.
Supporting sleep during the 8-10 month stage
Keep nap and bedtime consistent
Maintain a predictable wind down
Support separation anxiety with reassurance while holding routine boundaries
Avoid reintroducing extra naps
Make small, considered adjustments rather than frequent changes
Sleep at this age is not about perfection. It is about consistency, predictability, and supporting your baby through a big developmental stage.
Looking ahead
As your baby moves beyond ten months, sleep continues to evolve with further emotional development, increased independence, and upcoming nap transitions.
The 5–24 Month Infant Course supports families through this stage and beyond, with clear guidance on routines, regressions, nap transitions, and night waking. For longer-term support into toddlerhood, the Infant and Toddler Bundle provides guidance well beyond the first year.
Eva Beke
Certified Paediatric Sleep Consultant
Founder The Sleepy Little Bubs
I’m Eva Beke, a certified baby and toddler sleep consultant and founder of The Sleepy Little Bubs, supporting families across Australia and the world with evidence based baby and toddler sleep support.
My approach is realistic, supportive, and designed to evolve as your child grows, so you’re not just getting help for today, but confidence moving forward.
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