The 8–10 Month Sleep Regression
What it is, why it happens, how long it lasts, and how to get through it
If your baby was sleeping reasonably well and suddenly nights feel more broken, naps shorten, or settling becomes much harder, you are not imagining it. Between around eight and ten months, many families experience what is commonly referred to as the 8–10 month sleep regression.
This stage is closely linked to rapid cognitive and emotional development, particularly object permanence (link back to separation anxiety blog), alongside changing sleep needs and growing separation awareness. It can feel intense, but it is a very common and expected phase of development.
What is the 8-10 month sleep regression?
A sleep regression is a temporary disruption in sleep that often appears during periods of significant developmental change.
During the 8–10 month window, this can show up as frequent night waking, increased distress at bedtime, short naps, or a baby who suddenly needs much more support to settle.
Unlike the four month regression, this stage is not driven by a new sleep cycle change. Instead, it reflects how much your baby’s brain and emotional awareness are developing at once.
Why does the 8-10 month sleep regression happen?
This regression is usually driven by a combination of factors rather than one single cause.
Object permanence
One of the biggest developmental changes at this age is object permanence. Your baby now understands that you exist even when they cannot see you. While this is an important cognitive milestone, it can also make separation feel much harder, particularly at sleep times.
As a result, your baby may protest when you leave the room, wake overnight calling out for you, or struggle to resettle once they realise you are no longer there.
Increased separation anxiety
Alongside object permanence, separation anxiety often peaks during this stage. Your baby may appear more clingy during the day and more unsettled at naps and bedtime, even if settling was previously going well.
This increase in emotional awareness can make sleep feel less predictable for a period of time.
New physical skills
Many babies in this stage are crawling, pulling to stand, cruising, or becoming much more mobile. These new skills place extra demand on the nervous system and can lead to lighter sleep or increased waking while the brain processes everything that is changing.
Changing day sleep needs
Between eight and ten months, most babies are settled on two naps, but sleep pressure continues to evolve. Short naps or catnapping can reappear if awake windows need adjusting, overnight sleep has become more disrupted, or the day is no longer quite matching your baby’s current needs, which is where reviewing an 8–10 month sleep routine can be really helpful.
Some families are also still navigating the tail end of the 3–2 nap transition, which can temporarily affect both naps and nights while sleep consolidates.
False starts and lighter sleep
This stage can also bring an increase in false starts, where your baby wakes shortly after being put down. These often reflect overtiredness, undertiredness, or emotional discomfort around separation rather than a need to drop naps prematurely.
What are common signs of the 8-10 month sleep regression?
Common signs include:
Increased night waking
Short or inconsistent naps
Heightened distress when separated
False starts at bedtime
Difficulty resettling overnight
Sleep that suddenly feels unpredictable again
If your baby is waking frequently overnight, it can be helpful to explore why is my baby waking frequently, as multiple factors often overlap at this age.
How long does the 8-10 month sleep regression last?
For many babies, this regression lasts two to six weeks, which is why it is often referred to as the 8–10 month regression rather than a single age point.
The duration depends on how quickly your baby adjusts to these developmental changes and whether sleep support evolves alongside their emotional and cognitive growth.
If sleep disruption continues beyond this period, it usually indicates that routines, awake windows, or settling approaches need to be updated to better match your baby’s current needs.
How to support sleep during the 8-10 month regression?
Follow an age appropriate routine
Most babies at this stage are settled on two naps with longer awake windows. Using a realistic 8–10 month sleep routine can help ensure your baby is getting enough awake time without becoming overtired.
Adjust settling techniques if needed
Because separation anxiety and object permanence are so prominent at this age, some babies need a shift in settling approach. Techniques that worked well earlier may suddenly feel too abrupt.
Supporting your baby with a more gradual presence, additional reassurance, or a slower withdrawal can help them feel safe while still working toward independent sleep in a way that suits this stage.
Support connection around sleep times
Extending your wind down routine, offering extra connection before bed, and keeping sleep cues consistent can all help reduce distress linked to separation anxiety.
Be patient with naps
If naps shorten temporarily, this does not mean progress is lost. Catnapping is common during this stage and usually improves once sleep pressure, routines, and emotional regulation settle again.
Should you make changes during the 8-10 month regression?
This stage is not about pushing independence or forcing change. It is about recognising that your baby’s emotional and cognitive needs have grown, and adjusting sleep support accordingly.
Small changes often make a significant difference during this phase.
Looking ahead
Sleep continues to evolve beyond this stage, with future regressions, nap transitions, and emotional milestones as your baby moves into toddlerhood. Having guidance that grows with your child can make these stages feel far less overwhelming.
The 5–24 Month Infant Course provides age specific support through every stage of infant sleep, while the Infant and Toddler Bundle offers long term guidance right through the early years, so you always know what to expect and how to respond with confidence.
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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