Surviving the 8-10 Month Sleep Regression
“Not another one!” I hear you say.
As a parent, you're probably all too familiar with the ups and downs of your baby's sleep and just when you think you've got their sleep routine under control, a new challenge arises: the 8-10 month sleep regression. I’m with you! I myself have just come out the other side of this regression and even as a baby sleep consultant, I found this one a doozy!
I often find myself thinking back to my son’s sleep at this age and I honestly don’t remember it being a stand out in terms of sleep problems. My daughter on the other hand, WOWZA she feels all the feels and really does struggle through these periods of development. It comes down to temperament. So I digress…..
This phase can be particularly daunting, but understanding it and knowing how to navigate through it can make a world of difference for both you and your baby. In this blog post, we'll delve into what the 8-10 month sleep regression is, why it happens, and I’ll share some practical tips to help your little one (and you!) get through this challenging time.
What is the 9/10 Month Sleep Regression?
Like all regressions, the 8-10 month sleep regression is just a period of time where your little one is going through lots of changes in their cognitive and physical development! It really is just a huge developmental progression, but unfortunately we do see previously good sleepers start to experience some sleep disturbances. This regression typically occurs between 8 to 10 months of age and can last anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks. It’s a normal part of development, but it can be frustrating, especially if you have just settled into a sleep routine and feel like things were finally on track.
For my daughter this one lasted a good 4-5 weeks!
Signs of the 8-10 Month Sleep Regression
Some common signs that can indicate your baby is experiencing this regression can be:
Nap refusal
Shorter or disrupted naps
Extended awake windows throughout the day and before bed
Difficulty falling asleep at bedtime
Increased overnight wakes
Increased clinginess and separation anxiety
Changes in appetite
Why Does the 9/10 Month Sleep Regression Happen?
As I mentioned above, this is a time of huge cognitive and physical growth. Some common changes that are
Motor Skills Development: Has or is your baby learning to crawl, pull themselves up or even stand? These new skills are SOOO exciting, and so much so that they practice them even during sleep time. My tip here is just to allow ample opportunities for them to practice these new skills during their awake time.
Separation Anxiety: Your baby is starting to understand object permanence, realizing that things (and people) exist even when they can't see them. This awareness can lead to anxiety when they're separated from you, causing them to wake up looking for comfort. Using a nice in room settling/resettling technique here is a great way of offering that connection before sleep and reassuring them that you are there to support them as they need.
Cognitive Development: They are more aware of their surroundings and might find it harder to wind down at bedtime due to their increased curiosity and excitement.
Teething: Many babies begin teething around this age, which can cause discomfort and disrupt sleep.
My Top Tips to Navigate the 8-10 Month Sleep Regression
As hard as this period of time can be, please do not lose heart. It can be easy to think you are doing everything wrong (trust me, I began to question myself too) but remember this is just a phase and this too shall pass. Your job is to offer…..
A Consistent Routine: Maintain a consistent naptime and bedtime routine. This will help to signal to your baby that it’s time to sleep and will activate their parasympathetic nervous system.
Comfort and Reassurance: Offer comfort and reassurance when your baby wakes up, but try to keep interactions calm. We want to offer that support and connection before separation, however try your very best to avoid creating any new sleep associations that may be unstainable for you in the long run.
Opportunities To Practice New Skills: Give your baby plenty of time during the day to practice their new motor skills. This can help reduce the urge to practice them at night.
Meaningful Connection: Connection during this time is key! Playing games like peek-a-boo and other games that reinforce the idea that you always come back are a great idea. Short, gradual separations can also help your baby adjust during this period.
Consistent Nap Schedules: Continue to offer your baby their naps at their allocated time of the day. It is important to make sure your baby is getting enough daytime sleep. Overtiredness can make it harder for them to sleep well at night. Assisted naps aren’t the enemy so if you need to, pop your baby in the car or pram to help them achieve that nap.
Well Balanced Meals: Ensure you are offering your baby a well balanced diet, incorporating all 4 food groups. We want to ensure that your baby is getting all of those important nutrients for their growth, development as well as to support their sleep.
Teething Relief: Provide teething toys or consult your pediatrician for other pain relief options if teething is disrupting sleep.
Stay Patient and Consistent: Remember that this phase is temporary. Stay consistent with your approach, the learning happens in those hard moments!
I hope you feel be better equipped to handle the disruptions of the 8-10 month sleep regression and are confident in maintaining a healthy sleep routine for your little one. If you need more personalized guidance, don't hesitate to reach out to me, your baby sleep consultant for advice that is tailored specifically to your family's needs.
Zoe Lelli - Certified Baby & Toddler Sleep Consultant
I’m a Mum to two, primary school teacher and certified baby and toddler sleep consultant. I am so passionate about empowering parents with practical, evidence-based sleep solutions. I offers personalized consultations and support tailored to each child’s unique needs. When not helping little ones sleep better. Connect with me today to start your journey toward better sleep for the whole family.