Get Ahead of the 8-Month Sleep Regression

Get Ahead of the 8-Month Sleep Regression

If you’re experiencing the 8-month sleep regression, you might be feeling a bit defeated having probably tackled the 4 and 6-month regressions too. Don’t fret! Although it can seem like three steps back after you’ve taken two steps forward, these sleep regressions are normal.

As with any other sleep regression period, your baby’s development is the cause and this phase rarely lasts longer than a few weeks. But, what exactly is causing this regression?

At the 8-month mark, your baby will likely be hitting some major milestones, from language development to crawling and pulling themselves along. Sleep patterns are also changing, and usually, an 8-month-old will need more awake time between periods of sleep than they did previously.

For a more in-depth look, here are some other common reasons why your baby might be having trouble falling asleep that hit around this age:

1. Separation Anxiety
2. Increased Mobility
3. Teething
4. Overstimulation
5. Nighttime Talking

As you can see from that list, there is some significant change happening for your little one. Now, while impossible to control how your growing little one reacts to the growth and development, you can help ease its effects by preparing for inevitable sleep hurdles. If you haven’t tried to sleep train, now could be a good time to start, laying a foundation for consistent sleep for toddler sleep patterns later on. However, whatever method you decide on, though, a consistent bedtime routine is vital to reducing sleep disruptions like the 8-month sleep regression.

Now, for some other tips to consider:

• It’s hard for anybody to sleep in a room that isn’t dark and quiet, let alone a baby who’s only just getting used to the big world around them! Creating a calm atmosphere in your baby’s room can make a huge difference when it comes to bedtime.
• You don’t want to foster bad habits, but it’s completely okay to give extra snuggles and comfort, but it’s also important to maintain some sense of normalcy to avoid developing sleep associations with things like nursing or rocking — which could be worsening the separation anxiety that’s keeping them up in the first place.
• Sleep regressions at any age can be difficult to manage, particularly as they often lead to you becoming as sleep-deprived and cranky as your little one. Don’t be afraid to ask your friends and loved ones for help during this time, whether that means getting your partner to take over a feed or having a friend watch baby while you take a quick nap.

A great way to establish a new sleep training routine and help your baby fall asleep independently is with gently weighted Zen Sleepwear from Nested Bean. The Cuddle Effect of their sleepwear mimics your touch to help baby self soothe through wakeups, and can assist in creating more positive bedtime associations.

Learn more about Nested Bean’s weighted sleepwear today, as well as some more insight to surviving the 8-month sleep regression, and look forward to a more restful night’s sleep.

Shop Nested Bean’s Sleepwear Collection