Watching an 8-month-old fight that third nap can feel confusing for parents. The baby might cry, wiggle, or refuse to sleep, even when clearly tired.
Around this developmental milestone, many babies naturally begin dropping that extra daytime nap and transitioning into a more structured two-nap routine.
There’s no need to worry—this is completely normal behavior and actually a positive sign of your baby’s growth.
Setting up a steady 2-nap schedule can keep the day flowing and your little one happy.
Check out some easy tips and a simple 2-nap plan, and learn how to fight sleep regressions to make this switch smoother for you and your baby!
How Much Should an 8-Month-Old Sleep?
By 8 months, most babies need about 14 hours of total sleep in a 24-hour period. This usually breaks down into 11-12 hours of nighttime sleep and 2-3 hours of daytime sleep.
At this age, most babies transition to a 2-nap schedule, with one nap in the morning and one in the afternoon.
Each baby is different, though! Some 8-month-olds might still need 3 shorter naps, while others might be ready for longer stretches of awake time.
Watch your baby’s sleepy cues, such as eye rubbing, yawning, or fussiness, to determine when it’s time for a nap.
Key Factors Affecting Nap Lengths
- Development stage – babies going through milestones often have sleep changes
- Sleep environment – a dark, quiet room helps babies take longer naps
- Consistent schedule – having regular nap times helps babies know when to sleep
Signs Your Baby Is Ready for A 2-Nap Schedule
Most babies shift from 3 naps to 2 naps between 6-9 months old. Watch for these telltale signs that your little one might be ready for this sleep transition.
- Consistently fighting the third nap or taking a very short third nap
- Staying awake longer between naps without getting fussy
- Taking longer to fall asleep at bedtime after having three naps
- Waking up earlier in the morning and still being happy and alert
- Naturally extending their morning and afternoon naps (at least 1-1.5 hours each)
It’s perfectly normal if your baby needs to wait until 9 months to make this transition. If your 8-month-old shows some but not all of these signs, they might not be fully ready yet.
Following your baby’s cues rather than a strict calendar age will help make this sleep schedule change smoother for everyone.
Ideal Wake Windows for 8-Month-Olds
At 8 months of age, babies typically need specific wake windows to support their 2-nap sleep schedule. Most 8-month-olds do best with wake windows lasting between 2.5 to 3.5 hours between sleeps.
The morning wake window is usually shorter, around 2.5 to 3 hours before the first nap. The midday wake window extends slightly longer, typically 3 to 3.5 hours before the afternoon nap.
The final evening wake window is the longest, ranging from 3 to 4 hours before bedtime.
These wake windows help prevent overtiredness while ensuring your baby is sleepy enough for good naps. Watch for sleep cues like eye rubbing, yawning, or fussiness to fine-tune these windows.
Every baby is different, so you might need small adjustments to find the perfect timing. Following these wake windows helps create a predictable rhythm for your baby’s day and supports healthy sleep patterns.
Sample 2 Nap Schedule for 8 Month Old
| TIME | Activity |
|---|---|
| 7:00 AM | Wake up + Milk feed |
| 8:00 AM | Breakfast + Playtime |
| 9:30 AM | Nap 1 |
| 11:00 AM | Wake + Snack or Milk |
| 12:00 PM | Lunch + Playtime |
| 2:00 PM | Nap 2 |
| 3:30 PM | Wake + Snack or Milk |
| 4:00 PM | Quiet Play / Outdoor Time |
| 5:30 PM | Dinner |
| 6:30 PM | Bath + Bedtime routine |
| 7:00 PM | Bedtime |
Note: This is a sample schedule for an average 8-month-old. Your baby may or may not accept this schedule so make sure to adjust it according to you and your baby’s needs
Creating a Perfect Bedtime Routine
A consistent bedtime routine helps your 8-month-old recognize when it’s time to sleep. Start by dimming lights throughout your home about 30 minutes before bedtime to signal that sleep time is approaching.
Choose calming activities like:
- A warm bath
- Gentle massage with baby lotion
- Reading a favorite board book
- Changing into comfortable pajamas and a fresh diaper
- Soft lullabies or white noise
The key is following the same steps in the same order every night. Babies thrive on predictability, and a regular bedtime routine gives them security and comfort.
After a few weeks of consistency, your little one will understand these activities mean bedtime is coming, making the transition to sleep much smoother for everyone.
What to Do If Naps are Short or Skipped?
When your baby takes short naps or skips them altogether, try not to worry. This happens to every parent! First, make sure the sleep environment is dark, quiet, and comfortable. Consider using white noise to block out distracting sounds.
Watch for your baby’s sleepy cues, such as eye rubbing, yawning, or fussiness. Try to put them down at the first sign of tiredness.
If they wake up early, give them a few minutes to see if they fall back asleep before getting them.
Stick to a consistent routine before naps to help your baby know it’s time to sleep. This might include a short book, a song, or a cuddle. If your baby misses a nap, try to get back on track with the next one.
Move bedtime earlier if needed to avoid an overtired baby. Remember that nap troubles are normal and often temporary as babies grow and develop.
Sleep Regressions and How to Handle Them
Sleep regressions happen when babies who were sleeping well suddenly start waking up more often or refusing naps. This usually occurs around 8-10 months as babies develop new skills like crawling or pulling up.
During these phases, your baby’s brain is busy processing new information, which can disrupt their sleep patterns.
Regressions typically last 2-4 weeks and can be challenging for the whole family.
Handling Sleep Regressions
- Stick to your routine. Even when it’s tough, keep regular nap times and bedtime rituals to provide comfort and stability.
- Add extra comfort. More cuddles, soothing music, or a longer bedtime story can help your baby feel secure.
- Be patient but consistent. Avoid creating new sleep habits that you’ll need to break later.
- Adjust nap times if needed. Your baby might need slightly longer wake windows during regressions.
Remember that sleep regressions are normal development stages. With patience and consistency, your baby will return to better sleep habits.
Final Thoughts
Every parent can master their 8-month-old’s sleep schedule with patience and consistency. You now know when to plan those two important naps, how long they should last, and the best ways to help your baby transition smoothly.
Remember that all babies grow at their own pace. Some babies might settle into this schedule quickly, while others need more time to adjust.
What works for one family might not work for yours, and that’s completely normal.
Trust your instincts as you put these tips into practice. With the right approach and a bit of flexibility, you’ll help your little one develop healthy sleep habits that benefit the whole family.
Your confidence in handling this sleep transition is the key to success!
If you’re interested in more informational content on mothers and babies, feel free toclick here and explore other blogs that you might enjoy.
