8 months old sleep schedule and daily routine

What does a daily routine for an 8-month-old baby look like?

At 8 months, many babies have developed a more stable sleep routine with two longer naps during the day, usually lasting 1–1.5 hours each. Some may still need a third, shorter nap of around 30 minutes. While some babies sleep through the night, it’s also common for them to wake up a few times.

Around this age, parents may notice changes in their baby’s sleep patterns. Your baby might wake more frequently during the night, have trouble falling back asleep, or take shorter naps. This is often referred to as the 8-month sleep regression and can be linked to intense developmental changes and the transition from three to two naps.

Babies at this stage are also more independent and curious about their surroundings. Many start crawling, pulling themselves up on furniture, and using their hands to explore and play. They may also begin to understand simple words and respond to their name.

Example sleep schedule for an 8-month-old baby

• 7:00 AM: Morning wake-up

• 9:30–11:00 AM: First nap

• 1:30–3:00 PM: Second nap

• 7:00 PM: Begin bedtime routine

• 7:30–8:00 PM: Bedtime

• 8:00 PM–7:00 AM: Nighttime sleep with potential wake-ups

Adjust this schedule to fit your baby’s unique needs and rhythms.

Create your sleep routine with Napper

Designing a long-term sleep routine can be challenging—that’s where Napper comes in. Log your baby’s sleep for a few days and receive a customized schedule tailored to your baby’s unique sleep patterns for an optimal routine.

How much sleep does an 8-month-old baby need?

At this age, most babies need around 12–15 hours of sleep per day. This typically includes 10–12 hours at night and 2–3 hours during the day. Daytime sleep is usually divided into two naps, each lasting 1–1.5 hours. During transitional periods, some babies might still need a third, shorter nap of about 30 minutes.

How often and how long should an 8-month-old baby nap during the day?

An 8-month-old baby usually takes two naps during the day, each lasting between 1 and 1.5 hours. The first nap is often shorter, while the second afternoon nap may be longer as the day’s tiredness builds up. During growth spurts or especially active days, naps might be longer than usual.

How long should a baby be awake between naps?

Awake periods between naps are typically 3 to 4 hours. In the morning after the first nap, babies might manage a slightly longer awake time, while shorter awake periods may be needed in the afternoon. Watch for tiredness cues, like yawning, rubbing their eyes, or losing interest in activities, and aim to put your baby down before they become overtired.

What is a good bedtime for an 8-month-old baby?

A good bedtime for an 8-month-old is usually between 6:30 PM and 8:00 PM. Try to stick to the same time each evening and establish a calming bedtime routine to help your baby wind down. Activities like a bath, a cozy story, or a soothing lullaby can signal that it’s time to sleep and ease the transition.

Tips to support your 8-month-old’s sleep and development

Track sleep hours

If your baby sleeps too much during the day, it may make bedtime harder and disrupt nighttime sleep. With Napper, you can easily monitor your baby’s sleep and find the right balance.

Spend time outdoors

Getting exposure to natural daylight helps regulate your baby’s internal clock and can improve nighttime sleep. Aim for at least two hours outside each day, but protect your baby’s skin from direct sunlight as it’s very sensitive.

Establish consistent sleep habits

Try to maintain consistent times for naps and bedtime each day. This helps stabilize your baby’s internal sleep rhythm, making bedtime and naps easier. Create a bedtime routine that is the same every evening to signal that it’s time to wind down for the night.

Brush their teeth

If you haven’t started yet, now is a good time to introduce toothbrushing as part of your morning and evening routine. Use a soft baby toothbrush and a little water to gently clean any teeth that have come through, creating a healthy habit from the start.

Encourage crawling and standing practice

At this age, babies often try to pull themselves up on furniture and practice standing. Create a safe environment where your baby can explore and move freely. You can also place toys just out of reach to encourage crawling and movement.

Babyproof your home

As your baby starts crawling, it’s essential to make your home safe. Examples include moving dangerous items out of reach, installing baby gates at stairs, and keeping small objects off the floor. It’s also important to secure their sleep area, such as using crib bumpers or placing the crib in a safe location to prevent falls during nighttime movements. Learn about babyproofing and consult your healthcare provider if you need guidance.

Explore toys

Eight-month-old babies begin to use their hands more intentionally. Offer toys that promote fine motor skills, like stacking rings, blocks, or shape sorters. These activities help develop their grip and coordination.

Talk and sing

At 8 months, many babies mimic sounds and may say simple syllables like "ma-ma" or "da-da." Read picture books, sing, and talk to your baby to encourage language development.

Encourage self-feeding

At this age, many babies show interest in feeding themselves. If your baby can sit up steadily, hold their head up, and bring items to their mouth, try offering soft finger foods like banana, avocado, or steamed vegetables. It’s both fun and educational for your baby.

Make sure to read up on baby-led weaning safety before starting.

Play and stimulation for an 8-month-old baby

Play with everyday objects

Babies love exploring new items. Offer safe kitchen utensils like plastic bowls or wooden spoons to spark their curiosity.

Movement songs

Songs with hand motions, like "Itsy Bitsy Spider," are engaging and help build coordination.

Crawl after objects

Place toys around the room to encourage crawling and strengthen motor skills.

Water play

Fill a small tub with water and let your baby splash or play with safe, non-breakable cups. Note: Always supervise water play, even with small amounts.

Build and stack

Provide toys like blocks, shape sorters, or stacking rings to develop fine motor skills and understanding of size and balance.

What is an awake window for an 8-month-old baby?

Awake periods for an 8-month-old typically last 2.5–3.5 hours. These periods may vary throughout the day, with longer stretches in the morning and shorter ones in the afternoon. Activity levels and stimulation also influence how long your baby stays awake. Watch for tiredness signs and adapt nap times accordingly, or use Napper to receive reminders customized to your baby’s unique sleep patterns.