8-Month Sleep Regression: Separation Anxiety and Motor Development
Key Takeaways
- Separation anxiety (peaks at 8-10 months) and motor development (crawling, pulling up) are the two drivers of this regression.
- It typically lasts 2-4 weeks and often coincides with the 3-to-2 nap transition.
- Your baby may stand up in the crib and not know how to get back down — practice sitting during the day.
- Object permanence is developing: your baby now knows you exist even when you're not in the room.
You thought you had it figured out. Your baby was sleeping well, nights were (mostly) predictable. Then around 8 months, everything unravels. Night wakings are back. Your baby cries the moment you leave the room. Welcome to the 8-month sleep regression.
Why your 8-month-old stopped sleeping
Unlike the 4-month regression (which is a change in sleep architecture), the 8-month regression has two specific drivers:
Separation anxiety
Between 8 and 10 months, your baby reaches a major cognitive milestone: object permanence. They now understand that you exist even when you're not visible. The catch: they don't yet understand that you always come back.
The result: every brief waking between sleep cycles becomes a mini-crisis. They wake up, can't see you, and panic.
Motor development
Your baby is learning big things: crawling, getting on all fours, pulling up to stand. Their brain wants to practice these new skills around the clock, including at 2am. Some babies stand up in their crib... and can't figure out how to get back down.
Signs of the 8-month regression
- Intense crying when you leave the room (when it was fine before)
- Night wakings with difficulty falling back asleep
- Baby standing in the crib, gripping the rails
- Nap resistance, especially the third nap of the day
- Extra clingy during the day, doesn't want to be put down
What actually helps
1. Play peek-a-boo during the day
This isn't just a game — it's cognitive training. Every round of peek-a-boo teaches your baby that things (and people) still exist when they disappear, and that they come back. Play it multiple times a day.
2. Practice sitting down from standing
If your baby stands in the crib and gets stuck, the answer isn't laying them down 47 times a night. During the day, help them practice sitting down from a standing position. Against the couch, against your bed — make it a game. Within a few days, they'll master the movement.
3. Don't rush in
This is the hardest part. When your baby cries at night, every instinct tells you to run in immediately. But rushing to every sound can actually reinforce the anxiety ("if mom runs, something must be wrong"). Wait a moment. Often, your baby will settle on their own if given the chance.
4. Keep nighttime responses boring
When you do go in at night, be calm, brief, and boring. No bright lights, no chatting, no play. A monotone "shh, it's sleep time," a hand on the tummy for a moment, and you leave.
5. Manage the nap transition
Around 8 months, the third nap of the day often becomes a problem. If your baby regularly refuses it or it pushes bedtime too late, it's time to move to 2 naps. Gradually stretch wake windows (2.5-3.5 hours at this age) over 1-2 weeks.
What not to do
- Don't start co-sleeping if it wasn't already your choice. Bringing baby into your bed out of exhaustion creates a new habit that's hard to undo.
- Don't drop naps. An overtired baby sleeps worse at night, not better.
- Don't sneak away. Always say goodbye before leaving the room — even for naps. Disappearing silently reinforces the anxiety.
How long does it last?
The most intense phase typically lasts 2-4 weeks. Separation anxiety itself can linger in milder form for several months. But nights get back to normal well before separation anxiety fully resolves.
When to see a doctor
If the night wakings come with fever, refusal to eat, or unusual symptoms, talk to your pediatrician. If it's your own exhaustion that worries you, that's also a valid reason to seek help.
A plan that adapts to the regression
DodoCare automatically detects signs of regression in your daily check-ins and adjusts the night plan accordingly. No more guessing what to do at 3am — the plan is ready. The first 3 days are free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my 8-month-old suddenly waking up at night?
It's likely separation anxiety. Around 8-10 months, your baby understands that you exist even when out of sight, but doesn't yet understand that you always come back. They wake up and panic at being alone.
My baby stands up in the crib and cries. What should I do?
This is very common at this age. During the day, practice sitting down from a standing position with your baby. At night, lay them down calmly once, then let them work it out. They'll learn quickly.
Should I drop from 3 to 2 naps at 8 months?
This is often the right time. Signs: the third nap is regularly refused or it pushes bedtime too late. The transition takes 1-2 weeks as you gradually stretch wake windows.