Swaddle
Wake up 
Nap until 10:50 am (1 h 10 min) 
Bedtime 8 month old sample schedule
Here is one example day for a 8 month old who wakes at 7:00 am. It uses age-typical wake windows of about 2 h 55 min, a little shorter in the morning and a little longer before bed, and naps of about 1 h 10 min.
| Time | What | Awake before |
|---|---|---|
| 7:00 am | Wake up for the day | - |
| 9:40 am - 10:50 am | Nap (1 h 10 min) | 2 h 40 min |
| 1:45 pm - 3:00 pm | Nap (1 h 10 min) | 2 h 55 min |
| 6:30 pm | Bedtime | 3 h 30 min |
That is about 2 h 20 min of day sleep. Wake earlier or later and everything shifts with it: use the schedule maker below to set your own wake-up time.
Wake windows are about 2.5 to 3.5 hours. A common rhythm is a morning nap about 2.5 hours after waking, an afternoon nap about 3 hours later, and bedtime about 3 to 3.5 hours after that.
New skills at night
Babies often practice crawling or pulling to stand in the crib. If they get stuck standing, practice sitting back down from standing during the day. They usually learn it within a week or two. Read more about the 8 month sleep regression.
Separation anxiety
Peak separation anxiety often lands between 8 and 10 months. A consistent goodbye routine, a bit of extra connection at bedtime and a calm, boring response at night all help. Many families find a lovey is not yet safe to leave in the crib. Safe sleep guidance is to keep soft objects out of the crib until 12 months.
Nap length
Two naps of 1 to 1.5 hours each is common, about 2.5 to 3.5 hours of day sleep in total.
Wake windows at 8 months
A wake window is the time your baby is awake between one sleep and the next. At 8 months it is usually 2 h 30 min to 3 h 30 min. Most babies manage the shortest window in the morning and the longest before bedtime, as sleep pressure builds through the day. If your baby fights sleep and only drops off after a long time, the window may be too short. If they melt down before naps, it may be too long. See all ages on our wake windows by age chart.
How much sleep does a 8 month old need?
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends 12 to 16 hours in 24 hours at this age, including naps. Some healthy babies sleep a bit more or less. Watch your baby rather than the number: a baby who is mostly content when awake, and feeding and growing well, is usually getting enough sleep.
Sleep regression around 8 months
Crawling, pulling up and separation anxiety collide. Often with the 3 to 2 nap switch. Read the full guide: 8 month sleep regression.
Safe sleep: every sleep on the back, on a firm, flat surface, with no pillows, blankets, bumpers or toys. Share a room, not a bed, for at least the first 6 months.