Key Points:
- Motor Development: Crawling, pulling up to stand and first steps are the new skills keeping them up.
- Separation Anxiety: The awareness of object permanence can cause separation anxiety and makes it very difficult for a baby to self-soothe
- Transition from 3 to 2 naps: A lack of daytime sleep or an excess of daytime sleep affects a baby’s ability to fall asleep at night.
Between 8 and 10 months, your baby may experience the third sleep regression. Unlike the first two, which occur at 4 and 6 months, give or take a few weeks, this one can occur over a wider range of ages due to a variety of factors that may affect different babies at different times.
Motor development
In the age range of 8 to 10 months, babies acquire the ability to crawl, pull up to stand and, for a few babies, even the attempt at first steps. These skills can be exciting (and uplifting) for a baby, and their brains want to keep practicing them even during sleep, leading to frequent night wakings or difficulty settling down. A baby who used to be put down in their crib without a fight may now resist bedtime by pulling themself up to stand in the crib! You may find that they are using their whole body and new skills to resist going to sleep, making it a whole new challenge for you!
This new mobility also allows them to explore on their own, crawling and moving wherever their curiosity takes them. This, in turn, makes them more excited and sometimes overstimulated. A baby who wakes up in the middle of the night may not fall asleep easily because they may be wide awake, standing in their crib, looking at something in their room that has caught their eye.
Separation Anxiety
Their cognitive development at this stage also plays a crucial role in this sleep regression. They are more aware of their environment and surroundings, they’re learning to understand language and discovering their own voice, they are recognizing routines and responding to social cues. This cognitive burst keeps their minds really busy and active, affecting their sleep.
They are also learning about object permanence and they have now discovered that when their parent leaves, they still exist but are far away. This awareness can cause separation anxiety and makes it very difficult for a baby to self-soothe and fall asleep without the reassurance of their parents nearby to protect them.
Transition from 3 to 2 naps
Some babies might transition from 3 to 2 naps at around 8 months, or maybe even later. If a baby didn’t go through this transition earlier, this change in sleep patterns and routines will undoubtedly affect their overall sleep quality. A lack of daytime sleep or an excess of daytime sleep will undoubtedly affect a baby’s ability to fall asleep and their night time sleep.
Now that you know all the factors that come into play during the 8-10 month sleep regression, you can navigate these challenging times with more patience and nurture. Remember, it’s only temporary! With consistent sleep routines, comforting techniques and a lot of patience, you’ll help your little one get past this bumpy road until their sleep settles down again.
