Baby Milestones

Your month-by-month companion

Month 8

Crawling takes off and baby understands object permanence. Separation anxiety peaks.

Quick Reference

Sleep

12-15 hours

Feeding

24-32 oz (710-950 ml) milk + 2-3 solid meals

Naps

2 naps

Wake Window

2.5-3.5 hours

Talk to your doctor if baby...

•Does not sit without support
•Does not transfer objects between hands
•Does not make consonant sounds
•Does not play interactive games like peek-a-boo
•Does not respond to own name
•Does not recognize familiar people

Baby wakes every hour at night - I'm losing my mind!

The 8-month sleep regression is brutal and very common, caused by new physical skills (crawling, standing) and peak separation anxiety. It typically lasts 3-6 weeks. Keep bedtime routine consistent, avoid new sleep associations, and know this will pass.

Baby stands in the crib but won't sit down!

This is a very common and frustrating phase. Practice sitting from standing during the day (it's a new skill). At night, go in briefly to lay baby down once or twice, but they need to learn this skill. It usually resolves within a week or two.

Is the 8-month sleep regression real?

Yes, and it's typically the worst one. Caused by: crawling/standing practice at night, separation anxiety peak, new brain development, and growing awareness. Consistency is key. If it lasts beyond 6 weeks, talk to your pediatrician.

Should my baby be crawling by now?

About 50% of babies crawl by 8 months, but crawling any time between 6-11 months is normal. Some babies scoot, roll, or army crawl instead. Talk to your doctor if baby isn't moving at all by 12 months or shows significant differences between sides.

How do I handle the nap transition?

Most babies drop from 3 to 2 naps between 8-9 months when wake windows stretch to 2.5-3.5 hours. Signs: fighting one nap, taking forever to fall asleep, naps getting shorter. The transition takes 2-4 weeks of adjustment.

When do I lower the crib mattress?

Lower the crib to the lowest setting once baby can pull to their knees or stand - do this before they master pulling up, not after. Better too early than a dangerous fall. Remove crib mobiles and bumpers now too.

ExpectedWhat most babies do
  • •Sit without support for extended periods
  • •Get into crawling position (hands and knees)
  • •Creep, scoot, or crawl
  • •Look for objects when dropped (object permanence)
  • •Bang two objects together
  • •Pick up small objects with fingers
  • •Wave or respond to bye-bye
VariesWhat some babies do
  • •Crawl on hands and knees
  • •Pull to standing
  • •Use pincer grasp (thumb and finger)
  • •Say single consonant sounds (ba, da, ma)
  • •Understand cause-and-effect (push button, something happens)

What's Next

Month 9 · Month 9 brings pulling to stand, cruising along furniture, and the 9-month developmental screening at the well visit.