HELP! 8 Month Old Does Not Know How to Go Back to Sleep During the Night

If she was sleeping through the night before, it could be a couple of things. One is a growth spurt which means she is really burning up the calories and needs more food than usual for a while. However, it doesn't really have to be at night. Try giving her a top-up before bed. If she is on solids make sure this top-up includes some cereal to help hold her over until morning.

You say you are only breastfeeding her during the night now. Is she bottle fed during the day? The other thing could be that she's figured out that if she cries at night she gets a nice one-on-one cuddle with mommy. This is a hard one. Obviously you are working during the day and have another child that also requires attention. Is it possible to carve out a little time each evening and morning with just her? Even just 10 mins at these times could make a huge difference.

Whatever you figure out is causing it, the night time solution is the same. Don't feed her at night. Get dad to go calm her when she wakes. You may need to sleep in another room for a few nights (I know!), but it will make all the difference. If she can't see or smell you she will give up. Dad should not turn on lights or talk too much. Just Sshhhh, or 'your ok', then cover her back up and get back in his own bed. Waiting at least 10 mins before getting back up to calm her. I realize this will make for some difficult nights, but in just 3-4 days she should be back to sleeping through. Start with a Thursday night (only one work to day to get through without much sleep). Take advantage of a nap on Sat and Sun when the kids nap to help keep your sanity. If you stick to the same response (dad responding) everytime she wakes, she will soon settle back down.

You'll get through this!

Maybe it's teething. My 8 month old is have a terrible time right now and although she is usually very easy going, recently she has been more cranky now that her teeth are coming in.

Sounds like she is getting used to the little cuddle times and now expects them. My little one was the same. It will be hard for a few days, but it's important to reduce the nighttime interaction as much as possible. Night is for sleeping and that's the best thing you can teach her. My strategy was to rub her belly, sing her favorite lullaby and then leave the room, only going back after 10-15 minutes if she still needed some calming down. I would also send in my husband for the first two or three wake-ups. Nothing says no breastfeeding like Dad. After a few nights of this, she will probably get the picture and go back to sleeping. That said, if she is teething or getting sick, it may take a bit longer.
I don't agree with some of the advice about keeping her up later, etc...all of the experts recommend maintaining usual schedules and not letting babies get overly tired. Sleep begets sleep. Remember, this too shall pass :)

You are not alone in this. =) Most kids go through a period when you think you will lose your mind because they want to be up all night and you want to sleep! Take a deep breath and realize that this stage will be over before you know it!

First of all, try and keep her up, play with her as late as you can, don't let her take to late a nap, don't let her go to bed at 6pm (as an example). Give her a bath, play in the bath with her. Feed her well and tuck her in. If she still is getting up you may just have to grit your teeth and be willing to switch off nights with your husband.
Believe me, she will grow out of it soon and you will be missing those late night private cuddles. =)

I'm not sure where you live, but where I live it's starting to get really cold throughout the night. My little guy is 18 months and he has always been a good sleeper as well until recently. He wakes up 2-3 times a night and I just cover him back up (he doesn't like covers) and he goes right back to sleep. And then he'll kick them off, wake, and I go in and cover him back up. I personally think he is getting cold, even when I put him in a sleeper. Maybe try to keep her a little more warm and see if that helps. Just a guess!!! Good luck! ~S.~