Week 8 old
What to expect at 8 weeks old: bigger feeds, slightly longer sleep stretches, more smiles, and the 2-month checkup that's usually right around now.
In short
At 8 weeks, most babies are taking in more milk per feeding, may give you a longer stretch of sleep at night, and are getting noticeably more social with real smiles and cooing. This week often lines up with the 2-month well-child visit and first round of vaccines.
🍼 Feeding
Breastfed babies this age typically nurse about 8 times in 24 hours (roughly every 2.5-3.5 hours), often with one slightly longer night stretch. Formula-fed babies usually take about 4-5 oz per bottle, around 5-6 feeds a day, commonly totaling 24-32 oz over 24 hours. Feed on demand and follow hunger cues; amounts vary baby to baby.
😴 Sleep
Most 8-week-olds sleep about 14-17 hours total per day, spread across roughly 3-5 naps plus night sleep. Wake windows are usually short, around 60-90 minutes. Many babies start consolidating one longer night stretch around now, but frequent night feeds are still completely normal. Always place baby on the back to sleep, on a firm flat surface with no pillows, blankets, or bumpers.
What's happening this week
- •Around this age, many babies start offering true social smiles in response to your face and voice, rather than the reflexive smiles of the newborn weeks.
- •Head control is improving for a lot of babies now; during tummy time many can lift the head and may briefly push up on the forearms.
- •Eyes are tracking better around 2 months, so many babies will follow a face or object as it moves across their line of sight.
- •Babies this age often begin cooing and making early vowel sounds, and may quiet or brighten when they hear a familiar voice.
- •Hands are starting to open up more and you may see your baby briefly bring them toward the mouth or midline.
Milestones to keep in mind
- ✓By the 2-month checkup, many babies smile responsively, briefly calm when picked up or spoken to, and make cooing sounds; these are ranges, not deadlines.
- ✓Around 2 months, lots of babies can hold the head up and begin to push up during tummy time, and will watch you as you move.
- ✓Many 2-month-olds turn toward sounds and follow movement with their eyes, though the exact timing varies widely from baby to baby.
- ✓Pediatricians track these CDC 2-month checkpoints at the well visit; if your baby isn't there yet, mention it rather than worrying alone.
Growth
💡 Tip for this week
If the 2-month vaccines fall this week, ask your pediatrician ahead of time how they recommend handling fussiness or a low-grade fever afterward, and plan for extra cuddles and feeds that day. Skin-to-skin and feeding during or after shots can help comfort your baby.
⚠️ When to call your pediatrician
Call your pediatrician for any rectal temperature of 100.4 F (38 C) or higher in a baby this young, fewer than 5-6 wet diapers a day or other signs of dehydration, poor feeding or trouble waking for feeds, no weight gain, persistent vomiting, labored or very fast breathing, or if your baby seems unusually limp, inconsolable, or has stopped smiling and responding the way they had been. After vaccines, call for a high fever, a seizure, or non-stop crying for more than a few hours. Trust your instincts and reach out when something feels off.
Frequently asked
How much should my 8-week-old be eating?
Most formula-fed babies this age take about 4-5 oz per bottle across 5-6 feeds, often 24-32 oz a day, while breastfed babies typically nurse about 8 times in 24 hours on demand. Watch your baby's hunger and fullness cues rather than fixing on an exact number, and bring any feeding concerns to your pediatrician.
Will my baby sleep through the night at 8 weeks?
Some babies start giving a longer 4-6 hour stretch around now, but most 8-week-olds still wake to feed at night, and that's completely normal and healthy. Total sleep is usually about 14-17 hours a day across naps and nights, with short 60-90 minute wake windows.
Is it normal that my baby is fussy after the 2-month shots?
Yes. Mild fussiness, sleepiness, a sore leg, or a low-grade fever in the day or two after 2-month vaccines is common and expected. Ask your pediatrician in advance how to manage discomfort, and call them for a high fever, a seizure, or crying that won't stop for more than a few hours.
Looking for the bigger picture? See the month 2 overview →
General guidance, not medical advice. Every baby develops at their own pace — talk to your pediatrician with any concerns.