The12-Month Sleep Regression: Why it Happens and How to Get Through It
If your once-great sleeper has suddenly started waking at night, fighting naps, or becoming fussy at bedtime right around their first birthday… you are not alone. Many families find themselves caught off guard by the 12-month sleep regression, especially when everything seemed to be going so well.
As a certified child sleep consultant and the founder of Stargazer Sleep Consulting, I want to reassure you: This is a common (and temporary!) developmental stage, and with the right support, you and your little one can make it through with confidence.
What Is the 12-Month Sleep Regression?
The 12-month sleep regression is a temporary period of disrupted sleep that typically occurs around your baby’s first birthday. Not every child experiences it, but for many, sleep suddenly becomes inconsistent after previously showing steady progress.
You might notice:
Frequent night wakings
Difficulty falling asleep
Shortened or refused naps
Increased fussiness or clinginess at bedtime
Early morning wakeups
According to Dr. Corey Fish, a pediatrician and Chief Medical Officer at Brave Care, regressions often occur right before periods of intense neurological development. At 12 months, your baby is hitting huge milestones—learning to walk, talk, and explore the world in new ways—all of which can temporarily interrupt their ability to sleep well (Fish, 2023).
Why Does It Happen?
This regression is developmentally driven. Here’s what might be at play:
Neurological growth: Your baby’s brain is processing a lot—language, motor skills, and cognitive leaps all happening at once (Scher et al., 2002).
Walking: Many babies are cruising or starting to walk, which can lead to restlessness and increased physical energy.
Language explosion: Around this age, your little one may begin using a few words and understanding far more, which stimulates the brain even at night.
Separation anxiety: This peaks in many children around 12 months, making bedtime more challenging.
Illness: Your child is enjoying contact with more people, and as a result is likely getting sick more often. This is a common culprit of disrupted sleep and can overlap with developmental changes.
Changing nap needs: Though most babies transition to one nap closer to 14–15 months, some may begin showing signs earlier, which can throw off sleep patterns. In fact, they may need less day sleep in order to keep night sleep intact.
How Long Does It Last?
The good news? This regression is temporary. Most families see sleep return to normal within 1–3 weeks. If sleep challenges persist beyond this, it may be time to reassess your child’s routine or rule out other factors like illness, a too-late nap, or a shift in sleep needs.
What Can You Do to Cope?
Here’s what I recommend as your trusted sleep consultant:
1. Stick to the Sleep Routine
Keep your child’s existing schedule as consistent as possible. While it might be tempting to make lots of changes, doing so can actually make the regression last longer. Babies thrive on predictability.
2. Offer Sleep Support, But Set Boundaries
Offer comfort when needed—your baby might need a little more reassurance during this phase—but try to avoid forming new habits like rocking to sleep. Gentle back rubs, a few soothing words, or staying close until drowsy are all great ways to support your child while still preserving their independent sleep skills.
3. Evaluate Nap Needs Carefully
Most 12-month-olds still need two naps per day. Some may show signs of wanting to drop a nap early but try not to rush it. Dropping to one nap prematurely can lead to overtiredness and even more disrupted nights. It may be better to cap the morning nap in order to keep it than to eliminate it all together. If your child is consistently fighting one nap for over 2–3 weeks, we can explore whether it’s truly time to transition.
4. Create an Ideal Sleep Environment
Ensure the sleep space is dark, quiet, and cool. White noise, blackout curtains, and a cozy sleep sack can work wonders. Try to avoid screens or high-energy play within an hour of bedtime.
5. Encourage Daytime Activity
Let your toddler burn off energy and explore their new skills during the day. Exposure to natural light and physical activity supports healthy circadian rhythms.
6. Revisit Sleep Training If Needed
If you’ve previously taught your baby to fall asleep independently, they will bounce back. But if you're finding yourself overwhelmed or unsure where to begin, I’m here to help. Sleep training at this stage—done gently and with a tailored plan—can make a big difference.
When to Seek Help
If your child’s sleep challenges persist longer than 3–4 weeks, or you suspect something more than a regression (like persistent illness, pain, or sleep-disordered breathing), don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician.
You also don’t have to wait that long to get support. If you’re exhausted, overwhelmed, or just want guidance through this phase, that’s exactly what I’m here for. At Stargazer Sleep Consulting, I provide one-on-one support for families navigating the ups and downs of baby and toddler sleep—especially the tricky parts like regressions and nap transitions.
Final Thoughts
Remember: this is a phase. It’s hard, but it’s not forever. And it’s also a sign of growth—your baby is becoming more aware, more mobile, and more connected to the world around them.
Sleep challenges can shake even the most confident parent, but with the right tools and a little encouragement, you can come through this with more confidence, and with a recognition that your little one is growing and changing every day.
You've got this. And if you need help?
I’ve got you.
Book a personalized consultation with me today, and let’s get your family the sleep you all need and deserve.
References
Fish, C. (2023). Brave Care Pediatrics. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com
American Academy of Pediatrics. (2022). Healthy sleep for babies and toddlers. https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/150/1/e2022057991/188305/Evidence-Base-for-2022-Updated-Recommendations-for?autologincheck=redirected
Scher, A., Tirosh, E., & Lavie, P. (2002). The relationship between sleep and temperament revisited: Evidence for 12-month-olds. Infant Behavior and Development, 25(4), 599–605. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0163-6383(02)00165-X
American Academy of Sleep Medicine. (2016). Recommended amount of sleep for pediatric populations: A consensus statement. https://jcsm.aasm.org/doi/10.5664/jcsm.5866
