What's Happening at 12 Months?
Your baby is becoming a toddler! Walking, language development, and increased awareness of the world are lighting up their brain. These major cognitive and motor milestones can temporarily disrupt sleep as they process all this new information.
What's changing: Brain development + new skills + changing sleep needs = temporary sleep disruption
Common Symptoms
Normal 12-Month Regression Signs:
- Night wakings - after sleeping through the night
- Nap refusals - or fighting bedtime
- Sudden hunger - or wanting night feeds again
- Behavior shifts - more active, restless
- Early morning wake-ups
What You Might Notice:
- Standing/walking practice in crib during sleep time
- New words or sounds keeping them excited
- Increased curiosity about surroundings
- May seem hungry at night even if eating well during day
Treatment at Home
✅ General Strategies:
- Maintain consistent schedules - bedtime, wake time, nap times
- Feed well before bed - NOT in their sleep space
- Stick to established bedtime routine
- Normalize minor protesting - don't reinforce every noise
- Ensure adequate daytime nutrition - growth spurts are common
- Stay patient and consistent - this is temporary
✅ Managing Night Wakings:
- Brief check-ins - avoid picking up
- Consistent response - same approach each time
- Avoid reintroducing night feeds unless medically necessary
✅ Handling New Skills:
- Practice walking during the day - tire them out appropriately
- Create calm environment - minimize stimulation before sleep
- Allow processing time - quiet play before bed
❌ Avoid:
- Assuming they need to eat at night (unless weight concerns)
- Starting new sleep dependencies
- Giving up on established routines
Typical 12-Month Schedule
- Wake time: 6:30-7:30 AM
- Morning nap: 9:30-11:00 AM (1.5 hours)
- Afternoon nap: 2:00-3:30 PM (1.5 hours)
- Bedtime: 7:00-8:00 PM
- Wake windows: 3-4 hours between sleeps
Note: Some babies may be ready to transition to one nap around this age
When to Contact Poppins
📱 Reach out if:
- Sleep disruption continues beyond 4 weeks
- You're concerned about nutritional needs or growth
- Behavior changes seem extreme
- You need support maintaining consistent boundaries
When to Contact Your Pediatrician
⚠️ At 12 months, it's important to watch for signs of sleep disordered breathing. You should contact your pediatrician for evaluation when your child displays:
- Regular snoring (more than 3 nights per week)
- Pauses in breathing, choking, or gasping during sleep
- Restless sleep with frequent position changes
🩺 Other issues worthy of contacting your pediatrician for:
- Fever, vomiting, or signs of illness
- Persistent teething pain affecting sleep
- Extreme behavior or developmental concerns
Remember: Your Baby Is Becoming a Toddler
This regression marks an exciting transition—your baby's brain is capable of so much more now! Walking, talking, and exploring the world are huge developmental leaps that temporarily affect sleep. For more information on sleep regressions, you can read the full guide here.
Key insight: Developmental leaps often create temporary sleep disruption. Your consistent response helps them feel secure while they master new skills.
We'll check in with you within 48 hours after your visit. If your gut tells you something is wrong, don't hesitate to reach out.
