12-Month Sleep Regression: Roadmap to Fix Night Wakings & Nap Struggles

The first birthday is a huge milestone—cake, chocolate, photos, and suddenly, the 12-Month Sleep Regression. Just when sleep finally seemed consistent, your toddler starts:

• Fighting naps,
• Waking frequently at night,
• Refusing bedtime altogether.

Does this sound familiar? You are not alone. This stage is temporary and completely normal. It’s not a parenting failure—it’s a developmental leap.

In this guide, we will cover:

• What is 12-month sleep regression
• Why thesleep regression happens,
• How long it lasts,
• How to fix it and
• Proven sleep training tips to make things easier.

For earlier stages, check out our guides on 4-Month Sleep Regression, 6-Month Sleep Regression, and 8-Month Sleep Regression to see how sleep patterns evolve during the first year.

What Exactly IS the 12-Month Sleep Regression?

The 12-month sleep regression is a period when a baby who previously slept well suddenly struggles with sleep. It usually appears around the baby’s first birthday and can last anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks.

12 month sleep regression signs include:

• Frequent night waking
• Shorter or skipped naps
• Difficulty falling asleep
• Early morning wake-ups

This regression happens because your toddler is going through huge developmental milestones—mentally, physically, and emotionally. Their brains are busy learning new skills like walking, talking, and independence. Sleep often takes a back seat.

Red More: Sleep Regression in Babies: Why It’s a Sign of Progress (and How to Celebrate It)

Causes of 12-Month Sleep Regression?

The 12-month regression is often a perfect storm of five developmental factors, including:

• Developmental Leaps,
• Separation Anxiety,
• Nap Transition,
• Teething Pain ,
• Growth Spurts.

We’ll explain more below:

Developmental Leaps

Around one year, babies are busy learning exciting new skills like:

• Standing and walking
• Waving, clapping, or pointing
• Saying their first words

All this brain activity makes it tough for your little one to wind down at night.

Separation Anxiety

At this age, your toddler is more aware of your presence—and absence. Bedtime can trigger tears, not because they don’t want to sleep, but because they don’t want you to leave.

Nap Transition

Many babies start shifting from two naps to one. This big change can throw off their sleep schedule for a few weeks until their body adjusts.

Teething Pain

The first molars often appear around 12 months. Sore gums can cause night waking, fussiness, and restlessness at bedtime.

Growth Spurts

During a growth spurt, your baby may need extra feedings at night for comfort and calories, which can temporarily disrupt sleep.

Do All Children Have a 12-Month Sleep Regression?

Not every child goes through a 12-month sleep regression. Some toddlers sleep normally, while others may wake more at night, resist bedtime, or skip naps for a few weeks.

Even if your child isn’t affected, it’s normal—every baby develops at their own pace.

Remember: Sleep regressions are common but not the same for every child.

How Long Does the 12-Month Sleep Regression Last?

Most sleep regressions last 2–6 weeks, but every child is different. Some toddlers bounce back to their normal sleep routine within a couple of weeks, while others may take a little longer. Either way, it’s a phase, not a permanent change, and one day you’ll suddenly realize bedtime feels easier again.

Roadmap to Fix 12-Month Sleep Regression: 6 Proven Tips on How to Handle It

Here’s a simple, structured plan to guide you through the 12-month sleep regression.

Stick to a Consistent Sleep Schedule

Babies thrive on routine. Aim for:

• Target Window: Aim for a bedtime between 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM and a morning wake-up around 6:30 AM – 7:30 AM.
• Crucially: Be flexible with your nap timing, but rigid with your nap opportunities. Consistency helps reset their internal clock.

💡 Tip: Even if naps are short, keep offering rest times. Consistency helps reset their sleep cycle.

Create a Calming Bedtime Routine

A predictable 20-30 minute routine signals to your toddler that it’s time to wind down. Keep it the same every night:

1. Bath or gentle wipe-down – A warm bath or soothing wipe-down lowers body temperature slightly and signals the body that it’s time to relax.
2. Pajamas and sleep sack –Dressing your toddler in cozy sleepwear creates a physical cue for sleep. Consider soft fabrics and minimal distractions like noisy snaps or zippers
3. Story or lullaby – Reading a short story or singing a lullaby engages language and bonding, while signaling that the day is ending. Keep lights dim to reinforce the sleep-wake cycle.
4. Feeding (if part of routine) – A small, consistent snack or milk feed can provide comfort but avoid using it as the sole sleep cue.
5. Dim lights and white noise – Dim lighting supports melatonin production, and gentle white noise masks household sounds that could wake your toddler.

💡 Keep it the same every night—this builds security and reduces resistance.

Balance Daytime Sleep: The 2-to-1 Nap Transition

Total sleep needed is ~13-15 hours. At 12 months, your child is likely shifting to one long afternoon nap (the 2-to-1 transition).

• Optimize Wake Windows: During this shift, focus on appropriate wake windows (3.5–5 hours) to prevent them from becoming severely overtired by bedtime, which makes night sleep worse.
• Watch the Signs: If your baby is consistently fighting the second nap or taking two very short, poor naps, it’s time to focus on one long, quality nap.

Manage 12 month sleep regression separation anxiety

If your toddler cries when you leave the room, try:

• Comfort objects: Offer a favorite blanket or stuffed animal (safety-approved).
• Peek-a-boo practice: Play short “I’ll come back” games during the day to build trust.
• Gentle reassurance: When they wake, go in briefly, pat them, and leave—avoid picking them up or engaging in long interactions. Keep it quick and boring.

Address Physical Discomfort (Teething/Hunger)

• Teething Relief: If teething is clearly the culprit, ask your pediatrician about safe pain relief before bed. Provide extra comfort, but avoid making it a new long-term sleep habit.
• Adjust Night Feeds: Many 12-month-olds no longer need a night feed. If your pediatrician agrees, you can gradually reduce night feeds or offer water instead of milk to break the habit.

Avoid Over-Tiredness

An overtired baby has more trouble falling asleep. Watch for sleep cues like:

• Eye rubbing
• Yawning
• Fussiness

Respond quickly—don’t wait until they’re wired and cranky.

Avoid Quick Fixes That Backfire

During regressions, it’s tempting to:

• Rock your baby to sleep every night
• Bring them into your bed
• Extend feedings just to settle them

While these may work short-term, they can create new sleep associations that are harder to break later.

Unique Sleep Techniques: Practice During the Day

This table provides proactive daytime strategies to help your toddler process their new skills, reducing the urge to practice them at night.

The 5-Minute Nighttime Emergency Kit

This table offers quick, simple ways to help your baby sleep without creating new bad habits—especially for those desperate 3 AM wake-ups.

Should I Sleep Train During a Regression? 

If your baby is still waking frequently, gentle sleep training can help. Popular methods include:

• Ferber method (graduated checks): Check in at increasing intervals
• Chair method: Sit near the crib and move farther away each night
• Pick-up/put-down: Comfort briefly, then put them back down

Consistency is key—pick a method you’re comfortable with and stick to it.

• For additional strategies, see Parents.com Gentle Sleep Training Methods.
• For safe sleep guidelines, refer to the CDC Safe Sleep Practices.

Don’t Forget About You: Self-Care for Tired Parents

The 12-month sleep regression can drain parents emotionally and physically. Remember:

• Prioritize Rest: Take short naps, go to bed earlier, or sleep in when possible.
• Share the Load: Alternate night duties with your partner, or get support from family.
• Keep Life Simple: Keep daily tasks light and don’t worry about the extras.
• Eat and drink well – Balanced meals and water give you more energy than caffeine alone.
• Take Small Breaks: A quick walk, stretch, or deep breathing can recharge you.

When to See a Doctor

While most 12-month sleep regressions are temporary and part of normal development, you should consult your pediatrician if any of the following occur:

• Persistent sleep disruption: Night waking, early rising, or nap struggles lasting more than 6 weeks.
• Insufficient total sleep: Your toddler consistently sleeps less than 10 hours in a 24-hour period.
• Growth or appetite concerns: Frequent night waking paired with poor weight gain, reduced appetite, or feeding difficulties.
• Signs of illness or discomfort: Persistent pain, fever, unusual lethargy, or behavior that seems abnormal.
• Parental concern or stress: If the sleep issues are overwhelming, causing significant stress, or impacting family wellbeing—seeking professional guidance is appropriate.

💡 Tip: Early consultation can rule out underlying medical issues, provide reassurance, and guide targeted strategies to restore healthy sleep patterns.

Read more: Decoding the Red Flags in Your Child’s Sleep.

Takeaway

The 12-month sleep regression is challenging but temporary. With a consistent sleep schedule, gentle sleep training tips, and plenty of patience, your toddler will soon return to better sleep.

Remember—you’re not doing anything wrong. This is just part of your child’s growth journey. Stay calm, stay consistent, and better nights are ahead.

If you want to see how sleep regressions continue beyond infancy, check out our guide: Toddler Sleep Regression: How Neuroscience Can Help Your Child Sleep Better

FAQs

Is it normal for my 1-year-old to wake up several times at night

Yes. Many babies regress around this age due to development, teething, or nap changes. It’s temporary.

Should I stop night feeds at 12 months?

Talk to your pediatrician. Many 12-month-olds no longer need night feeds, but every child is different.

How do I know if it’s teething or sleep regression?

Teething often comes with drooling, chewing, or swollen gums. If those signs aren’t present, regression is more likely.

Can melatonin help my baby sleep?

Melatonin for children under 3 is not recommended unless prescribed by a doctor. Focus on healthy sleep habits instead.

What if the regression doesn’t end?

If sleep struggles last more than 6 weeks, or you’re concerned, talk to your pediatrician or a certified sleep consultant.

Scientific References