The 12 Month Sleep Regression
- Laura Thompson | 1st April 2021 -
You’ve made it to the one year mark with your little one and what a crazy journey it’s been! Your baby has learnt so much over this past year but they are about to learn a whole lot more! This can mean a ‘regression’ sometime between about 10-14 months of age where sleep can go a little off track. Let’s talk about what is happening and what you can do to help!
What’s happening at 12 months?
So much! At around 12 months your baby is going through a surge of development both physically and mentally, their sleep needs are beginning to change and if that wasn’t enough there can often be another wave of separation anxiety.
All of this can lead to;
Nap refusal or shorter naps
Bedtime battles
Sudden, new night waking
Early rising
Physical and cognitive development
If your baby is not yet walking then they are working really hard on trying to! Pulling up on furniture, cruising and taking their first steps are huge milestones and they take a lot of brain power! Alongside these gross motor skills they are also refining their fine motor skills; exploring mark making, posting objects, turning pages of books and using cutlery more and more accurately!
They are soaking up everything around them like a sponge, imitating words and sounds as well as copying everything you do! They are likely your little shadow, helping you cook, do the laundry and brush your teeth!
Your baby’s brain is in overdrive processing all these new found skills and information and they also want to practice ALL. THE. TIME! (Even when they should be sleeping!)
Separation Anxiety
You may be finding that your little one appears ‘clingier’ at this age, this is a normal phase of development as they become more aware of themselves and their surroundings. Sleep times can be particularly challenging as you may find that your baby cries when you put them down to sleep when they were previously content to fall asleep independently.
Changing sleep needs
Nap patterns can change around your baby’s first birthday. Many 12 month olds start fighting the afternoon nap, leading parents to believe it’s time to drop to one nap. I strongly encourage you not to drop the nap too soon! Your little one will likely need 2 naps until around 15-18 months of age. Read more on the 2-1 nap transition here.
What Can You Do?
Daytime Activity
Most one year olds like to be active and they need plenty of opportunity to practice all their new skills. Have a baby proofed space in your house where baby can explore freely and burn off that energy! Babies don’t need loads of toys, you have probably noticed they love everyday objects just as much, if not more! Have a quick look round your house to find some baby safe items they can explore! Whisks, wooden spoons, sponges, pots and lids, old phones or calculators were all favourites with my two! Pinterest and Instagram have a wealth of ideas but you don’t have to spend endless time and money creating play opportunities for your little one!
Outdoor time is so important to give little ones new visual stimulation and more opportunity to active and burn off energy. A trip to the park, walk round the block and play in the garden are all great things to include in your daily routine. It doesn’t have to be elaborate! Day trips to the zoo or farm are lovely but don’t feel you need to plan heavily structured outings and activities every day!
Be consistent
Stick with your predictable and calming bedtime routine every night. If your little one typically falls asleep on their own, continue encouraging this every night. You can offer some extra support and reassurance if separation anxiety is making independent sleep more challenging. Start by simply trying to sit quietly on a chair in the room, your presence may be all they need!
Children thrive on routine and consistency especially during big changes such as developmental leaps or other life events, although your baby may fight their usual sleep routines, doing the same things at the same time each day will help to ease any anxiety because they know what to expect and when it’s time for sleep.
Extra Comfort
Separation anxiety is your baby is understanding more and more that they are a separate individual from you. Offering extra comfort, affection and reassurance every fay will help them through this period. Consciously offer more cuddles and kisses and eye contact! Ensure you have some distraction free 1:1 time with your baby every day, particularly if they are not with you for most of the day. I also encourage this 1:1 time to incorporated into bedtime routine to help wind down and offer that connection before the ‘separation’ that comes with sleep.
At 12 months old you can safely introduce a stuffed animal to your baby. Try introducing this during wake time as well as for sleep so that it becomes a familiar object to comfort them as they fall asleep.
Adjust the nap schedule
If your baby is consistently refusing the afternoon nap or not taking a long enough afternoon nap, causing a much too long window until bedtime, it may be time to cap the morning nap to 30-45 minutes. This can help her accept another nap 3-4 hours later. Start slowly and reduce the morning nap by 10 minute every day or other day until you find the right balance.
I’m here to help if you want to make changes to your child’s sleep habits!
Book a free call and let’s talk about how I can support your family!
