Updated on
January 31, 2025
You’ve officially made it to the toddler stage—congratulations! By 12 months, your baby has likely experienced a whirlwind of changes, from first steps to first words. In the midst of all this growth and enthusiasm, their sleep patterns could also be changing. Gone are the unpredictable newborn days, but that doesn’t mean sleep is smooth sailing just yet.
At this age, sleep schedules, nap times, and bedtime habits start to settle into more predictable patterns. Yet, your toddler’s growing curiosity and boundless energy might lead to skipped naps, early wake-ups, or bedtime battles. Sound familiar?
If you’re wondering how much sleep your 12-month-old needs or how to establish healthy habits for restful nights, you’re in the right place.
In this blog, we’ll dive into the world of sleep for 12-month-olds. We’ll explore what sleep by 12 months looks like, tackle common challenges, and share tips on how to create a routine that works for your little one—and for your family, we’ve got you covered. By the end, you’ll feel confident in navigating naps, bedtimes, and even those occasional sleep challenges.
Here’s what you’ll find in this article:
By 12 months, your toddler’s sleep is settling into a more predictable rhythm. While every child is unique, having a general idea of sleep needs can help you identify what works best for your little one—and when they might need extra support. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:
These are the signs that your baby’s sleep is right on track:
Even the best routines can hit a bump now and then. Look out for these signs that your baby might need a little more sleep:
Parent-to-Parent Tip: If your little one seems overtired or resistant to sleep, try adjusting their nap or bedtime by 15–20 minutes. Sometimes, even a small tweak can make a world of difference. No one’s sleep is perfect, and that’s okay!
Below is a quick overview of sleep needs for babies aged 0 to 15 months. Every baby is unique, so treat this as a flexible roadmap. Watch your little one’s mood, energy, and milestones—they’ll guide you in understanding their ideal sleep routine. Remember, happy, rested babies thrive better!
At Happy Baby we offer personalized sleep schedule tools that adapt to your baby’s needs. Whether you’re managing your 12 month old baby’s nap transitions or early wake-ups, our insights make it easier to create a routine that works for your family.
Understanding your baby’s sleep needs is key to supporting their growth and development. Let’s talk about why sleep matters so much for your 12-month-old.
Your baby is reaching important milestones by the age of 12 months. They are learning to walk, maybe uttering their first words, and exploring the world with a sense of endless curiosity. It’s an exciting time, but all that growing, learning, and adventuring means sleep is more important than ever. Here’s why:
Think of sleep as your baby’s secret superpower. It fuels their growth, calms their emotions, and prepares them for all the big moments ahead. And let’s be honest, a well-rested baby means a little more peace for you, too. You’re doing an amazing job, and helping your baby get the sleep they need is one of the best gifts you can give them (and yourself).
Struggling with sudden sleep changes? Your baby might be experiencing a sleep regression - a temporary but common phase. Check out our article, Sleep Regression: Why Isn't My Baby Sleeping Anymore? for helpful solutions!
To keep your little one happy and well-rested, a consistent sleep schedule can work wonders. Let’s explore how to create a routine that fits your family’s flow!
Consistency is key to sleep success for 12-month-olds. By this age, your baby thrives on routines that bring structure to their day, helping them transition smoothly between activities and settle down for restful sleep.
Here’s a sample daily schedule for a 12-month-old:
7:00 AM: Wake up and cuddle time.
7:30 AM: Breakfast—fuel up for an active morning.
10:00 AM: Morning nap.
11:00 AM: Wake up and engage in stimulating activities.
12:30 PM: Lunch.
3:00 PM: Afternoon nap.
4:00 PM: Wake up and enjoy some playtime or wind-down activities.
5:30 PM: Dinner and quiet activities.
7:30 PM: Start the bedtime routine (bath, storytime, and a lullaby).
8:00 PM: Lights out for a peaceful night’s sleep.
For babies on a one-nap schedule: Adjust the single nap to start closer to 12:00 PM or 12:30 PM, and ensure it lasts 1.5 to 2 hours. In this case, bedtime can remain around 7:30 PM to 8:00 PM to keep your baby well-rested.
Parent hack: Keep a consistent wake-up time every morning. This helps regulate your baby’s internal clock, making naps and bedtime much smoother.
Sudden changes like illness, travel, or family events can temporarily disrupt even the best schedules. When this happens:
Parents, wondering about your little one’s early sleep patterns? Don’t miss our guides on "Sleep Schedule for 1-Month-Olds" and "Sleep Schedule for 2-Month-Olds” for practical tips tailored just for you!
While a solid sleep schedule can work wonders, challenges are bound to arise. Let’s explore some common hurdles you might face and how to navigate them with ease.
Sleep isn’t always smooth sailing, even for the most seasoned parents. At 12 months, your baby’s growing independence and developmental leaps can sometimes throw sleep routines off track—but don’t worry, you’re not alone!
Some babies at 12 months start to drop their second nap. This transition can cause temporary disruptions as their bodies adjust to fewer, longer naps.
How to handle it: Gradually shift the timing of their remaining nap and bedtime to avoid overtiredness. For example, if your baby’s current naps are at 10 AM and 2 PM, start by gradually pushing the morning nap later by 15-30 minutes every few days. Aim to settle into a single midday nap around 12:30 PM. During this adjustment, consider moving bedtime earlier, perhaps from 7:30 PM to 7 PM, to prevent overtiredness. Keep a consistent routine to help your baby adapt more smoothly.
At this age, your baby may become more aware of your absence and resist being left alone at bedtime.
How to handle it: Offer extra comfort and reassurance during your bedtime routine. A consistent routine helps them feel secure.
Those molars can make an appearance around 12 months, leading to discomfort and disrupted sleep.
How to handle it: Offer teething relief before bed, like a chilled teething toy or a gentle gum massage.
Dealing with sleep challenges can feel tricky, but small changes can make a big difference. Here are some simple tips to help your baby (and you) rest better.
At this stage, building good sleep habits is all about finding what works for your family. A consistent routine, a cozy sleep environment, and small adjustments can make a big difference in keeping your baby well-rested and happy.
A calming bedtime routine signals to your baby that it’s time to wind down. Include activities like:
However, every baby is unique, and some may have bursts of energy before bedtime rather than winding down. If your baby falls outside the typical routines, consider these alternative approaches:
Remember, flexibility is key. Finding what works for your baby may take time, but exceptions often prove the rule—so don’t hesitate to create a bedtime routine that fits your child’s unique needs.
The right sleep environment can make a world of difference. Ensure your baby’s room is:
By 12 months, babies usually start learning how to self-soothe. This doesn’t mean letting them cry endlessly but gently encouraging them to settle themselves when they wake.
Developmental leaps can temporarily throw off even the best routines. Be patient and willing to adapt during these phases, knowing that consistency will pay off in the long run.
Happy Baby provides calming white noise options, including gentle ambient sounds, velvet noise, and pink noise, to improve your bedtime routine and assist your baby in relaxing peacefully. Check out the Happy Baby app today!
Let’s face it: Sleep by 12 months isn’t always easy. Nap transitions, bedtime resistance, and unexpected wake-ups can leave even the most seasoned parents feeling stuck and exhausted. That’s where Happy Baby comes in—to make bedtime smoother and nights more restful for your entire family.
Why parents love Happy Baby:
The Happy Baby app isn’t just another baby tracker; it’s a personalized sleep companion designed to adapt to your baby’s changing needs. Here’s how it helps:
Growth and regression support: Navigate milestones and developmental leaps with timely insights and strategies tailored to your baby’s age and stage.
By 12 months, your baby is entering a new stage of growth, independence, and curiosity—and with it comes evolving sleep needs. With a consistent schedule, a cozy sleep environment, and a little flexibility, restful nights are within reach.
Remember, every baby is unique, and so is every parent. You’re doing an incredible job, and every adjustment you make to support your baby’s sleep is a step toward healthier habits and brighter mornings for the whole family.
Start your free trial today and discover how Happy Baby can help you and your baby enjoy better sleep and brighter mornings.
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