The 12 Month Sleep Regression

What it is, why it happens, how long it lasts, and how to get through it

If your baby is approaching or has just turned one and sleep has suddenly become more unsettled, you’re not imagining it.

Around twelve months, many families experience a period of disrupted sleep often referred to as the 12 month sleep regression.

Nights may feel more broken, naps may be resisted, and bedtime can suddenly become a battle even if sleep was previously going well.

This stage is driven by a combination of developmental change, emotional growth, and shifting sleep needs, and while it can feel exhausting, it is a very common and expected phase.

What is the 12 month sleep regression

The 12 month sleep regression is a temporary disruption in sleep that tends to occur around a baby’s first birthday. It often shows up as increased night waking, nap refusal, early morning waking, or heightened resistance at sleep times.

Unlike earlier regressions, this stage is frequently confused with bigger sleep transitions, particularly the move toward one nap, even though most babies are not quite ready for that change yet.

Why does the 12 month sleep regression happen?

Several important developmental factors come together around this age.

Increased separation anxiety

Around twelve months, separation anxiety often peaks again. Your baby is more aware of your absence and may become distressed when you leave the room, especially at naps and bedtime. This can lead to increased settling difficulty and more frequent overnight waking for reassurance.

Growing independence and emotional development

Your baby is beginning to understand themselves as a separate person, with preferences, opinions, and emotions. This growing independence can show up as bedtime resistance or nap refusal, particularly when sleep feels like something being “done to them” rather than with them.

Physical development and mobility

Many babies are more mobile at this age. These big physical milestones can temporarily disrupt sleep as the brain processes new movement patterns and skills.

Changing sleep needs

Sleep needs begin to slowly reduce around this stage, which can make existing routines feel slightly out of balance. If awake windows are no longer quite right, naps may shorten or bedtime may become harder to settle.

Some families also begin to question whether it’s time for the 2–1 nap transition, which commonly happens later, typically between fifteen and eighteen months, even though it can start earlier or later depending on the child.

What are the common signs of the 12 month sleep regression?

Common signs include:

Increased night waking
Resisting or skipping one nap
Bedtime battles or delayed settling
Early morning waking
Heightened clinginess at sleep times

If nights feel particularly broken, it can be helpful to explore why is my baby waking frequently, as multiple factors often overlap during this stage.

How long does the 12 month sleep regression last?

For most babies, the 12 month sleep regression lasts two to four weeks, though some families experience disruption for a little longer if sleep routines and expectations are not adjusted alongside developmental change.

If sleep difficulties persist beyond this window, it often indicates that sleep support, awake windows, or routines need to evolve rather than the regression still being active.

How to support sleep during the 12 month sleep regression

Review your routine before dropping naps

Most babies at twelve months still benefit from two naps. Before moving toward one nap, it’s important to ensure your day is still aligned with your baby’s sleep needs. Reviewing a realistic 12–15 month sleep routine can help you determine whether sleep pressure is balanced or if small adjustments are needed.

Avoid rushing the nap transition

While nap resistance can be frustrating, it doesn’t automatically mean your baby is ready for one nap. Many babies experiencing the 12 month regression settle again once routines stabilise, without needing to move into the 2–1 nap transition too early.

Adjust settling techniques if needed

With separation anxiety and independence increasing, some babies benefit from a shift in settling approach. Techniques that worked earlier may suddenly feel too abrupt. Offering more reassurance, slowing your withdrawal, or adjusting how you respond at sleep times can help support your baby emotionally while still working toward more settled sleep.

Support connection around sleep

Extra connection before naps and bedtime can go a long way at this age. A consistent wind down routine, predictable cues, and calm reassurance can help reduce resistance and anxiety around separation.

Should you make changes during the 12 month sleep regression?

This stage is not about pushing independence or forcing sleep changes. It’s about recognising that your baby’s emotional and developmental needs have grown and adjusting sleep support accordingly.

Small, thoughtful changes often make a significant difference during this phase.

Looking ahead

As your baby moves further into toddlerhood, sleep will continue to evolve with new regressions, nap transitions, and emotional milestones. Having guidance that grows with your child can help you feel prepared rather than reactive.

The 5–24 Month Infant Course provides age specific guidance through all stages of infant sleep, while the Infant and Toddler Bundle offers long term support into the toddler years, so you always know what to expect and how to respond with confidence.

Eva Beke

Certified Paediatric Sleep Consultant

Founder The Sleepy Little Bubs

I’m Eva Beke, a certified baby and toddler sleep consultant and founder of The Sleepy Little Bubs, supporting families across Australia and the world with evidence based baby and toddler sleep support.

My approach is realistic, supportive, and designed to evolve as your child grows, so you’re not just getting help for today, but confidence moving forward.

The Smarter Way to Invest in Better Sleep

Supporting sleep doesn’t have to mean starting over every time something changes.

Our sleep courses are built to support you long term, with age specific guidance that adapts as your child grows. From early routines and regressions to nap transitions and toddler sleep challenges, you’ll have a clear plan and ongoing support so you can respond with confidence at every stage.