The 12-Month Sleep Regression: What You Need to Know and How a Sleep Consultant Can Help

Is your baby suddenly waking up more often at 12 months? Are they having trouble going down for naps or fighting bedtime? If your little one is experiencing sleep struggles around their first birthday, they might be going through the 12-month sleep regression. This phase is common and can leave parents exhausted and confused. But don’t worry—understanding the science behind it and getting expert help can make all the difference. In this post, we dive into the 12-month sleep regression, why it happens, and how a sleep consultant can guide you through it.

What Is the 12-Month Sleep Regression?

The 12-month sleep regression is a well-documented phase in an infant's development, typically occurring between 9 and 18 months, with 12 months being the most common. During this period, babies may experience changes in their sleep patterns, often leading to increased nighttime waking, shorter naps, and challenges with settling down for sleep. Unlike earlier regressions (like the 4-month or 8-month regressions), the 12-month sleep regression is particularly tied to developmental milestones—especially cognitive and motor skill advances.

The National Sleep Foundation points out that at around 12 months, babies are becoming more mobile, developing a stronger sense of independence, and experiencing emotional development. These factors combine to disrupt their sleep cycles, often leaving both parents and babies frustrated.

12 month old playing

Why Does the 12-Month Sleep Regression Happen?

The 12-month sleep regression is not just an arbitrary phase—it’s a result of several developmental changes. Here are some key factors that contribute to this regression:

1. Motor Skill Development: At 12 months, many babies are mastering new physical skills like standing, crawling, and even walking. While exciting, these skills can disrupt sleep. Babies often practice these skills in their crib at night, causing them to wake up more frequently. Studies, such as one published in Developmental Psychology, show that babies are more likely to wake up when they're trying to practice these new skills, even if they don’t need feeding or comfort.

2. Separation Anxiety: Around this age, babies become more attached to their parents and caregivers. Separation anxiety peaks at 12 months, making babies more likely to wake up at night and cry for comfort. The Australian Paediatric Society reports that separation anxiety can lead to disrupted sleep patterns, as babies may have difficulty falling asleep independently or staying asleep without their parent’s presence.

3. Cognitive Growth: Cognitive development also plays a role. Babies around 12 months start to understand object permanence (the idea that things continue to exist even when they can’t be seen). This newfound awareness can lead to increased night waking, as babies may become anxious when they can’t see their parents.

4. Changes in Sleep Cycles: Another key factor is that babies’ sleep cycles mature around 12 months. A 12-month-old typically shifts from a 3-stage sleep cycle (light sleep, deep sleep, and REM) to a more adult-like 4-stage sleep cycle. However, this transition often causes disruptions as babies adjust to the new rhythm, leading to fragmented sleep.

   
   

What Are the Signs of the 12-Month Sleep Regression?

If you’re wondering whether your baby is going through the 12-month sleep regression, here are some tell-tale signs:

• Increased Night Waking: Your baby may start waking up more often during the night, sometimes even after sleeping soundly for months.

• Resistance to Naps: 12-month-olds often fight nap time, especially if they’ve recently mastered a new skill, like standing or walking.

• Difficulty Settling to Sleep: They may struggle to fall asleep without help, and their sleep cycle may be more easily disrupted.

• Increased Fussiness or Crankiness: Cognitive leaps and emotional growth can make babies more irritable, contributing to sleep struggles.

Toddler playing

How Long Does the 12-Month Sleep Regression Last?

One of the most frustrating aspects of the 12-month sleep regression is its unpredictability. While it can last anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks, each child’s experience is different. Some babies may have only minor disruptions in their sleep, while others may experience full-blown sleep regression that lasts longer. A Sleep Foundation survey found that about 25% of parents report sleep disruptions lasting 4 weeks or more during this phase.

How a Sleep Consultant Can Help

Navigating the 12-month sleep regression can be overwhelming, but a sleep consultant can help. Here’s how an expert can assist:

1. Creating a Personalised Sleep Plan:

   A sleep consultant can assess your baby’s specific sleep challenges and create a customised sleep plan. This plan might include strategies to encourage independent sleep, like helping your baby settle down on their own without needing constant intervention.

2. Managing Separation Anxiety:

   If your baby is experiencing separation anxiety, a sleep consultant can guide you through gentle methods to ease them into a more consistent sleep routine. For example, they might suggest gradual sleep training methods, where you slowly decrease your presence in the room to help your baby feel safe and secure.

3. Supporting Motor Skill Development:

   Since your baby might be practicing new motor skills at night, a sleep consultant can recommend ways to manage these disruptions, such as using a consistent bedtime routine to signal sleep time and helping your baby feel calm before trying to practice new skills.

   
   

4. Optimising the Sleep Environment: Your consultant can also provide tips for creating a sleep-friendly environment, which could include ensuring the room is dark, quiet, and at a comfortable temperature to minimise disruptions.

Science Backed Tips for Managing the 12-Month Sleep Regression

If you’re dealing with the 12-month sleep regression, here are some data-backed tips to help:

1. Create a Consistent Bedtime Routine: A study published in Paediatrics found that babies who follow a consistent bedtime routine (such as a bath, book, and lullaby) have better sleep quality. A calming pre-sleep routine signals to your baby that it’s time to wind down, making it easier for them to fall asleep and stay asleep.

2. Avoid Overstimulating Activities Before Bed: Research from The Sleep Foundation shows that overstimulation before bedtime can make it harder for babies to fall asleep. Avoid active play, screen time, or bright lights in the hour leading up to bedtime.

3. Offer Comfort with Gradual Sleep Training: According to a study from The Journal of Developmental and Behavioural Paediatrics, gradual sleep training (where you slowly reduce your level of involvement in helping your baby sleep, such as popping in and out of the room) can be highly effective in helping babies learn to self-soothe without prolonged crying.

If you're struggling with this regression, I can help! I tailor sleep plans and support to help parents breeze through this sleep regression! Book in now and get your sleep back!