If you are facing the 12 to 15-month sleep regression with your baby, we understand that it can be challenging. We are here to offer some additional information and support to help you navigate through this phase.
For a more in-depth guide, make sure to explore our Little Ones App which provides access to the Little Ones Village, where certified Sleep Consultants are available to assist you during this challenging period.
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Sleep Regression Overview
A sleep regression is a period when a baby or toddler who was previously sleeping well starts experiencing night wakings, difficulty settling, and nap disturbances. Check out our detailed article on sleep regressions to understand why and when this can occur.
What Makes the 12-15 Month Regression Different
If you’ve successfully managed the 4-month and 8-10 month sleep regressions, facing the 12-15 month regression might feel overwhelming. This regression is primarily focused on the transition from two naps to one nap per day.
At 12-15 months, most toddlers are ready to shift to a single nap, and any resistance to this change can result in disrupted sleep patterns.
Signs of the Regression
One of the main indicators of the 12-15 month regression is a noticeable deterioration in your child’s sleep habits. Common signs include night awakenings, fussiness, difficulty resettling, nap refusal, and struggles with bedtime.
Navigating the Nap Transition
The transition to one nap requires a gradual process and a consistent routine. Utilize our Little Ones App to ensure that your toddler’s nap times align with their developmental stage.
Transitioning to One Nap
Patience is key during this transition period to one nap. Pay attention to your child’s cues and adjust the nap schedule accordingly to facilitate a smooth adjustment.
Successfully Transitioning to One Nap
By the age of 15 months, most toddlers should have successfully transitioned to one nap per day, focusing on a long midday nap for optimal rest.
Additional Factors Affecting Sleep
If your toddler is struggling to settle, factors like growth spurts and separation anxiety could be contributing. Seek strategies in our Little Ones App to assist your child during this phase.
Dealing with Separation Anxiety
Around 15-16 months, separation anxiety may peak, impacting bedtime settling. Providing additional comfort and maintaining positive bedtime routines can help ease this phase.
What to Expect
The 12-15 month sleep regression is temporary and will improve as your child adjusts to the nap transition. Consistency and age-appropriate routines are crucial during this period.
Preparing for the Transition
Establishing a routine and good sleep habits can help minimize the effects of the regression. Our Little Ones App can support in regulating your toddler’s sleep patterns in preparation for this transition.
Tips for Coping
- Remember, this phase typically lasts about 6 weeks, so stick to your routine
- Ensure appropriate nap times and awake periods based on your child’s age
- Promote healthy sleep habits and create a positive sleep environment
- Develop a consistent bedtime routine
Keep in mind, the 12-15 month sleep regression is linked to your child’s transition to one nap – it’s just a phase!
Navigating nap transitions can be challenging, but our Little Ones App is here to support you and your child through this difficult stage.
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- How does a child’s sleep change around 12 months?
- What are the symptoms of a 12-month sleep regression?
- How can parents cope with sleep problems in a one-year-old?
- Infants develop more consistent sleep patterns as they grow.
- Increased restlessness, separation anxiety, teething, and adjustments to their sleep schedule can contribute to a 12-month sleep regression.
- Signs of sleep regression include frequent wakings, difficulty getting back to sleep, agitation or crying, and longer daytime naps.
- A 12-month sleep regression typically lasts a few weeks.
- Encouraging healthy habits and trying various sleep strategies can improve your child’s sleep quality.
At a baby’s first birthday, parents and caregivers witness significant growth and development. While many 12-month-olds establish a consistent sleep schedule, changes in sleep patterns can still occur. Despite starting to sleep through the night, some babies may struggle with sleep disturbances.
Commonly referred to as a sleep regression, disruptions in a child’s sleep routine are often associated with developmental milestones, with the 12-month mark being a typical period for this occurrence.
Closing Thoughts
As babies progress, their sleep patterns evolve to include longer stretches of nighttime sleep alongside daytime naps. Children between 1 and 2 years old should aim for 11 to 14 hours of total daily sleep, including naps.
While some babies achieve uninterrupted night sleep around 6 months, each child’s sleep development varies. By the age of 12 months, approximately 72% of children sleep for six hours or more continuously at night. Changes in sleep patterns often coincide with milestones such as improved communication and physical skills.
Around the first birthday, some children may face a 12-month sleep regression due to factors like restlessness, separation anxiety, teething, or adjusting to new sleep routines.
Not all one-year-olds will experience a sleep regression, as sleep patterns differ among infants. Establishing a consistent bedtime routine, maintaining a regular sleep schedule, reducing distractions, and promoting daytime activities can enhance a child’s sleep routine.
Symptoms of a 12-month sleep regression may include more frequent night awakenings, fussiness, resistance at bedtime, and longer daytime naps. Although these symptoms usually resolve within a few weeks, each child may experience the regression differently.
Separation anxiety and teething can also impact a child’s sleep, necessitating measures like creating a goodbye ritual or providing teething relief.
Parents should consult a pediatrician if sleep issues persist, particularly if accompanied by changes in growth, weight, breathing, feeding, or elimination habits.
It’s crucial for parents and caregivers to prioritize their own sleep as adequate rest contributes to overall well-being. Remember that encountering occasional sleep challenges is normal, and seeking assistance when needed is essential.
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RN, BSN, Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant
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Struggling with sleep around the age of 12 months? Welcome to the 12-month sleep regression – let us help!
The 5–24 Month Collection
If your 12-month-old is having difficulty with sleep, our 5-24 Month Collection is designed to assist you. You’ll receive a personalized plan to ensure your child’s success while maintaining a strong emotional connection.
This collection includes expert guidance on establishing healthy sleep habits, tips for dealing with sleep regressions, and strategies for addressing common sleep challenges in babies aged 5-24 months. Our team of sleep consultants is here to support you every step of the way, helping you and your child get the rest you both deserve.
What is a sleep regression? # anchor
“Sleep regression” is a term used to describe disruptions in your child’s sleep patterns during periods of developmental growth or significant transitions. Your child’s sleep can be affected when they experience physical, mental, social, or emotional growth.
Is there scientific basis for sleep regressions?
During periods of active brain development or learning, your baby’s sleep may be interrupted, leading to night awakenings and nap refusal. Sleep regressions can occur due to new skills, cognitive advancements, or physical changes at any age.
It is important to remember that sleep regressions are a normal part of your child’s development and are temporary. It is essential to provide a consistent sleep environment and routine, offer comfort and reassurance during these periods, and seek support if needed to help your child through this phase.
What causes the 12 month sleep regression? # anchor
Your little one is absorbing a lot of information at this stage! They are gaining more mobility and understanding of the world around them, which can impact their sleep and result in new challenges.
Significant changes during this period can disrupt sleep, known as the 12-month sleep regression.
If you notice differences in your baby’s sleep patterns, consider recent transitions or developmental advancements that could be affecting their sleep.
Expert advice suggests that around 11-13 months, some infants may start transitioning to one nap, although most are not quite ready for this change.
During the 12-month regression, you can implement sleep training to establish consistency and promote healthy development. However, consult with your pediatrician before starting any sleep training program.
The 5-24 Month Collection offers a personalized approach to sleep training for achieving 10-12 hour nights and solid naps.
Every baby develops at their own pace, so while some may experience the regression at 11-12 months, others might face it later.
Signs of the 1-year sleep regression include irritability, shorter naps, multiple night wakings, and separation anxiety.
By maintaining healthy sleep habits consistently, this regression typically lasts only 1-2 weeks.
Between 12-15 months, infants go through significant developmental leaps and become more independent. Around 15 months, signs may include increased mobility and separation anxiety.
If you need tips for dealing with the 15-month regression, visit my blog: 14-15 Month Regression.
Some strategies to assist during this period include encouraging floor-time activities for skill development, adjusting nap times to optimize sleep, and ensuring adequate physical and mental stimulation during the day for better nighttime rest.
As babies grasp the concept that objects remain present even when not in sight, they may experience separation anxiety. Engaging in activities like Peek-a-Boo or Hide-and-Seek can help them explore this concept and alleviate signs of separation anxiety.
Certain transitions are unavoidable at this age, but for those we can control, timing is crucial. Consistency and routine are vital for managing regressions, such as delaying the introduction of a sippy cup when your baby starts walking.
Avoid establishing habits or routines that you do not intend to maintain long-term, especially at bedtime. While the regression phase may be challenging initially, staying consistent can help it pass more smoothly.
If challenging nights and naps persist beyond a few days, consider enrolling in a class to improve sleep during regression. The 5-24 Month Collection provides a tailored approach to assist your baby with sleep difficulties and offers a detailed plan for improved sleep for the whole family.
For additional information on developmental milestones at 12 months, consult the Healthy Children website by the American Academy of Pediatrics (2009).