
A 12-month-old baby typically needs 11-15 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period, including 2-4 hours of daytime sleep and 9-12 hours of overnight sleep. However, sleep patterns vary among babies, and some may experience sleep regression or disruptions due to factors such as physical growth, increased activity, teething, or nightmares. To create a safe sleep environment, it is recommended to use a firm, flat surface with a snugly fitted sheet and no loose items in the crib or bassinet. Room-sharing without bed-sharing is advised until the baby's first birthday to reduce the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Maintaining a consistent sleep routine and addressing sleep problems early on can promote healthy sleep habits in the long run.
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What You'll Learn
- Daytime sleep: 12-month-olds should get 2-4 hours of daytime sleep, with a bedtime between 7-8 pm
- Nighttime sleep: Aim for 10-12 hours of sleep at night
- Safe sleep environment: Use a firm, flat surface with a fitted sheet. Avoid soft toys, pillows, and blankets
- Sleep regression: 12-month-olds may experience sleep regression due to teething, separation anxiety, or nightmares
- Sleep tips: Encourage healthy sleep habits, maintain a consistent routine, and limit screen time

Daytime sleep: 12-month-olds should get 2-4 hours of daytime sleep, with a bedtime between 7-8 pm
A 12-month-old baby should get around 13-15 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period. This includes 2-4 hours of daytime sleep, divided between two naps. Each nap should last at least 1 hour, but not exceed 2 hours.
The goal of this daytime sleep schedule is to promote restorative sleep and maintain a consistent bedtime routine, preferably between 7:00-8:00 pm. To achieve this, your 12-month-old should wake up between 3:00-4:00 pm, allowing for a 3.5-4 hour wake window before bedtime. This helps them stay awake and active during the day while ensuring they are tired enough for naps and night sleep.
It is important to note that every baby is unique, and their sleep needs may vary. Some babies may thrive with slightly less sleep, but it is recommended to ensure they get at least 10 hours of nighttime sleep to support their development and well-being. Additionally, as your baby grows and develops, they may start resisting daytime sleep due to their increasing curiosity and interest in their surroundings.
To promote healthy sleep habits, you can establish a soothing bedtime routine with activities like a warm bath, reading stories, or singing. Maintaining consistency in the sleep environment and routine will be beneficial as your baby goes through developmental milestones. It is also important to ensure that all sleep surfaces and products meet safety standards to prevent sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
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Nighttime sleep: Aim for 10-12 hours of sleep at night
A 12-month-old baby should sleep for 11-14 hours in a 24-hour period. This includes a stretch of 9-12 hours at night. During the day, they will take two naps, lasting 30 minutes to 2 hours each.
Sleep is crucial for a baby's growth and development. It is normal for babies to experience sleep regression around this age, which can be caused by restlessness, overstimulation, separation anxiety, teething, nightmares, or adjusting to new sleep patterns. To help your baby develop good sleep habits, it is important to establish a consistent bedtime routine. This might include a warm bath, a bedtime story, or a back rub. Keep the atmosphere calm and quiet, and avoid too much noise or screen time, which can disrupt their sleep.
To ensure your baby's safety during sleep, it is recommended to use a firm, flat sleep surface with a fitted sheet. Do not put anything else in the crib or bassinet, including pillows, blankets, or soft toys, as these can increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Dress your baby appropriately for the room temperature, and avoid covering their head while they sleep.
If your baby wakes up during the night, provide quiet reassurance and send the message that they need to go back to sleep. A soothing pat on the back and a quick exit can help reinforce this message. While it is important to respond to your baby's needs, try to avoid cuddling, feeding, or interacting too much, as this may encourage them to wake up regularly for attention.
By maintaining a consistent and safe sleep environment and responding to your baby's needs with concern and consistency, you can help your 12-month-old achieve the recommended 10-12 hours of nighttime sleep.
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Safe sleep environment: Use a firm, flat surface with a fitted sheet. Avoid soft toys, pillows, and blankets
Creating a safe sleep environment for your 12-month-old is crucial. Here are some detailed guidelines to ensure your baby's sleeping environment is secure and comfortable:
Use a Firm, Flat Surface: Opt for a firm, flat sleep surface for your baby's crib or bassinet. This provides a stable and safe sleeping area. Avoid soft mattresses or surfaces that may conform to your baby's shape, as they may increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Fitted Sheet: Cover the mattress with a sheet that fits snugly. Ensure it is taut and securely fastened to the mattress, eliminating any loose fabric that could pose a hazard. A well-fitted sheet helps maintain a neat and safe sleeping space.
Avoid Soft Toys, Pillows, and Blankets: Keep plush toys, pillows, and blankets out of your baby's sleep area. These items can pose a suffocation risk or cause overheating. Wait until after your baby's first birthday to introduce a light blanket if desired. Instead of large soft toys, consider offering a small security item, such as a small soft blanket or stuffed animal ("lovey"), which can provide comfort without the same risks.
Dress for the Room Temperature: Dress your baby appropriately for the room temperature to avoid overheating. Use lightweight pajamas in warmer months and layer with heavier sleepwear during colder periods. Ensure your baby's head remains uncovered while sleeping, and monitor for signs of overheating, such as sweating or feeling hot to the touch.
Maintain a Safe Space: Keep the crib or bassinet free from potential hazards. Avoid items with cords, ties, ribbons, or strings that could wrap around your baby's neck. Also, look out for objects with sharp edges or corners within your baby's reach. Ensure the sleeping area is away from curtains, blind pulls, or wall hangings that your baby might be able to grab.
By following these guidelines, you can create a safe and comfortable sleep environment for your 12-month-old, promoting peaceful sleep and reducing potential risks.
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Sleep regression: 12-month-olds may experience sleep regression due to teething, separation anxiety, or nightmares
It is recommended that 12-month-old babies sleep for 12-16 hours per day, including a stretch of 9-12 hours at night. They may still take two naps per day, ranging from 30 minutes to 2 hours. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends room-sharing without bed-sharing until the baby's first birthday or for at least 6 months, as it helps with feeding, comforting, and monitoring the baby during the night.
Sleep regression can occur in 12-month-olds due to various factors, and it typically does not last longer than a few weeks. Here are some factors that may contribute to sleep regression in 12-month-olds:
Teething: Teething can cause pain and discomfort, making it challenging for your baby to fall asleep or stay asleep. To alleviate teething pain, you can try offering a teething ring or other soft and cool objects to chew on. Consult your pediatrician about giving your baby a dose of Tylenol or Motrin to manage the pain.
Separation anxiety: As 12-month-olds go through heightened emotional and social development, they may experience separation anxiety. This can make it harder for them to fall asleep on their own or after nighttime awakenings. To ease their concerns, you can keep the lights out, avoid additional stimulation at night, and use a consistent goodbye ritual when leaving the room. Practicing separation during the day with short periods apart, such as time spent with another trusted adult, can also help your baby feel more secure.
Nightmares: While less common, nightmares can also contribute to sleep regression in 12-month-olds. It can be challenging to determine if your baby is waking up from a nightmare or another factor at this age.
Additionally, other factors such as restlessness, overstimulation, adjustments to sleep schedules, and developmental milestones can impact sleep patterns in 12-month-olds. It's important to encourage healthy habits and try different sleep strategies to improve your child's sleep during this time.
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Sleep tips: Encourage healthy sleep habits, maintain a consistent routine, and limit screen time
At 12 months old, babies should be sleeping 11–16 hours per day, including 11–12 hours at night. During the day, they should take 2–3 naps, each lasting between 30 minutes to 2 hours.
To encourage healthy sleep habits, it is important to establish a consistent bedtime routine. This could include soothing activities such as a warm bath, followed by stories or singing. You should also ensure that your baby's sleep environment is safe by using a firm, flat sleep surface with a snugly fitted sheet and no loose items such as toys, pillows, or blankets. Additionally, it is recommended to place babies on their back to sleep and keep them away from secondhand smoke, which increases the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).
To maintain a consistent routine, try to keep awake windows between 3.25 and 4 hours long. This includes the time between waking up and the first nap, between naps, and before bedtime. A consistent routine will help your baby develop healthy sleep habits and get the necessary amount of sleep.
Limiting screen time is also important for 12-month-olds. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that babies under 18 months old should have no screen time except for video chatting with family and friends. Instead, encourage hands-on learning, interaction with caregivers and friends, and physical activity. When using screens, be mindful of the content and choose high-quality educational programs or games.
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Frequently asked questions
A 12-month-old baby should get about 11 to 14 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period. This includes 2 to 3 daytime sleeps of up to 2 hours each and nighttime sleep of 10-12 hours.
Most babies are ready for bed between 6 pm and 10 pm. To maintain a bedtime between 7 pm and 8 pm, your 12-month-old should wake up between 3 pm and 4 pm.
Sleep regression is common in 12-month-olds and can be caused by restlessness, overstimulation, separation anxiety, teething, nightmares, and adjustments to new sleep patterns. Focus on encouraging healthy sleep habits and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and bedtime routine.
A 12-month-old should sleep in a safe, secure crib or bassinet. It is recommended to room-share without bed-sharing to reduce the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). Keep the sleep surface firm and flat, covered with a fitted sheet. Avoid soft toys, pillows, blankets, and loose items in the crib or bassinet.
Establish a consistent bedtime routine, such as a warm bath and a bedtime story. Avoid screen time before bed, and limit noise and light distractions in the room. Ensure your baby is dressed appropriately for the room temperature, and consider offering a pacifier at sleep time.









































