What is Sleep Regression?

Around your baby's first birthday, sleep could suddenly become unpredictable again. A baby who was resting well may start to wake more at night; they might fight naps, or resist bedtime altogether. This change in sleep is often linked to big developmental leaps which at this stage including lots of movement and taking their first steps. While this transition can be exhausting, sleep regressions are temporary, usually lasting 2 to 4 weeks. Sleep routines typically go back to normal once your baby adjusts and masters their new skills.

What are the Signs?

At this age, sleep regression typically involves frequent night waking's, skipped naps, and heightened irritability. All these things can make them overtired, which makes it harder to settle them at night. Remember that every baby is different, and these phases can show up at during different stages in your baby's development.

The 12 Month Sleep Regression Survival Guide:

Your baby's first birthday brings about lots of changes. They may now be cruising, practicing their balance, and most excitingly, taking their first steps!. These exciting milestones often lead to sleep inconsistencies, as they would much rather be exploring rather than settling down to sleep. You might notice that your baby is skipping naps, especially the afternoon nap, as they continue to grow.

This stage is a big one because they are learning to walk. It is exciting, but can be tiring for you and baby. During this time, it is important to have lots of patience and to give your baby plenty of safe opportunities to practice their new skills.

Most importantly, do your best to protect your baby's 2-nap schedule. Even if they start to resist the second nap, continue offering their normal nap time until you get closer to the 17 or 18 month mark. Keeping the nap in place, and providing the full nap window even if they wake up, helps in preventing overtiredness and helps to avoid a long-term change in their sleep schedule. Keep their sleeping environment quiet and dark, this gives your baby the best chance to rest without distractions, even if they don't always sleep the entire time.

7 Play-Based Exercises That Help With Building Balance and Learning to Walk

Around 12 months, babies are busy practicing big skills, including learning to walk. You can take steps to support their development, and make sleeping easier, by making these play-based exercises part of their daily routine.

These exercises are free with the Fledgling's Flight app. CLICK HERE to create your FREE account. Once you have entered your child's details, click on the names of the exercises below to view the exercise.

1. Pull Ups - Strengthens legs and core for standing

   
   

   Encourage your baby to use a low, sturdy surface to pull into a stand. This exercise builds essential muscle strength and coordination.

2. Warm the Bench - Teaches balance while pushing to stand

   
   

   Have your baby practice pushing up from kneeling or sitting on a low surface. This shorter motion is easier than pulling up and helps them learn trunk and head control. It’s a safe way to practice before standing fully.

   
   

3. Take a Stand -  Encourages independent standing

   
   

   Once your baby has built enough strength, they’ll start trying to pull up without your hands. Place toys at eye level to motivate them to stand on their own. This milestone, often reached around 9–12 months, builds confidence and balance.

   
   

4. Take a Cruise - Encourage your child to "cruise" while holding onto furniture

   
   

   Cruising happens when babies hold onto furniture and sidestep their way along. This movement works their hips, thighs, and helps build balance, while teaching them how to shift weight from one foot to the other. Many babies will spend weeks or months cruising before taking steps on their own.

   
   

5. Maintain Your Stance - Help your child to stand without support

   
   

   Encourage your baby to practice standing without support for a few seconds at a time. This exercise helps them test their balance and strength for short periods. The more they practice, the more secure they’ll feel standing on their own.

   
   

6. Push It - Give your child experience walking while pushing a box or walker

   
   

   Give your baby a push toy, walker, or even a sturdy box to push across the floor. This exercise lets them get legs moving while learning to coordinate steps forward. This exercise acts like a bridge between cruising and walking independently.

   
   

7. First Steps -  Encourages unassisted walking

   
   

   When your baby is ready, they may start taking a few steps on their own. You can encourage this by creating small gaps between pieces of furniture or standing a short distance away and encouraging them to come to you.

More Ways to Support Your Baby's Sleep

Protect Nap Time:

Many babies try to skip their second nap around 12 months, but it’s best to keep offering 2 naps until closer to 17–18 months. Ending naps too soon can lead to overtiredness and more night wakings. Sticking with the full nap window gives your baby the chance to rest if they’re tired.

Keep a Consistent Bedtime Routine:

A soothing routine might include, a bath, cuddles, a story time. When these things remain consistent, it signals to your baby that it is time to settle down. Familiar steps help them prepare for rest.

Create a Calming Sleep Environment:

Keep your baby’s room dark, cool, and quiet to reduce distractions and encourage melatonin production. This environment helps them relax and settle.

Offer Extra Connection:

Separation anxiety may still appear around this age. Spend some time playing 1-on-1 games and simply being present. These moments reassure your baby and help bedtime feel less stressful.

Avoid Creating New Sleep Habits:

It’s tempting to introduce new sleep habits during a tough phase such as driving your baby around till they fall asleep, but they can be hard to maintain long-term. A little extra comfort is fine, but try to gradually return to your normal routine once the regression passes.

 If the sleep regression lasts longer than 6 weeks, or if you’re concerned about your child’s sleep, consult a pediatric sleep expert. Remember, regressions are temporary, and with consistency, your baby’s sleep will improve.

Alison Macklin | Mom & Founder CEO - Sleep of Mind: Certified Child Sleep Expert, a Certified Hand in Hand Parenting Instructor, and mother from Toronto, Canada

She came up with the idea for Sleep of Mind's reflective infant sleepwear. The one-of-a-kind patent pending design on their swaddles and sleep sacks lets you see your little one's chest rising and falling, giving you peace of mind with a glance at your night vision baby monitor. No wires, batteries, or electronics are needed, as the swaddle design uses the light being reflected from your baby monitor. They believe in good sleep being accessible to all without the need to buy expensive gadgets that also aren’t recommended by the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics).

See how it works for yourself!