12-month-old: Sleep habits and sleep schedule

12-month-old sleep habits

Around their first birthday, toddlers have wake windows of 3 to 4 hours and usually take one or two naps a day. The first nap is typically around 3 hours after waking up and lasts 2 to 3 hours. The second nap is 3.5 hours after the first nap and lasts about an hour. 12-month-olds need  2.5 to 3 hours of daytime sleep (naptime) and about 13 to 15 hours of sleep within 24 hours.

Toddlers in daycare may gradually adjust to a single nap schedule as they adapt to the daycare routine. Some children naturally drop the second nap on their own, but if they’re not ready, keep it for as long as possible if it doesn’t interfere with bedtime.

12-month sleep regression

A sleep regression is a temporary setback in a child’s typical sleep patterns, often tied to developmental milestones at certain ages. Common signs include frequent night wakings, nap refusal, and difficulty falling asleep.

Around the first birthday, your toddler may experience a sleep regression due to major developmental changes happening at this age. These milestones include:

• Standing independently
• First steps
• Understanding and following simple directions
• Expanding language skills
• Weaning from breastmilk or transitioning to cow's milk
• Starting daycare

12-month-old sleep schedules

Here are examples of sleep schedules for a 12-month-old:

Sleep schedule #1

6:30 AM: Wake up

9:30 AM: Nap 1

2:30 PM: Nap 2

7:30 PM: Bedtime

Sleep schedule #2

7:00 AM: Wake up

10:00 AM: Nap 1

3:00 PM: Nap 2

8:00 PM: Bedtime

Sleep schedule #3

7:30 AM: Wake up

10:30 AM: Nap 1

3:30 PM: Nap 2

8:00 PM: Bedtime

FAQs: 12-month-old sleep habits

What is a good bedtime for a 12-month-old?

A good bedtime for a 12-month-old is between 7 and 8 p.m., depending on when their last nap ends.

What is an example of a bedtime routine for a 12-month-old?

• Family walk after dinner
• Active play for gross motor skills
• Pajamas
• Brush teeth
• Read books
• Sing a lullaby
• Turn on a night light or white noise machine
• Offer a comfort object
• Say goodnight

How do you sleep train a 12-month-old?

Consistently maintaining a routine creates a strong sleep foundation. Your approach to sleep training will depend on your toddler’s temperament, previous sleep habits, and your parenting style. Staying consistent is essential, no matter which sleep training method or parenting style you use.

Do sleep regressions influence wake windows?

Sleep regressions make it harder for a child to fall asleep and can extend their wake windows. Regressions can also cause them to sleep in later than usual or nap later in the day, making bedtime more challenging.