12 Month Sleep Regression
The 12 month sleep regression usually shows up as a toddler who suddenly refuses one of their two naps around the first birthday. It's often mistaken for readiness to switch to one nap, but most children still need two until 13 to 18 months. The phase typically passes in 1 to 4 weeks.
- Usually starts
- 11–13 months
- Typically lasts
- 1–4 weeks
- Main cause
- Walking and nap refusal
Reviewed by Pediatric sleep consultant (TBC) · Updated 2026-09-25
Check today's nap times
Next nap
10:00 am
after 3 h awake · typical 3–4 hours
See the whole day
- 7:00 am Morning wake-up
- 10:00 am Nap 1 · until 11:00 am
- 2:30 pm Nap 2 · until 3:30 pm
- 7:30 pm Bedtime
Get a reminder before 10:00 am. The Wake Windows app pings you when the window is closing and re-plans the day when naps run short.
Why the 12 month sleep regression happens
- First steps and walking practice make naps feel less important than exploring.
- Language and understanding leap forward.
- Nap refusal is common but usually temporary at this age.
- Changes like weaning from bottles or starting daycare can unsettle routines.
Signs of the 12 month sleep regression
- Refusing the morning or afternoon nap, or playing through it.
- Taking 30 minutes or more to fall asleep at nap time.
- Protesting at bedtime.
- Waking at night or very early.
If your baby also has a fever, is feeding much less, or seems unwell, it is more likely illness than a regression. Check with your pediatrician.
What helps
- Keep offering both naps, even if one is just quiet rest in the crib.
- Stretch wake windows by 15 minutes before changing the schedule.
- Only move to 1 nap after 1–2 weeks of consistent refusal.
- Use an earlier bedtime on days a nap is missed.
- From 12 months, a small lovey in the crib is generally considered safe and can be comforting.
Sample day at 12 months
12 month old schedule that helps
Overtiredness makes any regression harder. At 12 months, wake windows of 3–4 hours and 1–2 naps a day are typical. Here is a sample day for a 7 am wake-up:
- 7:00 am Morning wake-up
- 10:00 am Nap 1 · until 11:00 am
- 2:30 pm Nap 2 · until 3:30 pm
- 7:30 pm Bedtime
12 Month Sleep Regression questions
Is there a 1 year sleep regression?
Yes. Many toddlers have a short phase of nap refusal and bedtime protest around their first birthday.
How long does the 12 month sleep regression last?
Usually 1 to 4 weeks.
Is my 12 month old ready for 1 nap?
Probably not. Most toddlers switch between 13 and 18 months. Wait for 1–2 weeks of consistent refusal before changing.
What time should a 1 year old go to bed during a regression?
Between 6:30 and 8 pm, leaning earlier on days with a missed or short nap.