The 12-month sleep regression may seem like just another phase, but it can disrupt the sleep patterns that you may have established in the past few months. It is common for parents to face some sleep issues, such as night-waking, shortened naps, and fussiness around this time. Knowing what is happening and how to deal with this stage can make a lot of difference in helping your little one and yourself get back to sleeping peacefully.
What is Sleep Regression?
A sleep regression is a change in the sleeping pattern of the baby caused by factors such as development changes or changes in sleeping requirements. During the regression, the child who used to sleep well could end up waking frequently during the night, refusing naps, or becoming fussy at night.
How Many Sleep Regressions Does a Baby Have?
Sleep regressions commonly occur at:
- Four months – This is the first definitive Sleep Regression as babies permanently change their sleep cycles from night to day.
- 6 months – Babies have more energy and start teething, leading to some interruptions in the feeding regimen.
- 8-10 months – Due to separation-related anxiety, night-waking and other motor developments such as crawling may result in waking at night.
- 12 months – As babies gain more mobility and individuality, sleep becomes less distinct, and napping may occur.
- Months 18 – Toddlers are very purposeful at this age and may start exhibiting sleep refusal.
- 2 years – Development of imagination and nightmares might lead to disturbed sleep.
Every regression is associated with some developmental changes, and while all babies can go through all of them, some may encounter several of these.
Is There a 1-Year Sleep Regression?
Yes, there is 1-year sleep regression that is characteristic of many infants at that age. It is a demanding phase as it occurs when important developmental milestones such as standing, walking, and moving from several naps to a few naps a day are attained. Families, and especially the parents, can realize that the baby who had been a great sleeper is now waking up several times during the night, fighting naps or going to bed.
Do All Children Have a 12-month Sleep Regression?
It is important to understand that not all children will clearly experience 12-month sleep regression. Some people may not have major sleep disturbances, while some may have changes in their sleep patterns. The duration and intensity of regression vary depending on the infant's temperament, sleep pattern, and developmental milestones.
12-Month Sleep Regression Signs
This post outlines some of the signs that your baby is experiencing a sleep regression at the age of 12 months as follows:
- Sleep changes: Your baby may wake during the night more often, especially if earlier in the night they slept without interruption.
- Difficulty in going to sleep at night – They may protest going to bed, be more cranky than usual at night.
- Many babies transition to sleep time and reduce one of their naps.
- Changes in sleep and hygiene habits – Another major sign is when one starts waking up very early in the morning, unlike before.
- Picky eating or sleeping problems – This is due to anxiety that increases clinginess day and night.
- Feeding – Some babies eat less food because other interests dominate their attention during certain developmental stages; others may eat more because they are growing quicker.
- Sleeping while practicing new skills – Rather than sleeping, the baby may stand in his crib, crawl, or attempt to walk.
What Causes a 12-Month Sleep Regression
Several aspects lead to sleep regression at this age:
- Certain developments– For instance, babies learning to walk and speak – can cause sleep disruption.
- Separation anxiety – This is a normal attachment issue that affects most 12-month-olds and results in frequent nighttime awakenings.
- Nap Transitioning – Some babies begin moving from two naps to one and, therefore, experience some sleep disruptions.
- Teething – This involves the eruption of the molars or the teeth in the middle of the upper second year, which may lead to more night-waking.
- More Autonomy – With growing autonomy, children may be more likely to refuse to conform to sleeping patterns.
- Flourishing intellect – Their brain is still growing and is more active throughout the day; this could disrupt sleep.
- Travel – This may be due to moving to another home or when children are taken to daycare.
How Long Does the 12-month Sleep Regression Last?
They usually last for 2-6 weeks, though some can last longer, up to 3 months. Different babies will have different durations based on how soon they develop to handle developmental transitions and whether their parents intervene to interrupt sleep cycles or not. There are ways to address this regression, including putting your baby on a schedule and helping them develop healthier sleep habits.
Is There Any Difference Between 12-month and Other Sleep Regressions?
In contrast, the 12-month regression is associated with mobility and independency efforts, unlike the previous regressions. While the regression that occurs at around 4 months is associated with changes that require constant adaptation in the sleep cycle, the regression that happens at around 8-10 months is related to separation trauma, and that happens at around 12 months is most influenced by nap changes and new activities acquired.
How to Handle 12-Month Sleep Regression
Here are some points to focus on in this phase:
- Practice discipline – Make sure that you set the right bedtime and nap regimen.
- Provide extra comfort – Offer reassurance without introducing new sleep dependencies. A soothing sound machine like the Momcozy Baby Sound Machine can help create a familiar sleep environment with calming white noise.
- Daytime practice – Allow your baby to move around during the day so that they do not feel restless during the night.
- Modify wake windows – If naps are an issue, then it may be time to wake windows.
- Look for signs of overstimulation – A stimulating baby may not sleep well and should be helped to organize their day better.
- Exercise patience and persistence – it is often important not to make any radical changes as this phase is merely temporary.
- Establish a soothing sleep environment – Keep the room dark, use a white noise machine, and maintain a consistent routine. The Momcozy Baby Monitor allows you to check on your baby without unnecessary disruptions, ensuring it stays comfortable without added stimulation.
- Provide a defensive tool –-Possibly a small cushion or blanket that signifies love and safety could be useful.
- Praise but tug less – It is normal to occasionally check in on your baby, but some actions will become detrimental once they set a precedent.
Can You Sleep Train During the 12-month Regression?
Yes, you can continue sleep training when your child is regressing. However, if you are dealing with a baby that has severe separation anxiety or if your little one is teething, picking a gradual reduction plan would be ideal. Mild intervention strategies such as a controlled comforting approach or fading technique are more effective for sleep training.
FAQs About 1-Year-Old Sleep Regression
My 1-Year-Old Baby Wakes Up Crying at Night. Is It a 12-Month Regression?
It's possible. If your baby, who was hitherto sleeping well, is now waking up often at night, becoming more cranky, or refusing to nap, then it might be attributed to the 12-month sleep regression.
Why does 1 one-year-old not sleep through the night?
There may be many reasons why the baby is not sleeping through the night, such as developmental milestones, separation anxiety, teething or changes in the baby's sleep cycle. The problem can be solved by carefully observing your baby's daily activities and improving their sleep conditions during the day.
Should I Allow My Baby to Cry It Out During a Sleep Regression?
While some parents can successfully implement the cry-it-out method, some indications may make it counterproductive, especially during the period of sleep regression. Therefore, it is recommended that comfort should be offered while ensuring that the boundaries for sleeping are set so that new habits are not developed.
Conclusion
It is essential to understand that the twelve months of sleep regression can be tough; however, with determination and perseverance, the baby's sleep will stabilize. Knowing what brings about the disruption, as well as putting into practice the right sleep management, will go a long way in seeing both you and your little one through it and back to peaceful nights.
