Sleep is an important resource for parents and infants alike, especially at the milestone age of one year old. As your toddler develops, their sleep patterns dramatically change. Knowing and establishing an appropriate 12 month old sleep schedule is critical to your child's health and development and to your family's well-being.
1-Year-Old Sleep Schedule Example
How Much Sleep Does 12 Month Old Need?
Based on expert recommendations from multiple sources, a 12 month old needs approximately 13-14 hours of total sleep in a 24-hour period. This typically breaks down as:
| Nighttime sleep | 10-12 hours |
| Daytime sleep | 2-3 hours |
| TOTAL | 12-15 hours |
Almost all 12-month-olds can sleep through the night without feeding, and take two naps for a total of 2 to 3 hours per day, plus 10-12 hours at night, making about 13-15 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period in total for most 12-month-olds.
Here "most" means sleep needs can vary between children, and you don't need to worry if there's the tiny difference between the fixed schedule and your actual condition. Also, it's quite important to pay attention to your child's mood and energy to ensure they are getting sufficient sleep, rather than focusing solely on hitting exact numbers.
What Time Should a 1-Year-Old Go To Bed?
The optimal bedtime for a 1 year old is between 7:00-8:00 PM. This earlier bedtime serves several important purposes:
● Prevents overtiredness, which makes it harder for children to fall and stay asleep
● Aligns with natural circadian rhythms for most toddlers
● Provides adequate overnight sleep before typical morning wake times (6:30-7:00 AM)
● Allows for the recommended 10-12 hours of nighttime sleep
A 7:00-8:00 PM bedtime can enable your 12 month old to go to sleep and stay asleep all night. If his or her bedtime is already within this range and sleep is going well, you can likely leave it alone. But if your baby is not sleeping all night, experiencing false start bedtimes, or waking up before 6:00 AM, pushing bedtime a little earlier may be helpful.
Even if your baby is becoming more independent and mastering the phrase "no," it's essential to stick with your 12-month-old sleep schedule and bedtime routine. Even allowing your infant to stay awake later "just this once" can disrupt their overall sleeping pattern.
A typical bedtime routine might begin 30-45 minutes before desired sleep time, and the specific things included? Later in this passage.
12-Month-Old Nap Schedule
Day time nap schedule is just as important as night sleep schedule. At 12 months, most children transition to one nap per day, though this shift may occur anywhere between 12-18 months. Creating an appropriate 12 month old nap schedule is crucial for your child's overall well-being and nighttime sleep quality.
How Long Should a 12-Month-Old Nap?
Most one-year-olds require 2-3 hours of daytime napping total. If your child is still taking two naps, each may last 1-1.5 hours. If they've transitioned to one nap, this single sleep period typically extends to a longer block of 2-3 hours.
How Many Naps for a 1-Year-Old?
Generally, children this age take either one or two naps daily. Signs your toddler might be ready to transition to a single nap include:
● Consistently resisting the afternoon nap
● Taking an unusually long morning nap
● Having difficulty falling asleep at night after two daytime naps
1-Year-Old Bedtime Routine
Unlike naps, nighttime sleep is longer and deserves more attention for the preparation of it. A consistent 1 year old bedtime routine signals to your child that it's time to wind down and prepare for sleep.
An ideal bedtime routine might include:
- Warm bath time: Prepare comfortably warm water for your baby, helping their little body relax and naturally signaling to their brain that sleep time is approaching
- Change into cozy sleepwear: Momcozy baby pajamas are made with soft, breathable fabric that effectively regulates your baby's temperature, ensuring peaceful sleep throughout the night
- Toothbrushing routine: Even with just a few teeth, establishing good bedtime oral hygiene habits now builds a foundation for future health
- Soothing bedtime story: Choose simple, repetitive content that helps your baby feel secure hearing familiar voices, strengthening your parent-child emotional bond
- Cuddle time: Give your baby plenty of physical contact and security, fulfilling their emotional need for parental closeness
- Gentle white noise: The Momcozy sound machine can be remotely controlled via smartphone, offering various soothing sounds to help your baby drift peacefully to sleep
- Gradually dim the lights: Reducing room brightness helps your baby naturally produce melatonin, creating the ideal environment for deep sleep
- Tender goodnight: Use a consistent way of saying goodnight so your baby clearly understands it's time to close their eyes and enter sweet dreamland
How to Put a One-Year-Old to Sleep
Sometimes you may have done everything that you can, but the baby just isn't cooperative. How to get a one year old to sleep can sometimes be an Olympic sport. Use these working strategies:
1. Create a sleep-conducive environment: Darkness, coolness (68-72°F), and quiet are the essential ingredients. Blackout curtains can keep light out during nap time and early morning.
2. Pick up sleep cues: Watch for signs of tiredness like rubbing eyes, yawning, or fussing. Putting your child to bed when sleepy but awake allows them to learn self-soothing and sleep.
3. Limit screen time: Screens emit blue light that interferes with melatonin release. Experts recommend that there be no screen time at least one hour before bedtime.
4. Offer a security object: A security item like a favorite blanket, comfortable pajamas like Momcozy's, or a stuffed animal can be comforting.
How to Train a 1-Year-Old to Sleep on Their Own
Can you sleep train a 1 year old? By 12 months, many parents want to encourage independent sleep skills. Here are some approaches:
1. Put down drowsy but awake: This helps your child learn to fall asleep without being held or rocked.
2. Gradual withdrawal: Gradually withdraw your presence from the room as your child is going to sleep. For instance, begin by sitting in the crib, then sit by the door, and finally wait outside the room.
3. Brief check-ins: If your child cries, wait a few minutes before briefly checking in. Keep these check-ins short and calm, avoiding picking up your child unless necessary.
4. Consistency is key: Whatever method you choose, consistency helps your child understand expectations around sleep.
Is There a Sleep Regression at 1 Year Old?
The answer is YES: most children go through a 1 year old sleep regression at around their first birthday. This regression usually comes with milestones in development such as walking, talking, and becoming more mobile.
How Long Does the 1-Year Sleep Regression Last?
Most 1 year sleep regression will last 2-6 weeks. Although it seems like forever when you're going through it, but in fact it's only temporary.
Why Is My 1-Year-Old Suddenly Not Sleeping?
Several factors can contribute to sleep disruptions at this age:
● Motor development (learning to walk)
● Cognitive leaps
● Separation anxiety
● Teething
● Transitioning from two naps to one
● Increased independence and willfulness
During sleep regressions, it's important to maintain consistent routines while offering extra comfort as needed.
1-Year-Old Baby Sleep FAQ
Why Does My 1-Year-Old Wake Up and Cry?
Why does my 1 year old wake up crying? There are several common reasons:
● Hunger
● Discomfort (wet diaper, temperature)
● Nightmares or night terrors
● Separation anxiety
● Teething pain
● Illness or ear infections
Why Is My 1-Year-Old Not Sleeping Through the Night?
If your previously good sleeper is now 1 year old and not sleeping through the night, consider:
● Object permanence stage (remembering you are there even when not visible)
● Independence development
● Overtiredness from action-packed days
● Routine or environmental changes
● Growth spurts or hunger
Why Does My 1-Year-Old Wake Up Screaming Inconsolably?
One-year-old waking up screaming inconsolable can be frightening for parents but is often due to:
● Night terrors (different from nightmares, the child typically doesn't wake fully and won't remember the episode)
● Pain from teething or ear infection
● Stomach discomfort
● Overtiredness
Conclusion
Putting your one-year-old to bed is like being on a rollercoaster, but having knowledge of their needs is your guide. Prioritize 12-15 hours of sleep during the day with a consistent 7:00-8:00 PM bedtime that respects their biological clock and prevents overtiredness.
If and when sleep issues do occur—regression or night waking—remember that they are temporary development phases. Your firm response today establishes good sleeping habits for down the road. A well-charted 12-month-old sleeping schedule is the foundation of you and your infant's health, with both of you getting the sleep needed to thrive. Trust in yourself—you've already made it through a year of parenting, and you're up for this challenge!
