Understanding Sleep Regression in 1 Year Olds
By Natalie Myre Hart (Sleep Consultant)
Today, I want to address a common concern among parents: Is there a sleep regression at 1 year old? The answer is yes, and I'm here to shed some light on this topic.
Lately, I've been approached by several families I've assisted in improving their baby's sleep when their little ones turned 12 months old. They expressed worry about sudden changes in their sleep patterns. If you find yourself in a similar situation, don’t worry! There's a lot happening developmentally at this age, and it's completely normal for sleep to become a bit wonky during this period.
Maintaining a Two-Nap Schedule
When your baby reaches 12 months, you might notice them refusing their second nap or waking up unusually early, like 5 am. Before you hit the panic button, take a deep breath and remember that your child is going through significant developmental milestones. They are transitioning into toddlerhood and experiencing daily changes.
Adjusting Nap Time
It's crucial not to rush them into a one-nap schedule just yet because they might not be ready. Instead, allow them some time to adjust. If things seem off, you can consider shifting their schedule by 30 minutes.
For example:
if their naps were at 9 am and 2 pm, try moving them to 9:30 am and 2:30 pm.
This adjustment provides a bit more sleep pressure, ensuring they can fall asleep without being overtired.
Dealing with a Skipped Second Nap
On the other hand, if your baby starts skipping their second nap altogether, it's a sign of increasing readiness for an earlier bedtime. Put them to bed about 30 minutes to an hour earlier than usual, around 6 o'clock. This helps prevent overtiredness.
Transitioning to a One-Nap Schedule
Remember, it's completely normal for there to be a slight imbalance during this phase. However, within a few weeks, things will likely smoothen out, and your baby's sleep patterns will return to normal—until they hit around 14 months, of course. It seems there's always something new around the corner as they grow and develop.
Preparing for the 14-Month Milestone
At around 14 months, you might notice signs like early morning wake-ups and resistance to the second nap. This is an indication that they are ready to transition to a one-nap schedule. Keep an eye out for these signs and adjust their routine accordingly.
Physical Milestones and Sleep
Around the 12-month mark, most babies start pulling themselves up or even taking their first steps. Encourage them to practice, practice, practice!
This not only helps them develop their motor skills but also provides valuable exercise.
It's worth noting that the excitement of newfound mobility might occasionally disrupt their sleep. However, as they become more comfortable with walking, they'll eventually settle and prioritize rest over early morning adventures.
We Are Here to Help!
I understand that it's normal to feel a bit panicked at the 12-month mark, but don't worry—you've got this! Hold on to those two naps for as long as possible, and soon you'll enjoy a couple more months on a two-nap schedule until the transition to a one-nap routine at around 14 months.
Embrace this exciting time with your one-year-old and cherish all the new experiences. Remember to enjoy the process and take it one step at a time. You've got everything it takes to navigate through this phase successfully. Best of luck, and have a wonderful time with your little one!
If you're still struggling with your baby’s sleep, feel free to set up a complimentary discovery call with either myself or someone on the Kelly Murray Sleep Squad and we would love to chat with you more about other options for your baby and how we can help get you and your child better nights sleep.
All team members have completed training with Kelly and have learned the Murray Method. Kelly continues to support, guide and oversee the Sleep Squad as they work with the families who trust in us. This way, all clients are able to experience the same amazing results (and lots and lots of sleep).
Sweet Dreams…
Kelly Murray is a certified sleep coach and an award-winning pediatric sleep consultant based in Chicago offering sleep coaching services nationwide.
