The 12-Month Sleep Regression: Why It’s So Tough (and What to Do About It)

Lately, I’ve been working with a lot of families going through the 12-month sleep regression—and I honestly forgot how hard this one hits. This regression is no joke. It shows up just when you thought you had things figured out. And suddenly... bam! Your baby’s sleep falls apart. Again.

Walking baby

This one has a lot to do with mobility. Your baby is moving more than ever—and so are you! 😂 You’re suddenly walking behind your little explorer 24/7, making sure they don’t climb a bookshelf or dive off the couch. One day they’re crawling, the next they’re trying to run... and somehow they find the most creative ways to risk their lives in your living room. It’s amazing and exhausting all at once.

And guess what? With all that change and brain development... comes the infamous 12-month sleep regression.

First Things First: What Is a Sleep Regression?

A sleep regression is a period when a baby or toddler who was sleeping well suddenly starts waking up more often, fighting naps, or struggling to fall asleep—seemingly out of nowhere. It's usually linked to a big leap in development or a major life change.

Is This a Sleep Regression?

Here’s how you might know:

• Sleep was going well... until it wasn’t.

• Your baby suddenly wakes up every hour or two at night.

• Naps become short or chaotic.

• Bedtime turns into a battle zone.

• You’re doing all the same things, but nothing’s working anymore.

  
  

The big regressions usually happen around 4, 8, 12, 18, and 24 months—but honestly, a regression can show up anytime a major milestone is brewing or a big change happens (hello, moving to a new house, welcoming a new sibling, or starting daycare!).

What Makes the 12-Month Regression So Tough?

This one is particularly tricky because there’s so much going on:

• Physical milestones: walking, climbing, standing up in the crib every two minutes

• Mental development: understanding more about the world (and feeling FOMO at bedtime!)

• Separation anxiety: they’re suddenly much more aware of when you’re gone

• Shift in nap needs: some babies start resisting their second nap—even if they’re not quite ready to drop it

Add all that up, and you’ve got a baby who’s overstimulated, overtired, and waking up a lot.

How Long Does It Last?

Anywhere between a few days to two weeks.

Here’s my personal rule of thumb:If it’s been 14 days and you’re still calling it a regression... it’s probably not. At that point, we’re likely dealing with new sleep habits that formed because of the regression. The good news? We can absolutely work on that. You’re not stuck.

What Can You Do?

Be patient. This regression is a phase, not a permanent change in your baby’s sleep needs. Try to remind yourself that they’re going through a lot developmentally, and it’s normal for sleep to take a hit. This doesn't mean you’ve done anything wrong, or that your baby is "broken." It just means they’re growing.

Practice new skills during the day. If your baby is learning to stand, cruise, or walk, give them plenty of safe opportunities to practice during the day. The more confident they feel in their new skills, the less likely they’ll be to use nighttime as practice time. It also helps their body and brain process all that new input so they can settle better at bedtime.

Stick to a predictable daytime schedule. Try to keep wake windows and nap times consistent. Over- or under-tiredness can both make night sleep harder.

Keep your bedtime routine calm and consistent. A familiar routine helps signal to your baby’s brain and body that sleep is coming. Keep it simple: think bath, books, cuddles, lights out. Avoid rough play or screens close to bedtime.

Respond to your baby’s needs. Yes, your baby might need more support right now—and that’s okay. Offer comfort, help them settle, and reassure them you’re there. That said, you don’t need to abandon all structure. Gentle reassurance doesn’t mean you have to start from scratch.

Respect your own boundaries. You matter too. If something doesn’t work for you (like co-sleeping when it leaves you feeling exhausted), it’s okay to draw that line. Supporting your baby doesn’t mean ignoring your own needs. Choose the response that aligns with your values and is sustainable for your family.

Need Help? Let’s Work Together

If you’re deep in the 12-month regression trenches and feeling exhausted, confused, or overwhelmed, I’m here for you. Here are some ways we can work together:

✨ One-on-One Coaching — for personalized sleep support, click here to book a discovery call.

🍼 One-on-One Consultations — for a one-time deep dive to get you unstuck, click here to book a discovery call.

👩‍🏫 In-Person Classes — if you’re local to Franklin, TN

📄 Printable Guides — instant support you can start using today. Find guides available here.

Sleep doesn’t have to feel so hard. Let’s make a plan together.