ParentWise

12-month sleep regression

Typical age: 11–13 months. Usually lasts: 1–2 weeks.

Why it happens

First steps and a surge in understanding language can make one-year-olds fight naps. Many parents take this as a sign to drop to one nap, but most babies still need two until 14–18 months.

Signs

  • Refusing one of the two naps
  • Early rising
  • Short bedtime battles

What helps

  1. Hold the two-nap schedule for at least 2 weeks before deciding to drop one.
  2. Offer the nap anyway; quiet rest in the cot still counts.
  3. Move bedtime earlier on days with a skipped nap.

Check the wake windows for this age in the sleep schedule builder.

When to call your pediatrician

Call your pediatrician today
  • Fever, ear pulling with a cold, vomiting, or feeding much less
  • Loud snoring or pauses in breathing during sleep
  • No improvement after 6 weeks
Usually OK to watch at home
  • Well and happy by day, feeding and peeing normally

General guidance based on AAP, NHS and CDC advice, not a diagnosis. If your gut says something is wrong, call your pediatrician or nurse line. You never need permission to seek care.

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Questions parents ask

Should my 1-year-old be on one nap?
Most move to one nap between 14 and 18 months. A consistent refusal of the afternoon nap for 2+ weeks is the usual sign it’s time.

Other sleep regressions