Is my 12 month old ready to drop to one nap?

Probably not. Most 12 month olds still need 2 naps. If your child is only 12 months and consistently refusing both naps for over 2 weeks with no shift, it may be time. Otherwise wait.

How long does the 12 month regression last?

Usually 1 to 3 weeks. If it lasts longer, look at wake windows and total daily sleep before assuming it is the regression.

What if my baby is up at 5am?

Early wake most often means overtired, not undertired. Try an earlier bedtime for 4 to 5 nights before assuming a schedule change is needed.

Is walking causing the wake-ups?

It can. Motor skill consolidation happens during sleep. If your baby is standing and cruising, expect a few bumpy weeks.

Should I do sleep training now?

You can, but it is often better to wait for a developmental leap to settle before starting anything new. A regression is a hard time to change the routine.

Does teething explain the wakes?

First molars can arrive around 13 to 19 months. A few disrupted nights is possible. Weeks of disruption is usually not just teething.

Is it OK to feed to sleep at 12 months?

Yes if it works for your family. There is no age at which feeding to sleep becomes 'bad.' It becomes a problem only if it is not working for the adults.

When should I call the pediatrician?

For persistent disruption past 3 weeks, poor daytime energy, feeding refusal, snoring or gasping in sleep, or any concern outside sleep itself.

The 12 Month Sleep Regression

The 12 month sleep regression is a brief 1 to 3 week disruption around the first birthday, often coinciding with walking and language leaps. Most babies at 12 months still need 2 naps and are not ready to drop one — dropping too early is the biggest cause of what looks like a regression at this age.

Medically reviewed by [PLACEHOLDER NAME], [PLACEHOLDER CREDENTIAL] · Reviewer pending; a licensed pediatric clinician (pediatrician, pediatric sleep consultant, or registered pediatric nurse) is scheduled to review. Content follows current AAP guidance. Last content update: July 24, 2026.

Definition

A short sleep disruption at 11 to 13 months tied to major motor and language development. Often confused with the 2-to-1 nap transition, which usually happens closer to 15 to 18 months.

What it looks like in practice

1. Refusing the morning nap
Common at 12 months. If nights are still solid and afternoon nap holds, sit tight for 2 weeks before dropping to one nap. Most babies come back to 2 naps.
2. Standing and cruising in the crib
Motor practice at bedtime and 3am. Give lots of daytime practice space so the brain gets its reps in before dark.
3. New words, disrupted sleep
Language explosions often show up around now and can jolt sleep for a couple of weeks.

Research and outcomes

Nap consolidation research (Weissbluth, Iglowstein) shows most children do not drop to one nap until 15 to 18 months. Dropping earlier tends to produce chronic overtired, which increases both night waking and early wakes.

Frequently asked questions

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This page is part of the sleep pillar.