As your little one approaches their first birthday, you’ll notice they begin to resemble a small human rather than a helpless infant. While this transition is bittersweet, it also brings exciting milestones like walking, talking, and hopefully improved sleep for everyone involved. However, reaching the 10- or 11-month mark—or even turning one—doesn’t mean sleep regressions are behind you. If you’ve navigated a few of these already, you’re familiar with the routine, but the latest regression might still leave you with questions. Here’s what you need to know about the 10- to 12-month sleep regression and how to cope.
Is your baby struggling with sleep? Check out our comprehensive guide on sleep regressions that covers everything from the three-month regression to the nine-month regression.
What is Sleep Regression?
Sleep regression typically refers to periods lasting from two to six weeks when a baby or toddler who once slept relatively well suddenly struggles to maintain a consistent sleep pattern. This can manifest as frequent night awakenings (along with difficulty getting them back to sleep), shorter naps, or even outright refusal to nap. For exhausted parents, these phases can be incredibly frustrating, especially when they thought they were nearing a normal sleep routine.
The concept of sleep regression has been explored since the 1940s in the realm of developmental psychology. Despite decades of research, scientists still do not fully understand the reasons behind these regressions or the exact timing of their occurrence. While many parenting books outline specific “stages” of sleep regression, it’s crucial to remember that every baby develops at their own pace. If your child’s experience doesn’t align perfectly with these milestones, it’s typically not a cause for concern. As always, consult your pediatrician with any questions.
What Happens During a Baby’s 10- to 12-Month Sleep Regression?
Every baby follows their own developmental timeline, meaning one may hit a sleep regression at 10 months while another might experience it at 12 months. Though there’s no universal schedule for sleep regressions, they often align with significant cognitive and physical developments. At this age, babies become more aware of their environment and may resist sleep to engage in activities like eating, playing, or being cuddled, which seem far more exciting.
Signs that your baby is going through a 10- to 12-month sleep regression include:
- Increased night wakefulness and longer periods to fall back asleep.
- Heightened fussiness or irritability.
- Shortened naps or refusal to nap altogether.
- Resistance to going to sleep.
How to Manage Your Baby’s 10- to 12-Month Sleep Regression
First, check your baby’s temperature to rule out a fever, as illness can disrupt sleep. If everything seems normal and they aren’t teething, your baby may be experiencing a sleep regression.
Here are some strategies to help manage this phase:
- Maintain a consistent bedtime routine and sleep schedule, even for naps. While it may seem tempting to keep them awake all day to encourage nighttime sleep, this approach often backfires.
- Consider using the Ferber method (or “cry it out”) to promote self-soothing. If this technique doesn’t suit your family, there are many other sleep training methods available.
- Remove any distractions from the crib that might keep them awake.
- Ensure your baby gets plenty of physical activity during the day to help tire them out for bedtime.
- Check for teething discomfort and address it accordingly.
- Stay calm and be flexible as you navigate this challenging time.
Will this be the last sleep regression your baby experiences? It’s hard to say. However, by now, you’ve likely encountered them before, so this phase shouldn’t come as a total shock. Remember, it’s a temporary situation, and all the effort you’ve invested in sleep training hasn’t gone to waste; they will find their rhythm again—so will you!
How to Sleep Train Your 10-Month-Old
Most babies start sleep training between four to six months, but it’s possible to begin later. However, delaying this process may make it more challenging to establish a sleep routine. If your little one is still waking frequently, here are some tips to help them adjust:
- Alleviate separation anxiety by introducing a comfort item, like a blanket or stuffed animal. This can provide comfort and help them fall asleep more easily.
- Incorporate a morning nap into their routine. Babies typically need two solid naps a day, and insufficient daytime rest can make bedtime more difficult.
Sample Sleep Schedule for a 10-Month-Old
Even as your baby grows, maintaining a nap schedule is crucial. Here’s a sample daily routine to help structure their day:
- 8:00 a.m. — Wake up
- 10:00 a.m. — Breakfast
- 11:00 a.m. — Nap
- 12:00 p.m. — Snack
- 1:00 p.m. — Lunch
- 2:00 p.m. — Nap
- 3:00 p.m. — Snack
- 5:00 p.m. — Dinner
- 6:15 p.m. — Begin bedtime routine
- 7:00 p.m. — Bedtime
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In summary, the 10- to 12-month sleep regression can be a challenging time for both babies and parents. Understanding the signs, maintaining a consistent routine, and knowing how to address your baby’s needs can help you navigate this phase more smoothly. Remember, it’s a temporary situation, and your efforts in sleep training will eventually pay off.