One-year-olds are still working on developing their sleep habits, and sometimes they have trouble staying asleep. During the day, one-year-olds are usually busy exploring and learning new things, and all that stimulation can make it hard for them to settle down at night. Also, many one-year-olds may experience sleep regression which can disrupt their usual sleeping patterns.
Affiliate Disclaimer: As an Affiliate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
How Much Sleep Do 1-Year-Olds Need?
One-year-olds need around 11 to 16 hours of sleep each day, including naps. Most toddlers take one nap per day, but some may still take two. The amount of sleep a toddler needs depends on their age and individual needs. Toddlers need this much sleep to grow and develop properly.
How Does a Child’s Sleep Change at 12 Months?
As a baby reaches the age of 12 months, she begins to sleep more at night and less during the day. This is due to the fact that her body is becoming more mature and she is able to sleep for longer stretches of time. They also need extra nighttime sleep to help their bodies and brains grow and develop properly.
Some babies at this age will start to have more regular sleep patterns, meaning that they will usually wake up and go to sleep at around the same time each day. But every baby is different. Some of them may not have developed regular sleep patterns yet at this age which is causing them not to sleep through the night.
With regard to naps, many babies start dropping their usual morning nap around the first birthday and they start sleeping less during the day. Some babies do this a few months or more after they turn 1 year.
Nap transitions are an important milestone in a child’s development, and it’s an exciting time for both parents and children alike.
At 12 months, your baby might also experience what is called a sleep regression. Sleep regression is a temporary disruption to your toddler’s sleep. Your baby who was previously a good sleeper might have a hard time falling asleep at night.
Why Does Your 1-Year-Old Not Sleep Through the Night?
One-year-old toddlers are having difficulties sleeping through the night due to a lot of factors.
Growth Spurts and Developmental Milestones
One-year-olds undergo many changes as they grow and develop. One important change is in the baby sleep pattern and needs. They are more aware of their surroundings and may have trouble settling down to sleep at night if they are overstimulated.
Sleep Regression
Sleep regression is a period of time when a baby’s sleep patterns change, they experience frequent nighttime awakenings and they take longer naps to make up for lost night sleep. This can be frustrating for both the baby and the parents, as it can be hard to get the baby to go back to sleep. Fortunately, sleep regression is temporary.
Teething
Babies can have trouble sleeping when they’re teething because the pain from the new teeth can keep them awake.
The gums may be sore and swollen, and the baby may be uncomfortable.
In addition, babies may be more irritable when they’re teething, which can also keep them up at night.
Unfamiliar Routine
When a child’s bedtime routine changes, it can be difficult for them to sleep through the night. This is because their body has become used to a certain routine and disruption can cause confusion and make it harder for them to fall asleep.
Night Terrors
Babies and toddlers experience night terrors due to a combination of factors such as stress, fatigue, and changes in their sleep schedule. This can affect their ability to sleep through the night, as they may wake up in a panic and be unable to go back to sleep.
Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety is a condition that affects some babies and toddlers, causing them to become upset or anxious when they are separated from their parents or caregivers.
When a child is anxious about being away from a caregiver, they may have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. This can lead to disrupted sleep patterns, which can be frustrating for both the child and their parents.
Too Much Sleep
While more sleep is always better, it affects your toddler’s ability to stay asleep. They become restless if they have more sleep than what’s required for their age.
How to Help Your 1-Year-Old Fall Asleep to Have a Good Night’s Sleep
Here are a few sleep tips you can do to help get your baby sleeping through the night.
- Establish a good sleep foundation through a good bedtime routine. It will signal to your child that it’s time to wind down for the night. Try a bath, followed by stories and cuddles. Do these things in the order your toddlers fell asleep.
- Put your child to bed drowsy, but awake. This will help your child learn to fall asleep on their own.
- Keep the bedroom dark and quiet. A dark and quiet bedroom will help your child relax and fall asleep more easily. Use a white noise machine to block outside and household noises as your baby is sound asleep. Turn the night light on if your toddler wakes up due to night terrors.
- If your toddlers are sleeping in their own beds, make sure their sleeping space is free from stuffed animals, loose blankets, and pillows.
- Don’t keep your baby up too late. A late bedtime can make it harder for your child to fall asleep and stay asleep through the night.
- If you need to adjust or move your toddler’s nap times and sleep times, do it one night at a time.
- During the day, expose your baby to natural light.
- Follow a fixed sleep time schedule. This means putting your baby to bed at the same time every night and getting them up at the same time each morning. A consistent schedule will help their bodies know when it’s time to sleep.
- Address separation anxiety. If your child is afraid of being away from you, stay in the room while your toddler falls asleep. This will help them feel more secure and may make it easier for them to fall asleep on their own.
- Relieve teething pain. If your child is in pain from teething, give them a cold teething ring or a frozen washcloth to chew on. You can also rub their gums with your finger before going to bed.
- At 12 months, nighttime feedings become less. You can switch to water instead of milk for night feedings when your baby wakes up in the middle of the night.
- Reach out to other parents who might have the same experience as you. In most cases, they will give you some advice that helped them and their children.
Conclusion on One Year Old Won’t Sleep Through Night
If you are the parent of a 1-year-old who doesn’t sleep through the night, don’t worry – you can help your toddler sleep better by establishing a consistent routine leading to bedtime, implementing a regular sleep schedule, and addressing separation anxiety. By following these simple tips, you will be on your way to getting more shut-eye yourself and helping your little one get the rest they need.
If your toddler is still experiencing sleep problems, talk to your child’s pediatrician about how to help your child get enough sleep and for up-to-date ways to overcome this temporary sleep problem.
FAQs on 1 Year Old Doesn’t Sleep Through the Night
How to Create an Appropriate Bedtime Routine for Your One-Year-Old
Creating a consistent bedtime routine for your one-year-old can seem daunting, but you can make it a smoother process for both you and your child. You can also use these steps to overcome the phase of sleep regression.
1. Start With a Relaxing Bath Before Bedtime.
Bath time provides an opportunity for your toddler to wind down and get ready for bed. It also gives you a chance to bond with your child and prepare them for the night ahead.
2. Read a Few Stories in Bed Together.
You can choose a few favorite stories, or even just one that you read nightly. Reading together as your baby sleeps while snuggling her favorite stuffed animal provides a special bonding opportunity for you and your child, and it can also help to promote literacy skills.
3. Dim the Lights and Use Calming Music to Help Your Child Relax.
Dim the lights in the room about an hour before it’s time for bed. This signals to your child’s body that it’s time to start winding down for the night. You can also try playing calming music during this time.
4. Give Them a Kiss Goodnight and Leave the Room.
As part of your nightly routine with your toddler, it’s important to give them a kiss goodnight before you leave the bedroom to make your baby sleep easily. This helps to show them how much you love them and reinforce the affectionate bond between you.
How Can I Get My Toddler to Sleep at Night With Sleep Training?
These are just a few tips to help you get started with sleep training your toddler.
- Stick to a soothing and relaxing routine before bedtime.
- Establish a regular sleep schedule.
- Put your toddler to bed at the same time each night.
- Keep naps short and consistent.
- Use positive reinforcement for healthy sleep.
- If your toddler didn’t take an afternoon nap, move him to an earlier bedtime.
- Avoid letting your child nap too late in the day.
- Break negative sleep associations early on.
- Help your baby learn how to self-soothe so that she can fall back asleep in her bed whenever she wakes up in the middle of the night.
- Put your child in a toddler bed if they are used to sleeping in a crib.
- Start with a few nights of sleep training and gradually increase the number of nights.
- Don’t give up if your toddler resists at first – keep trying and eventually they will get used to it!
These steps are not only helpful in getting your toddler to sleep naturally but also help you overcome sleep regressions.
This article was written by: Gian MIller – Full-Time Writer, Baby Whisperer & Dad of 3.
Gian spends a lot of his time writing. A self-proclaimed baby whisperer, Gian has been through it all with his own children and is passionate about sharing his hard-won wisdom with other parents. When he’s not writing or changing diapers, you can find him playing the guitar or watching baseball (or preferably both at the same time).
