It’s common for 12-month-old babies to suddenly start fighting off naps or having trouble falling asleep leading parents to wonder if it’s time to transition to one nap, but that’s not what we want to do just yet. At 12 months, most babies still benefit from two naps a day, even if they temporarily resist them…
The key for your little one involves a few simple changes to their daytime routine and at bedtime. With evidence-based strategies, your child can achieve long stretches of unbroken sleep within just three days.
Let me share a few strategies that could work for your little one!
STRATEGIES TO TRY:
So, if you want to unlock your child’s ideal strategy and get them sleeping within 3 days, I can help you create a gentle and personalised sleeping plan that works for your family.
STRATEGY ONE:
Once your baby is closer to 14-18 months, they will naturally begin to transition to a one-nap schedule. At this age, you’ll likely notice that your baby starts resisting the second nap more consistently or takes longer to fall asleep. When this happens, it’s a sign that they may be ready for the shift. During this transition, the morning nap will gradually get pushed later in the day until it merges into one longer midday nap.
STRATEGY TWO
Put your child down for naps and bedtime when they’re awake. This will give them to opportunity to practise settling and falling asleep on their own.
STRATEGY THREE:
Move the bedtime feed from the last step of the routine to the first. Instead of feeding your baby right before they go to sleep, do it at the beginning of the bedtime routine!
These strategies typically help 12 month to 2-year-olds settle into deep, extended periods of sleep (and quickly!). But of course, your child is unique, and what strategy works for one child may not work for them.
YOUR NEXT STEPS: WATCH THIS VIDEO
I come with a solid track record helping little ones finally sleep through the night in just a few days without leaving your baby to cry it out.
With an education in child development and psychology, and 20 years of experience as a night nanny and maternity nurse, I’ve dedicated my career to helping families thrive. After my own journey with twins and the challenges of sleep, I became a sleep consultant, guiding families around the world to better, more peaceful nights.
Your child is unique, and you are the expert on them. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to sleep. That’s why I take the time to understand your family’s specific needs and dynamics to create a personalised plan that will work for you.
If you’re ready to try scientifically-backed strategies to transform night times for your family, book a call with me now. I’m here to help make sleep-time stress-free once again – for you and your child.
