Baby Sleep at 5-12 Months: 3 Common Sleep Challenges
At Ducky Zebra, we know that baby sleep can be a challenge - every little one is different, and finding a rhythm that works for your family isn’t always easy. That’s why we’ve teamed up with Vicki Crawford, a baby sleep consultant from Little Seedlings, to bring you expert guidance on sleep from newborn to toddler stage.
In this article, we dive into wake windows, naps and night sleep for babies aged 5-12 months - a key stage where sleep patterns shift and new challenges arise. Whether you're navigating nap transitions or tackling night wakings, we’re here to help you (and your little one!) get the rest you need. Here’s what Vicki has to say ….
Understanding Baby Wake Windows and Naps
At this stage, you are typically being led by wake windows (the amount of time your baby can remain awake between periods of sleep) rather than the number of naps per day. For example, a 6-month-old has a wake window of around 2 hours - typically around 3 naps per day. However, if they are a cat napper, they are more likely to have 4 or 5 naps per day.
As your baby grows, their wake windows start to lengthen, and they are able to stay awake longer between naps. Finding the right wake window is important to avoid overtiredness or undertiredness, both of which can lead to short naps and frequent night wakings.
Baby Wake Windows by Age Guide
Here’s a general guideline of wake windows:
- 5-6 months → 2 - 3 hours awake between naps
- 6-8 months → 2 - 2.5 hours awake
- 9-11 months → 3 - 3.5 hours awake
- 12-18 months → 3.5 - 4 hours awake
These are a guide and may need adapting to suit your baby. If you are still facing challenges, tweaking wake windows by 15–30 minutes can make a big difference to their sleep.
Navigating the 3-to-2 Nap Transition for Babies
Around the age of 8 months, babies start to make the transition from 3 naps to 2. This can be a tricky time, as a 2-nap day only really fits when their wake window is around 3 hours rather than 2.5 hours.
Top Tips for a Smooth Baby Nap Transition
- Be prepared for some 2-nap days and some 3-nap days
- Stretch the wake window in the morning to protect the wake window into bedtime (this is the most important wake window)
- Be flexible and patient - it may take them a couple of weeks to navigate the transition
- Don’t be afraid to bring bedtime forward if their second nap finishes early
Common Sleep Challenges in Babies (5-12 Months) & How to Handle Them
1. Baby Sleep Associations
Frequent night wakings are common around this age and can often be due to sleep associations - baby relying on an external factor to fall asleep, such as feeding or rocking. When babies associate sleep with an external action, they may struggle to self-settle when they wake naturally in the night.
Some babies find comfort in rocking or feeding to sleep, and that’s okay if it works for your family. Every baby is different, and there’s no single ‘right’ way - just what feels best for you and your little one.
If you’d prefer to gently encourage independent sleep, try putting your baby down awake, using a consistent bedtime routine to signal sleep time, and gradually supporting them in learning to self-settle.
2. Baby Sleep Regressions
A baby sleep regression refers to a period when a baby’s sleep is suddenly disrupted. Sleep regressions can be caused by learning a new skill, teething, growth spurts or increased awareness of separation.
In this age range, a regression usually happens around 8 months, often coinciding with increased movement and separation anxiety.
How to Handle a Baby Sleep Regression
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- Stick to your routine - consistency is key
- Offer extra comfort but avoid introducing new sleep habits you don’t want long-term
- Ensure wake windows are appropriate for their age
3. Baby Night Feeding
By 6 months, some babies can sleep longer stretches without night feeds. However, many still need feeding at night.
How to Gradually Reduce Baby Night Feeds
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- Encourage full feeds during the day by offering regular, balanced meals and milk feeds
- Increase daytime calorie intake to help reduce the need for night time feeds
- If your little one is waking frequently to feed, you can gently guide them towards longer stretches of sleep by using consistent and comforting settling techniques.
Final Thoughts: Supporting Your Baby’s Sleep Journey
The 5-12 month stage is full of exciting changes, with little one starting to move - but sleep disruptions are common. With the right schedule, consistency, and gentle strategies, you can guide your little one toward better sleep.
At Ducky Zebra, we understand that every baby’s sleep journey is unique. That’s why our organic cotton baby sleepsuits help little ones stay comfortable, no matter their sleep patterns. Our sleepsuits include two-way zips for easy nappy changes, making those night-time wake-ups just that little bit easier.
Looking for more expert sleep advice? This article is part of our baby sleep series, covering everything from newborn sleep habits to toddler sleep transitions. If you need extra support, Vicki Crawford from Little Seedlings is here to help with expert sleep guidance tailored to your family’s needs. And remember, better sleep is a journey — every small step counts!
About the Author: Vicki Crawford is a certified infant sleep consultant passionate about helping families get the restful sleep they all deserve. As a mum of two, she understands the challenges of sleep deprivation and is dedicated to providing gentle, effective solutions for better sleep for everyone.
Read more of Vicki’s series:
