6–12 months: New skills, new sleep challenges
Your baby is changing quickly. Their sleep might be changing too.
Between six and twelve months, so much happens.
Your baby may begin sitting, crawling, pulling themselves up, waving, babbling, recognising familiar people and becoming much more aware of what happens when you leave the room.
And suddenly, sleep can feel different too.
When development shows up at bedtime
Imagine learning to crawl for the first time.
You have discovered something completely new about your body and the world around you. It makes sense that you might want to practise it… even when you’re supposed to be sleeping!
New motor and communication skills can sometimes coincide with changes in sleep. You may notice:
- More difficulty settling at night
- Increased night waking
- A baby who suddenly wants more support and connection
Remember:
This doesn’t necessarily mean that their sleep has “gone backwards”. They are growing, and sometimes sleep needs a little time to catch up.
Routines become more useful
As babies become more alert and their days become more predictable, routines can become an increasingly helpful tool.
A consistent sequence before sleep can give your baby clear signals about what comes next. It doesn’t need to be rigid: predictability creates security.
This is also a stage when families often begin adjusting nap schedules, bedtime and the balance between daytime and nighttime sleep.
From baby to little explorer
Somewhere around this stage, your baby starts becoming much more mobile. And with mobility comes a new parenting challenge: boundaries.
When your baby begins crawling, pulling up or walking, safety boundaries become essential. We can allow children to explore while still creating clear physical limits:
“I won’t let you go there.”
“This area isn’t safe.”
“You can explore here.”
A boundary isn’t a punishment. It is a way of keeping your child safe while their curiosity grows.
What about nursery?
For some babies, this is also when childcare or nursery begins.
A new environment, new caregivers, new routines and separation from parents can be a lot to process. You may notice changes in naps, bedtime or night waking.
Again, this doesn’t necessarily mean something is wrong. Sometimes your baby simply needs more connection while they adjust to a big change.
What can help?
Focus on keeping the things that make your child feel safe and grounded:
- A predictable bedtime routine
- Familiar caregivers
- Plenty of connection during the day
- Opportunities to practise new skills
- Clear, consistent boundaries when they begin exploring
The core message
You don’t need to control every part of their day. You are creating a safe framework in which they can explore.
Respectful Sleep Consultant
New motor and communication skills often come with new sleep challenges. This free guide offers gentle, respectful first steps to support your baby as they practise everything they’re learning.