Baby Sleep From 6 to 12 Months: Crawling, Teeth and New Skills

Is your once-great sleeper suddenly protesting bedtime or waking up all night? The so-called 8 month sleep regression is a common, temporary phase tied to huge developmental leaps. Your baby isn't being difficult; their brain and body are just incredibly busy with new skills, making it harder to settle.

Key takeaways

• Sleep disruptions between 6 and 12 months are usually linked to major developmental milestones, not a step backward.
• Separation anxiety often peaks around this time, making your presence more comforting and necessary than ever.
• A consistent, calming bedtime routine is your best tool for signaling that it's time to wind down.
• Sleep needs are shifting, with most babies this age taking two naps and sleeping a longer stretch at night.

What's happening with my baby's sleep from 6-12 months?

Just when you thought you had things figured out, everything changes. Welcome to the second half of your baby’s first year. This period is less about the sleepy fog of the early days and more about non-stop action.

Your baby is transforming from a passive observer into an active explorer. They're learning to sit up, crawl, pull to a stand, and maybe even take their first wobbly steps. Their brain is working overtime to process language, understand cause and effect, and master new physical skills.

All this incredible progress can, unfortunately, wreak a little havoc on sleep. It’s hard to power down when you’ve just discovered you can pull up on the crib rails and see the world from a whole new angle.

This phase is a big transition. You’re moving away from the frequent, unpredictable patterns of newborn sleep and settling into a more structured routine. For a look at how this fits into the bigger picture, you can check out our complete Baby Sleep by Age guide.

What is the 8 month sleep regression (and is it real)?

If your baby is around 8, 9, or 10 months old and their sleep has suddenly fallen apart, you might be dealing with the famous 8 month sleep regression. While it's not a formal medical term, it’s a very real experience for countless parents.

Think of it less as a "regression" and more as a "progression." Your baby’s brain is having a major growth spurt. This developmental leap is the real reason sleep gets temporarily disrupted.

Brain development is a full-time job

Around this age, your baby is starting to understand object permanence—the concept that you still exist even when you’re not in the room. This is a huge cognitive milestone!

The downside? When you leave their room at bedtime, they now know you're gone. This can trigger separation anxiety, leading to tears and protests where there were none before. They aren't trying to manipulate you; they are genuinely distressed by your absence because their bond with you is so strong.

New physical skills are exciting (and distracting)

Has your baby started practicing their Cirque du Soleil audition in the crib? It's common for babies to wake in the night and immediately start practicing their new skills, like crawling, rocking on all fours, or pulling to a stand.

They get so excited by their own abilities that they can’t seem to settle back down. Sometimes, they even get "stuck" standing up and cry because they haven't yet mastered the art of getting back down gracefully.

How much sleep does my 6-12 month old need?

As your baby grows, their sleep needs consolidate. They sleep for longer stretches at night and take fewer, more predictable naps during the day.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), babies in this age range typically need the following amount of sleep over a 24-hour period.

Remember, these are just averages. Some babies need a little more sleep, and some need a little less. The important thing is to watch your baby for sleep cues like yawning, eye-rubbing, or fussiness.

Just a few months ago, you were likely dealing with different patterns. This stage marks a clear departure from the rhythms of baby sleep from 3 to 6 months, as naps become more consolidated and night sleep lengthens.

What are the biggest sleep challenges at this age?

Besides the big developmental leaps, a few other culprits can disrupt sleep during this period.

Teething pain

Ah, teething. For some babies, it’s a non-event. For others, it’s a major source of discomfort that peaks at night when there are fewer distractions.

If you suspect teething pain is waking your baby, you might notice more drooling, a desire to chew on everything, and swollen or tender gums. A gentle gum massage with a clean finger or offering a solid (not liquid-filled) teething toy can provide some relief. If your baby seems to be in significant pain, it's always a good idea to chat with your pediatrician or health visitor about safe pain relief options.

Dropping the third nap

Sometime between 6 and 9 months, most babies are ready to transition from three naps down to two. This can be a tricky process. For a few weeks, you might find yourself in an awkward limbo. Two naps feel like not quite enough, but three naps push bedtime too late.

During this transition, you may need to bring bedtime a little earlier to avoid your baby getting overtired. An overstimulated baby often has a harder time falling asleep and staying asleep.

What does sleep look like around the world?

It can be reassuring to know that parents everywhere are rocking, shushing, and singing their babies to sleep. While the goal is the same—a rested baby—the methods can vary.

In many Western cultures, the emphasis is on independent sleep in a separate crib, often in a separate room after 6 months. This aligns with safety guidance from organizations like the AAP.

However, in many other parts of the world, such as Japan and many parts of Latin America and Africa, co-sleeping or bed-sharing is common. In these cultures, sleep is often seen as a social activity, and babies may sleep with their parents for several years. Research on these practices highlights a focus on community and physical closeness.

While the AAP advises against bed-sharing due to safety risks, it does recommend room-sharing—keeping your baby's crib or bassinet in your room—for at least the first 6 months, and ideally the first year. This practice is associated with a lower risk of SIDS and can make nighttime feeds and comforting easier.

How can I create a calming bedtime routine?

A predictable bedtime routine is one of the most powerful tools in your sleep arsenal. It acts as a series of cues that signal to your baby’s brain and body that it’s time to wind down.

A good routine doesn't need to be long or complicated. Consistency is more important than complexity.

1. Warm Bath: A bath can be a wonderfully relaxing way to start the routine. The slight drop in body temperature after leaving the warm water helps trigger sleepiness.
2. PJs & Diaper: Change your baby into their pajamas and a fresh diaper in a dimly lit, quiet room.
3. Feed: Offer a final feed for the night.
4. Quiet Connection: Spend a few minutes reading a book, cuddling, or singing a lullaby. This is a perfect moment for a song like "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" or "Hush, Little Baby, Don't Say a Word."

If you want to make this moment even more special, you can create a gentle, personalized lullaby with your child’s name and age at Moonlit Lullabies. The sound of their own name woven into a soft melody can be incredibly soothing.

Try it tonight

Feeling overwhelmed? Here are a few simple things you can try today to support your baby’s sleep.

• Check the environment. Is the room dark enough? Is it a comfortable temperature? A white noise machine can help block out household sounds that might startle your baby awake.
• Practice skills during the day. Give your baby plenty of floor time to practice crawling, sitting, and pulling up. The more they master these skills during their awake hours, the less likely they are to feel the need to practice them at 2 a.m. If they get stuck standing in the crib, go in and gently help them lie down without too much fuss or interaction.
• Stick to your routine. Even if sleep is a mess, try to keep your soothing bedtime routine consistent. This predictability is reassuring for your baby, especially when they are feeling the effects of separation anxiety.
• Offer positive affirmations. As you put them down, whisper a few gentle words. "You are safe and so loved." "It's time for quiet rest." "We are right here in the next room." These simple, loving phrases build a sense of security.

Quick questions

When do babies sleep through the night?

"Sleeping through the night" is a moving target. For a baby, it might mean a solid 6-hour stretch, not the 8-10 hours an adult might expect. While some babies achieve this by 6 months, it’s also perfectly normal for babies to continue waking for feeds or comfort well into their first year and beyond.

My baby stands up in the crib and won't lie down. What do I do?

This is classic! The first few times, you can go in and gently lay them back down with minimal interaction. But try not to make a game of it. Often, the best approach is to let them figure it out on their own. They will eventually get tired and lie down.

Is it okay to sleep train at this age?

Many popular sleep training methods are designed for babies 6 months and older. However, this is a very personal decision with no right or wrong answer. Given the peak in separation anxiety, methods that involve leaving a baby to cry for long periods may be particularly stressful for both you and your baby during this phase.

Can I introduce a lovey or blanket yet?

According to the AAP, the safest sleep environment for a baby under 12 months is a crib with a firm, flat mattress and a fitted sheet. No blankets, pillows, bumpers, or soft toys should be in the crib. These items pose a suffocation risk.

This journey through your baby's first year is full of changes. For a comprehensive look at what to expect at every stage, from tiny newborn to busy toddler, explore our Baby Sleep by Age: A Calm Guide From Newborn to School Age. You’ve got this.

Sources

• American Academy of Pediatrics (2022). Healthy Sleep Habits: How Many Hours Does Your Child Need?
• American Academy of Pediatrics Task Force on Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (2022). Sleep-Related Infant Deaths: Updated 2022 Recommendations for a Safe Infant Sleeping Environment.
• NHS (2021). Helping your baby to sleep.
• CDC (2022). Infant and Toddler Nutrition: Milestones.