6-12 Month Sleep Guide

The 6 to 12 month period is when sleep truly begins to consolidate. Many babies are capable of sleeping through the night, naps become more predictable, and a solid routine takes shape. However, this period also brings major motor milestones, separation anxiety, and the 8 to 10 month regression. Here is what to expect and how to navigate it.

Content reviewed against published AAP, NSF guidelines

Editorial policy

Last reviewed:

Key takeaways

  • By 6-9 months, most babies can sleep 10-12 hours at night with 0-1 feeds.
  • The 3-to-2 nap transition happens around 6-8 months; a solid 2-nap schedule follows.
  • The 8-month regression brings separation anxiety, standing in crib, and nap disruption.
  • Wake windows extend to 2.5-3.5 hours; the last window before bed is the longest.
  • This is the prime window for sleep training if not already done (6-9 months is ideal).
  • Motor milestones (crawling, standing, cruising) temporarily disrupt sleep but resolve quickly.

Sleep needs at 6-12 months

  • Total sleep (24 hours): 13-15 hours
  • Nighttime sleep: 10-12 hours
  • Daytime sleep: 2.5-3.5 hours across 2 naps
  • Wake windows: 2.5-3.5 hours (increasing with age)
  • Bedtime: 6:30-7:30 PM
  • Night feeds: 0-1 (most can go all night by 9 months)

The 3-to-2 nap transition

Between 6 and 8 months, most babies drop the third nap and settle into a 2-nap schedule. This is typically the most straightforward nap transition. Signs your baby is ready:

  • The third nap consistently pushes bedtime past 7:30 or 8 PM
  • Baby resists or plays through the third nap for 5+ days
  • Wake windows have stretched to 2.5 to 3 hours comfortably
  • Nighttime sleep is being affected (split nights or early waking)

During the transition, use an earlier bedtime (as early as 6:00 PM) on days when the third nap is dropped to prevent overtiredness. The transition typically takes 1 to 2 weeks to settle.

Sample schedule: 7-10 months (2 naps)

  • Wake: 6:30 AM
  • Nap 1: 9:00-10:30 AM (2.5 hr wake window, 1-1.5 hr nap)
  • Nap 2: 1:30-3:00 PM (3 hr wake window, 1-1.5 hr nap)
  • Bedtime: 6:30-7:00 PM (3-3.5 hr wake window)

Note: Wake windows increase gradually. A 7-month-old may use 2.5/2.75/3 hours; a 10-month-old may use 3/3.25/3.5 hours.

The 8-10 month regression

Around 8 to 10 months, several developmental milestones converge to disrupt sleep:

  • Object permanence: Your baby now understands you still exist when you leave. This creates genuine separation distress at bedtime and during night wakings.
  • Motor skills: Crawling, pulling to stand, and cruising are practiced day and night. Baby may stand in the crib and not know how to get down.
  • Cognitive leaps: Language comprehension is exploding, and the brain is processing enormous amounts of information during sleep.

This regression typically lasts 2 to 4 weeks. The most helpful things you can do are: practice motor skills extensively during the day (especially getting down from standing), maintain your bedtime routine, and avoid creating new sleep associations in response to the disruption.

Night weaning

Many babies between 6 and 9 months are physiologically ready to go through the night without feeds, but this varies by baby. Before eliminating night feeds, confirm with your pediatrician that your baby's weight gain is on track and they are taking adequate calories during the day.

Night weaning approaches

  • Gradual reduction (bottle): Reduce the amount in the bottle by 1 oz every 2 to 3 nights until eliminated.
  • Gradual reduction (breast): Reduce feeding time by 1 to 2 minutes every 2 to 3 nights.
  • Cold turkey: Eliminate the feed entirely and allow baby to self-settle. Often results in 1 to 3 nights of protest then resolution.
  • Dream feed: Offer a feed before you go to bed (10-11 PM) to tank baby up, then do not feed again until morning.

Sleep training at 6-12 months

If you have not yet sleep trained and want to, the 6 to 9 month window is considered ideal by many pediatric sleep researchers. Your baby is developmentally mature, capable of self-soothing, and not yet dealing with the strong-willed resistance that comes with toddlerhood.

All methods (extinction, graduated extinction, chair method) work well at this age. Consistency remains the most important factor. If you have already sleep trained but sleep has regressed due to milestones, you may need a brief "refresher" -- go back to your original method for 2 to 3 nights and sleep typically re-establishes quickly.

Separation anxiety and sleep

Separation anxiety peaks around 8 to 10 months and can significantly impact bedtime. Your baby may cry intensely when you leave the room, even if they previously self-settled easily. Strategies include:

  • Practice short separations during the day (peekaboo, leaving the room briefly and returning)
  • Keep your goodnight routine confident and brief -- do not linger or look worried
  • Introduce a transitional object (small lovey or comfort cloth) from 7+ months
  • If using check-ins, keep them brief (under 30 seconds) and boring -- do not pick up

The 12-month regression preview

Around 11 to 13 months, you may see another brief disruption as your baby learns to walk, says first words, and may appear ready to drop to one nap. Resist the urge to drop the second nap -- most babies are not truly ready for one nap until 14 to 18 months. Continue offering two naps and this regression typically passes within 2 to 3 weeks.

Frequently asked questions

When should my baby drop from 3 naps to 2?
Most babies transition from 3 to 2 naps between 6 and 8 months. Signs of readiness include: the third nap pushes bedtime past 7:30 PM, baby resists the third nap consistently for a week or more, or wake windows have naturally extended to 2.5 to 3 hours. During the transition, you may need an earlier bedtime on days when the third nap is skipped.
How do I handle my baby standing up in the crib and crying?
This is extremely common around 8 to 10 months. Your baby has learned to pull to stand but may not know how to get back down. During the day, practice the 'getting down' skill repeatedly -- show them how to bend their knees and lower themselves. At bedtime, lay them down once or twice, then let them figure it out. They will master it within a few days with practice.
Can I stop all night feeds at 6 months?
Many 6-month-olds can physiologically go through the night without a feed, but this varies. Before dropping all night feeds, confirm with your pediatrician that your baby's weight gain is adequate. Some breastfed babies benefit from keeping one feed until 9 to 12 months. If you are unsure whether a waking is hunger, offer a feed -- if baby takes a full feed and settles easily, they may still need it.
Why does my 8-month-old suddenly hate bedtime?
Around 8 to 10 months, separation anxiety peaks. Your baby now has object permanence -- they know you exist when you leave the room, and they do not want you to go. This is a normal cognitive milestone. Maintain your routine, keep goodbyes brief and confident, and consider brief verbal check-ins if using a graduated approach. This phase typically lasts 2 to 4 weeks.
My baby's naps were getting longer but are now short again. Why?
Nap length can regress during developmental milestones (crawling, pulling to stand, cruising). The brain is so busy processing new skills that it has difficulty sustaining longer sleep periods. This is temporary (usually 1 to 2 weeks). Ensure wake windows are appropriate for the new level of activity -- active babies may need slightly longer wake windows than before.

Bottom line

The 6-12 month period is when sleep truly matures. Most babies can sleep 10-12 hours at night, consolidate into a predictable 2-nap schedule, and no longer need night feeds by 9 months. Motor milestones and separation anxiety temporarily disrupt sleep but resolve with consistency and patience. This is the golden window for sleep training if you choose to pursue it.

Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.

All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.

2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources