Key points:
- Sleep is essential for babies’ physical and mental development.
- Babies between 10-12 months should ideally sleep between 12-15 hours a day.
- Separation anxiety may occur during this stage, and it is essential to be consistent with bedtime routines.
- Limiting daytime naps and introducing a transitional object can help babies sleep better at night.
Sleep is essential for leading a healthy life. It allows our body to rest and maintain good mental and physical health. Sleep is essential for our brain since during this time it consolidates and organizes the day’s events. Similarly, adequate sleep hours allow us to go through different stages of sleep, achieving a night of restorative sleep. If sleep is extremely important for adults, you can imagine how important it is for babies that are still growing! But how long do babies sleep when they’re 10 to 12 months old?
Sleep is vital for babies. Their brains and body require it to develop properly and grow. When babies sleep, they restore their energy, their bodies release growth hormones, and they consolidate the day’s findings. Sleeping helps them to wake up ready to explore their surroundings with enough energy to move and crawl around. It also helps them to be happy and in good spirits!
How long do babies sleep at this stage?
According to the National Sleep Foundation, the sleeping range for babies that are 10-12 months old is between 12-15 hours. Some babies sleep less, between 11-13 hours, and others more, up to 18 hours a day.
However, experts don’t recommend that your little one sleeps above or below this 10-18 hour range. If your child is sleeping more, you can try shortening their naps so that they receive enough stimulation during the day; if they sleep less, try to emphasize their sleep routine. Keep in mind that only after the first year, the recommended hours of sleep are 11 to 14 hours a day.
Between these months your child may experience separation anxiety. They’ll be more upset when you leave during bedtime or at night, so try to be consistent with your baby’s routine for bedtime. Offer them comfort if they cry and reassure them, always trying to use the same approach and the same words. Keep in mind that the goal is to put them to sleep, so don’t play with them since it is bedtime. Also, little by little, you can try offering them less comfort each night, to help them form new habits.
Other things you can do during this stage is to keep a bedtime routine and introduce a transitional object for your little one to help them sleep without you. It can be something cozy or an item they like. Also, try not to let your little one nap too much during the day, because then they won’t be able to sleep at night!
And that’s it! Now you know how long babies sleep when they’re 10-12 months old.
