Baby Sleep at 1 Year Old: What’s Going On and How It Links to Baby Development

If your baby is turning one and suddenly sleep feels a bit… unpredictable again, you’re not alone. Just when you thought you’d cracked the sleep code, your little one starts waking up in the night, fighting naps, or refusing bedtime cuddles for a last-minute game of peekaboo. Sound familiar? This is a really common pattern when it comes to baby sleep at 1 year old—and it’s all part of the amazing developmental journey your little one is on.

Don’t worry—this is all normal and actually a good sign (even if it’s a slightly sleep-deprived one for you!).

How does baby sleep at 1 year old typically look?

By 12 months, babies need around 11–14 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period. That usually breaks down to:

  • About 10–12 hours at night

  • One or two naps during the day (often starting to drop from two to one)

But the timing, length, and quality of this sleep can be affected by lots of exciting changes happening in your baby’s brain and body. Think of it like their development is doing somersaults—and sleep sometimes gets a little tangled up in the tumble.

What’s going on developmentally?

At this age, your baby is becoming a full-on explorer. They might be:

  • Taking first steps or walking confidently

  • Babbling, saying a few words, or suddenly understanding lots of new ones

  • Developing their memory, problem-solving skills, and independence

  • Experiencing separation anxiety or testing boundaries

All of this means their brain is incredibly busy. Sleep disruptions can happen because they’re practicing new skills (yes, some babies try standing up in their cot at 3am), processing the day’s adventures, or becoming more aware of when you’re not nearby.

The sleep–development connection

Here’s the good news: even if sleep gets rocky for a little while, it’s a sign that your baby is growing. Sleep and development go hand in hand.

  • Memory and learning: Sleep is crucial for processing everything your baby learns. Whether they’ve heard a new word, seen a picture book for the first time, or touched a sensory texture, their brain stores all that during naps and overnight rest.

  • Emotional regulation: Sleep helps babies manage big feelings. And at one year old, the feelings are definitely getting bigger!

  • Physical development: Growth spurts, motor development, and increased activity all require sleep to help muscles repair and strengthen.

So if you’re wondering whether that 3am wake-up call is “normal,” it absolutely is when it comes to baby sleep at 1 year old—because big growth equals big changes.

What can help?

If you’re riding the one-year sleep rollercoaster, a few gentle tweaks can help smooth the ride:

  • Stay consistent with bedtime routines. Familiar, calming activities help signal it’s time to wind down.

  • Keep daytime active and stimulating. Sensory-rich play and baby-friendly exploration can help tire them out in the best possible way.

  • Be responsive but patient. Your baby may need extra comfort or reassurance right now—it’s all part of their emotional growth.

And here’s where Adventure Babies comes in…

Our sensory storytelling baby classes are designed to support your baby’s development at every stage—including this magical, sometimes messy one-year-old stage. Our stories, songs, and sensory play offer the perfect combination of fun and learning, helping your baby build skills, feel secure, and (bonus!) burn off some of that endless toddler energy in the most delightful way.

Parents often tell us their babies nap so well after a class—and it’s not a coincidence! We provide a rich, stimulating experience that supports babies’ natural rhythms and developmental needs.

You’re doing brilliantly. Sleep changes at this age can be exhausting—but they’re also a sign your baby is growing in all the right ways. With a little understanding, a solid bedtime story, and maybe an Adventure Babies class in the mix, you’ve got this.

Want to give your baby the best start with stories, play, and development-friendly fun? Find your nearest Adventure Babies class here.