Published by Actually Sleeping · Reviewed by Dr. Samantha Abrahamson, PharmD · Review policy · Updated 2026-11-10

What is a good sleep schedule for a 12 month old?

From 12 to 14 months most toddlers still do best on 2 naps, with wake windows of 3–4.5 hours as a common rule of thumb. The AASM recommends 11–14 hours of sleep in 24 for ages 1–2, naps included. Bedtime usually falls between 7 and 8 p.m., with 11–12 hours overnight and 2–2.5 hours of naps.

What is typical at 12 to 14 months

Measure	Typical range
Total sleep per 24 hours	11–14 hours (AASM, ages 1–2 years)
What studies of healthy babies found	Average 12.9 hours from 12 months; 1–2 year olds averaged 1.2 naps a day (Galland 2012)
Night sleep (common practice range)	11–12 hours
Naps (common practice range)	2, totalling about 2–2.5 hours
Wake windows (rule of thumb, not a research finding)	3–4.5 hours on two naps; shortest first, longest before bed
Night feeds	Most toddlers have none. Whether to keep, reduce or drop night feeds is your pediatrician’s decision.

Rows marked AASM are the American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommendation, which the AAP supports. Rows marked Galland 2012 come from a systematic review of observational studies. The other rows are common practice ranges, not research findings. They describe an average baby; healthy babies sit on both sides of every one of them.

Around the first birthday a schedule that worked at 10 months can suddenly produce nap refusal or early waking, and toddlers protest with more stamina than babies. Actually Sleeping works with babies and toddlers from newborn on. Dr. Sam writes a plan for your toddler, not an average 1 year old, and every caregiver works from the same plan, with daily 1:1 check-ins.

What is changing developmentally

Walking, or very nearly. First words, pointing and strong opinions. Around the first birthday many families also change milk and move from bottles to cups; make those changes on your pediatrician’s advice. Daily sleep need drops slightly: the AASM range moves from 12–16 hours to 11–14 hours at age 1.

Why the average 12-month schedule often does not fit

Nap strikes and new night waking: see the 12-month sleep regression.
Dropping to one nap too soon: a large review found the sharp drop in two-nap days comes between 12 and 18 months, so the timing is very individual. See nap transitions.
Early waking: see early morning waking.
Bottle or nursing to sleep: see the feed-to-sleep association.

Each of these looks different in a toddler who walks, talks back and spends weekdays with another caregiver. A schedule written for an average 1 year old cannot account for that.

Safe sleep at 12 to 14 months

The AAP’s infant safe sleep recommendations, including keeping soft and loose bedding out of the sleep space, are written for babies up to 1 year. Ask your pediatrician before adding a pillow or blanket.
Keep the mattress at its lowest setting. The AAP and MedlinePlus say to move out of the crib at 35 inches (89 cm) tall.

Is this age right for sleep training?

Yes. A 12 to 14 month old is fully able to learn independent sleep. Consistency between caregivers matters most now, which is why Actually Sleeping plans are written so everyone at home can give the same response. We guarantee that your baby will sleep 8–12 hours through the night within 14 days of consistent, correct implementation of your sleep plan. Parents of toddlers share their results on our 12 months and up reviews. See the best age to sleep train, and book a free consultation with Dr. Sam.

Want this fixed for your baby?

Actually Sleeping is 1:1 coaching: a sleep plan written for your baby by Dr. Sam, bootcamp-style coaching before the first night, and daily check-ins until it is working. 700+ families coached, 129 video reviews, and a written guarantee: 8–12 hours through the night within 14 days, or a full refund.

Book your free consultation → See what families say

Frequently asked

Should a 12 month old be on one nap?

Usually not yet. A large review found two-nap days drop sharply between 12 and 18 months, so many 1 year olds still need two. When your toddler is ready depends on how they cope, which Dr. Sam tracks with you.

How much should a 12 month old sleep?

The AASM recommends 11–14 hours per 24 hours for ages 1–2 years, including naps, and the AAP supports this. In studies, children from 12 months averaged about 12.9 hours, and healthy toddlers sit on both sides of that figure.

Can my 1 year old have a blanket or pillow?

The AAP’s infant safe sleep recommendations, which keep soft bedding out of the crib, are written for babies up to 1 year. After that, ask your pediatrician. A wearable blanket remains the simple option.

What time should a 12 month old go to bed?

As a common rule of thumb, between 7 and 8 p.m. The right time for your toddler depends on naps, so a Actually Sleeping plan sets it for them and adjusts it through the nap transition.