SLEEP 9-12 MONTHS

How long should my baby be sleeping? (9–12 Months)

Between 9–12 months, many babies have a more predictable sleep pattern—but it’s still normal to see changes during teething, illness, separation anxiety, or big milestones like crawling and standing. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) shares that babies this age typically need 12–16 hours of total sleep in 24 hours.

How do I put my baby to sleep? (9–12 Months)

Babies 9–12 months are busy learning big skills like crawling, pulling to stand, cruising, babbling, and showing strong preferences for caregivers. Because of these developmental leaps, sleep may become less predictable. The American Academy of Pediatrics reminds parents that sleep disruptions at this age are very common and developmentally normal.

Here’s what can help your baby settle:

Watch for sleepy cues:

Babies this age usually stay awake 3–4 hours at a time.

Look for early signs:

  • Rubbing eyes or ears
  • Slower movements
  • Clinginess
  • Turning away from play
  • Increased fussiness or whining

Putting your baby down when cues first appear helps prevent overtiredness.

Keep a simple, predictable bedtime routine:

Routine helps babies feel safe and understand that sleep is coming.

Try:

  • Dim lights
  • Quiet, calm room
  • Fresh diaper and sleep sack
  • Short cuddle or rocking
  • Soft singing or white noise

Routine length: 5–10 minutes
Consistency matters more than perfection.

Use a sleep sack for safe comfort:

At this age, babies move and stand more in the crib.

The AAP recommends:

  • Sleep sacks instead of blankets

Avoid:

  • Blankets
  • Pillows
  • Stuffed animals
  • Bumper pads

This keeps sleep safe and lowers the risk of suffocation.

Add white noise:

White noise can help calm busy minds and block household sounds.

Safe options:

  • Sound machine
  • Fan
  • Gentle “shhh” sounds

Keep volume low and consistent.

Support growing independence while offering reassurance:

Babies 9–12 months may experience separation anxiety, especially at bedtime.

Helpful strategies:

  • Say goodnight with the same words each night
  • Put baby down calm but awake when possible
  • Offer brief reassurance if they cry
  • Use a pacifier or gentle patting

Responding with comfort builds trust and does not spoil your baby.

Place baby down safely:

Always put your baby:

  • On their back
  • On a firm, flat sleep surface
  • In a crib, bassinet, or play yard

Safe sleep is important through the entire first year.

Expect night waking:

Even babies who slept well before may wake due to:

  • Teething discomfort
  • Developmental milestones
  • Separation anxiety
  • Hunger (some babies still need night feeds)

Night waking at this age is normal and temporary.

Putting a 9–12 month-old to sleep is about routine, reassurance, and safety. Stay consistent, respond with comfort, and remember that sleep changes are part of healthy development.

Citations:

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2023). Baby sleep basics.

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2023). How to keep your sleeping baby safe: AAP policy explained.

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2023). White noise and infant sleep.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Infant safe sleep.