The MyHealth.Alberta.ca Network showcases trusted, easy-to-use health and wellness resources from Alberta Health Services and Alberta-based partner organizations. The network is led by MyHealth.Alberta.ca, Alberta’s source for consumer health information. Our partners are committed to helping Albertans better manage their health and wellbeing. Health experts across Alberta make sure that the information on these sites is accurate and up-to-date.

MyHealth.Alberta.ca Network
I'm a Parent
Sleeping: 6–12 MonthsOlder Babies: 6-12 Months

Introduction

Are you looking to help your baby develop healthy sleep routines? On this page, find out what to expect with your baby’s sleep patterns, how to support your baby to go to sleep, and how to help your baby learn to self-soothe – this can help them get to sleep or get back to sleep when they wake during the night.

Sleep patterns

From 6–12 months, babies begin to have a more predictable sleep pattern and sleep for 12−16 hours a day, including naps for healthy growth and development. Some babies will still wake up in the night to feed. Every baby’s sleeping and waking pattern is different. Some may nap several times a day or sleep longer at night with fewer naps during the day. As your baby gets older, the number of hours they sleep at night will gradually increase. Look for the average amount of sleep your baby is getting over a 24 hour period.

6-month-old babies

  • are usually able to sleep for longer stretches at night, about 5–8 hours
  • have 2 or 3 naps during the day

12-month-old babies

  • usually have consistent bedtimes and wake-up times
  • nap for 1–2 hours, once or twice a day

Remember to put your baby on their back to sleep, for every sleep. If they roll over, you don’t need to move them back. Learn more about safe sleep for your baby’s first year.

Your baby’s sleep patterns will change as they grow. Even after your baby starts sleeping more at night, they may have times when they have trouble going back to sleep because:

  • they’re teething or sick
  • they’re having a growth spurt
  • they have separation anxiety
  • they’ve learned a new skill, like rolling over or pulling themselves up to stand
  • there’s a change in your family’s routine such as travelling, holidays, or a new work schedule

It may take a few days or even weeks for your baby to go back to a regular pattern. Even though you might feel frustrated, try to be patient, comforting and consistent with your baby. Ask others to help you with cooking, laundry or other chores so you can rest and focus on helping your baby learn how to get back to a healthy sleep pattern.

Sleeping through the night

No adult or baby sleeps through the night without waking.

Adults wake up several times a night. They go back to sleep because they’ve learned how to do that. With your help, your baby can learn to do this too.

“Moms, don’t be afraid to wake your partner to help care for your baby in the night. There is such pressure to let the ‘working’ partner sleep. Caring for children all day is work too and there aren’t always chances to catch up on needed sleep. Dad is a parent too and night parenting shouldn’t be solely the mom’s responsibility.”

~Ryan, dad of two children

Developing a healthy sleep routine

Put your baby on their back in their crib when they’re drowsy, but not yet fully asleep. This helps them connect going to sleep with their crib. Calmly tell them it’s time for bed.

Every baby is different when it comes to sleep. Some will go right off to sleep as soon as you put them in their crib, while others may fuss or cry. You don’t need to rush in every time your baby cries. Often, if you wait a few minutes, you’ll hear their fussing start to slow, and gradually taper off. Babies are just learning to settle themselves, and like all learning, it will take time.

As your baby explores and plays more, they may be more interested in their surroundings rather than going to sleep. Try to be consistent and patient. It may take time for your baby to learn when it’s time to go to sleep.

If your baby is growing and gaining weight well, they don’t need to feed at night. They may still want to feed at night because that’s what they’ve always done. However, when your baby is going through a growth spurt, they may wake up to feed at night. This usually only lasts for a few days. While keeping things calm and quiet, feed your baby, then help them settle back to sleep.

However, if your baby’s crying starts getting louder or more frantic, it means they are not able to settle themselves yet and need your help. When this happens, here are some ideas you can try:

  • Gently stroke or pat their leg, tummy or cheek with your hand when you put them down.
  • While keeping your hand on them, hum, sing or talk quietly to your baby.
  • Slowly use a lighter touch with your hand.
  • Calmly keep stroking or patting your baby, rather than picking them up, if they move around or seem to be waking up.
  • Some older babies will settle once you leave the room; give them a few minutes to try to settle on their own. It won’t hurt your baby if they cry for short periods of time as they learn how to settle to sleep on their own.
  • If your baby cries loudly, pick them up and help them settle like you normally do.
  • The next time they cry, try again to let them settle on their own. This may take many tries to help them learn how to go to sleep on their own.

If you’re concerned about your baby’s sleep and not getting enough sleep yourself, you may also be wondering about using sleep training to help your baby sleep longer. Sleep training is a term used for a variety of methods for helping babies to fall asleep and stay asleep. They come in many different forms. Some are universal (available to everyone and at no cost) and some have a cost. One method of sleep training is called the ‘cry it out’ approach where a baby is left alone for long periods of time. Many parents report that they find this upsetting and they can’t follow through with it. Other sleep training methods might work better for some families.

Every baby can learn healthy sleep, it just takes time and the right approach for your baby and your family. No matter what you choose, you need to feel comfortable that it’s right for all of you. Sleep is an important contributor to the health of babies, parents, and families. Call Health Link at 811 or talk with your health care provider about any concerns you have and how sleep may be affecting your family’s health and well-being.

Things to think about when helping your baby develop healthy sleep routines

  • Does my baby have a regular routine that tells their brain it’s time to sleep? If not, think about setting up a bedtime routine.
  • Has my baby learned how to self-soothe or calm themselves? Do you do all the calming and soothing? If you do, start teaching your baby to do it themselves, 1−2 weeks before you try to help them learn to sleep on their own in their crib. Some babies may take even longer to learn this skill. Lots of practice and warmth and structure from you will help.
  • What is my baby used to at bedtime? For example, if your baby has always breastfed to sleep every night, they’ll need time and support to learn how to go to sleep on their own. Start with tiny steps to help them get used to sleeping in the crib. Spend time in the daytime in the baby’s room with them in the crib as you do jobs around them, talk, or sing to them. It’s okay to help your baby settle in their crib if they seem upset. This can be as simple as patting them on their abdomen as they try to settle or it may mean picking them up and rocking them. Try to avoid breastfeeding or feeding the baby every time they go to sleep. This helps them learn that sleeping and feeding don’t have to go together. Take your baby off the breast or bottle before it’s empty and they’re fully asleep. Cuddle and then settle them into the crib.
  • Do you have anyone else who can help with your baby’s bedtime routine? With practice, other caregivers can be a big help and give you a break.

When babies cry…

By 6 months, babies usually cry less than they did in their first few months. They may still have times when they cry more, such as when they’re teething or sick. Your baby is now starting to communicate in other ways, but crying is still one of the ways they say “I need you.

Learn more about crying.

Bedtime

A calming bedtime routine after your baby’s last feeding helps them settle down before they go to sleep. When you follow a regular bedtime routine every night, your baby learns the signs of bedtime and comes to know what to expect. Bedtime routines work the best if they happen before your baby shows you signs that they are tired, around 7 or 8 pm. Waiting until a baby shows you signs that they’re tired means they may be overtired before you get them ready and into the crib. An overtired baby may have trouble settling down for sleep and staying asleep.

Give your baby a little variety with a different book or song, but try to follow the same overall pattern before sleep. For example, to create a calming routine:

  • Put on their pyjamas.
  • Clean their gums and teeth.
  • Snuggle together for a song or a story.
  • Put your baby down to sleep in their crib when they are drowsy but still awake. This helps them learn that their crib is the place to go to sleep.
  • Say a warm ‘goodnight’ and let them try to settle on their own.

When you’re away from home, try to maintain bedtime routines as much as possible. This can help to avoid big upsets to sleep routines when you’re back home.

Every family is different. You may need to try a few things to find out what works best for you and your baby.

Sing to sleep

Lullabies have been used for centuries in many cultures to help babies sleep.

Naptime

Babies also need naps during the day. Naps let your baby’s growing brain and body rest so they can be healthy and keep exploring, playing and learning. Day or night, your baby will give you cues that they’re tired and ready for sleep. They may:

  • lose interest in people or toys
  • fuss, yawn or rub their eyes
  • have glazed eyes
  • become more quiet or lie down

If your baby does not get the opportunity to sleep when they show these signs, they may:

  • have trouble falling asleep later
  • become overtired and fussy
  • find new energy and want to play again

Plan activities around your baby’s naps. Taking naps around the same time each day will help your baby develop better sleep habits and make sure they get the sleep they need.

Baby clothes

Clothes that are too big can ride up around your baby’s neck and can choke or smother them.

“I needed to learn to sleep when my baby was sleeping. It was important to have the energy to enjoy him. The housework had to wait.”

~Medina, mom of a baby

Self-soothing

With time, your baby can learn to self-soothe. Self-soothing can help your baby get to sleep or get back to sleep when they wake during the night. It can also help them soothe themselves at other times.

You’ll see your baby start to self-soothe when they:

  • Make sucking sounds or suck on their fingers, thumb or a soother. Learn more about soothers.
  • Rub the edge of their blanket with their fingers
  • Stare at one spot or an object for a few minutes before closing their eyes
  • Grunt or fuss in bed without being completely awake

Here’s how you can help:

  • Make soft humming sounds that your baby can copy. Then they may start to make similar sounds as they start to settle.
  • Gently take your baby’s hand and help them softly pat or rub their cheek, tummy or leg when you’re cuddling with them. Once they can control their arm movements, they’ll start to use these movements by themselves when they’re upset or tired. It may take your older baby several weeks to learn how to self-soothe, but it’s an important skill for them to learn, so keep trying.
  • If they begin to fuss or make sounds while they’re sleeping, wait a few minutes to see if they settle down on their own.
  • Wait until your baby is fully awake to go to them.

Teaching your baby to self-soothe is not meant to replace your loving attention and care. Your older baby will still need you to help them settle if they’re sick, upset or scared. Learning self-soothing will help your baby get back to sleep as they move through the sleep stages during the night.