Understanding your babies sleep, 8-12 mths old

Though your baby is beginning to develop in so many positive ways, certain sleep problems may start to crop up as he approaches his first birthday. These problems are often due to his increased awareness of his 'separateness' from you. Stranger anxiety and separation anxiety are two normal stages of development that typically occur during this time, and they can get in the way of much-needed sleep for you and him.  This may mean tears and tantrums when you try to leave him in the cot at night - and more sleep interruption when he wakes up and looks around for some sign that you are near.

It can be difficult to respond to his needs with the right balance of concern and consistency, but remember: This is the time to set the stage for future restful nights for the whole family! The important thing now is to try to keep the sleep experience a positive one for him and to be consistent with your response to wakefulness at night.

How long will my baby sleep?

While the average amount of sleep per day at this age is 13 to 14 hours, the range of normal is still quite wide at this stage in your baby's life.

He is probably still taking two naps a day - one in the morning and another after lunch. The average length of a nap now is about 1 hour. Some babies will nap 20 minutes, others a few hours. Naps help prevent your baby from becoming too cranky to sleep well at night, so it is important that they be long enough.

This is the age when your baby may start resisting taking naps because he doesn't want to be away from you, but naps will help him (and you) enjoy the waking hours more. The key is to be as consistent as possible with nap times and your approach to putting him in his cot.

Where and how should my baby sleep?

By this age, he is likely to be rolling over and picking a comfortable position for sleep throughout the night.  If you have not already, placing your child in a seasonally appropriate sleeping bag will greatly reduce sleep disturbance due to being too cold or hot.

When he wakes up in the night and cries for you, remember not to reward him, or it may continue for a long time. Reassure him quietly that you are there, and a quick exit. If you are firm and consistent about requiring him to resettle back to sleep, this stage should pass pretty quickly.

Of course, during these middle-of-the-night 'visits' with him, you'll want to rule out illness or a very soiled diaper. If you do need to change him, remember not to turn on too many lights and to keep interaction to a minimum - avoid eye contact.

Always keep sleep safety in mind. Make sure the crib you are using meets current safety standards. Keep large stuffed animals, which can fall onto his face, out of the crib. Avoid items with ties or ribbons that can wrap around his neck, and objects with any kind of sharp edge or corner.

Once he is pulling himself or herself up using the sides of the crib, it's time to remove the mobiles hanging over it as babies can get tangled in hanging mobiles.  Don't forget to look around for the things that your baby can touch from a standing position in the crib. Wall hangings, pictures, draperies, and window blind cords are potentially harmful if left within your baby's reach.

How can I encourage my baby to sleep?

Your baby is attached to you and doesn't like to be away from you, but try to handle night-time 'detachment' the same way you manage separation anxiety during the day (for example, when you leave your child with a babysitter). Follow your usual bedtime routine with an extra hug and kiss, let him know that you will see him soon, and make a quick exit.

If he has a favourite toy that you feel is safe to have in the crib, he can use it for comfort. This is when 'transitional' objects become important to his sense of comfort. They help him transition from being with you most of the time to having some time away from you and becoming more independent.

Try leaving his door open so he can hear your activity in the next room. This may help your little one feel less alone. If he keeps on crying and calling for you, a few words of reassurance from the bedroom door and another quick exit may do the trick. Try and lengthen the time between these personal appearances until he falls asleep. 

When do I call the Doctor?

Teething pain is a common reason for sleep problems at this age, and your doctor may be able to suggest some ways to relieve your baby's discomfort.

Call the doctor if he can't be consoled or seems to be irritable day after day because of interrupted sleep, or has a temperature or breathing difficulties.