Sleep Training and Bedtime Routines for Babies 6-12 Months

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Why Sleep is Important for Babies

Babies need lots of sleep to:

  • Grow strong
  • Learn new things
  • Stay healthy
  • Have good moods
  • Develop their brain

Most babies 6-12 months need:

  • 12-16 hours of sleep per day
  • 2 naps during the day
  • 10-12 hours of sleep at night

Signs Your Baby is Ready for Sleep Training

Your baby might be ready to learn sleep skills when they:

  • Can sleep for longer stretches
  • Are 6 months or older
  • Have a more predictable schedule
  • Can self-soothe (put fingers in mouth)
  • Are eating solid foods

Popular Sleep Training Methods

1. Gradual Retreat Method

  • Stay in the room
  • Sit far from the crib
  • Move a little further away each night
  • Help baby learn to fall asleep alone

2. Check and Console Method

  • Put baby in crib awake
  • Check on them at set times
  • Comfort them quickly
  • Leave the room
  • Slowly increase time between check-ins

3. Cry It Out Method

  • Put baby in crib awake
  • Let them cry for short periods
  • Do not pick them up
  • Let baby learn to fall asleep alone
  • Use this method carefully
  • Please be cautious when using this method. Avoid letting your child cry for long periods.

Creating a Bedtime Routine

A good bedtime routine helps babies know it’s time to sleep:

Start 30-45 Minutes Before Bedtime

  • Give a warm bath
  • Put on soft pajamas
  • Read a short book
  • Sing a quiet song
  • Use soft lights
  • Keep things calm and quiet

Things to Include

  • Do routine in same order every night
  • Use soft, quiet voices
  • Keep room dark or dimly lit
  • Use white noise or soft music
  • Keep room temperature cool (68-72 degrees)

Sleep Environment Tips

  • Use a firm mattress
  • Keep blankets and toys out of crib
  • Dress baby in one more layer than you would wear
  • Use a sleep sack instead of loose blankets
  • Make sure room is dark
  • Use blackout curtains if needed

What to Avoid

  • No screens before bedtime
  • No big meals right before bed
  • No exciting play before sleep time
  • Avoid changing routine too much
  • Do not let baby fall asleep while eating

Dealing with Night Wakings

  • Keep interactions calm and boring
  • Use soft voice
  • Minimal lighting
  • Check if baby needs diaper change
  • Offer quick comfort
  • Put back in crib awake

When to Ask for Help

Call your doctor if your baby:

  • Has trouble breathing while sleeping
  • Snores loudly
  • Seems very tired during day
  • Has major sleep problems that don’t improve

Important Sleep Safety

  • Always put baby on back to sleep
  • Use a firm, flat surface
  • No soft bedding in crib
  • Keep crib clear of toys and blankets

Remember

  • Every baby is different
  • Be patient with yourself and baby
  • Consistency is key
  • It takes time to learn new sleep skills

References

  1. American Academy of Pediatrics. (2022). Healthy Sleep Habits. HealthyChildren.org.
  2. National Sleep Foundation. (2021). Infant Sleep Guidelines. sleepfoundation.org.
  3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Infant Sleep Patterns. cdc.gov.
  4. Mayo Clinic. (2021). Infant Sleep Training. mayoclinic.org.
  5. Pediatric Sleep Council. (2022). Sleep Training Methods. pediatricsleepcouncil.org.
  6. American Academy of Sleep Medicine. (2021). Pediatric Sleep Recommendations. aasm.org.

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