🌙 7-12 months
Baby Sleep Schedule at 7-12 Months: The Two-Nap Transition and Night Wakings
Number of daytime naps in 7-12 month old babies, the shift from three naps to two, how separation anxiety affects sleep, and practical tips.
Transitioning to two daytime naps
Around 7-9 months, most babies drop from three daytime naps to two: one in the morning and one in the afternoon. During the transition weeks, it is completely normal to see three naps on some days and two on others.
In this age range, total sleep is usually 12-14 hours a day, and nighttime sleep can stretch to 10-12 hours. Wake windows extend to 2.5-3.5 hours.
Separation anxiety and night wakings
Around 8-10 months, babies discover 'object permanence': they now know you do not vanish when you leave the room — and that is exactly why they do not want you to go. More frequent night wakings and wanting you close as they fall asleep often go hand in hand with this stage.
This is not a habit breaking down but a developmental milestone. Short, calm nighttime check-ins, plenty of bonding time during the day, and a consistent bedtime routine all help smooth this period.
A more active baby, changing sleep
During the crawling and pulling-to-stand stages, babies 'practice' their new skills at night too — a baby who stands up in the crib but cannot get back down is a classic scene. Giving plenty of chances to practice during the day is the most natural way to cut down on these nighttime rehearsals.
- Keep bedtime consistent; for a growing baby, a late bedtime usually means a more disrupted night
- Keep stimulation low during night wakings: dim light, quiet voice, brief contact
- The morning wake-up time is the anchor of the routine — starting the day at a similar time makes everything easier
🐦 Easier with Maiyko
In Maiyko, daytime and nighttime sleep are tracked separately; the weekly pattern chart shows at a glance whether the switch to two naps has settled in.
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⚕️ Health note: This guide is for general information only; it is not a substitute for medical advice. Every baby is different — for decisions about your baby's sleep, feeding, and health, consult your pediatrician.