What age does this work for?

DodoCare is designed for babies 4-18 months. Under 4 months, sleep patterns aren't mature enough for training. We'll tell you if it's not the right time.

Will my baby cry a lot?

Some protest is normal when changing habits. During onboarding, you'll choose your comfort level — from very gentle (minimal crying, slower progress) to faster results. The plan adapts to YOUR boundaries.

What's the method exactly?

There's no single method — we personalize based on YOUR comfort level. Choose a gentle approach (gradual changes, minimal crying) or faster results (more structured). Our AI adapts proven techniques like chair method, gradual retreat, or Ferber-style check-ins to your family's needs.

What if it doesn't work for us?

Every baby is different. The 3-day trial lets you see if the approach fits your family — no card required, no obligation. If it's not right, no hard feelings.

My 12-month-old is refusing naps. Should I drop to 1 nap?

Not yet. Most babies aren't ready for 1 nap until 14-15 months. Dropping a nap too early creates a sleep deficit that makes nights worse. Keep offering 2 naps, even if some are refused.

My 12-month-old walks around in the crib at night instead of sleeping. What do I do?

This is normal — their brain wants to practice this exciting new skill. Offer plenty of walking time during the day. At night, lay them down calmly once without too much engagement, then let them work it out. It passes within a few days.

Do birthday parties and routine changes make the regression worse?

Yes. Special events, visitors, and schedule changes can amplify the regression. Try to keep the bedtime routine as stable as possible, even on unusual days.

12-Month Sleep Regression: Walking, Curiosity, and Nap Battles

Your baby's first birthday is coming up (or just passed), and instead of sleeping better, they're sleeping worse. Nights are falling apart, naps are being refused, and your baby seems to have decided that 2am is the perfect time to practice walking. Welcome to the 12-month sleep regression.

What's happening at 12 months

Walking changes everything

Your baby is mastering the biggest motor skill of their life: walking (or cruising along furniture). Their brain is so excited about this development that it wants to practice constantly. Including at night. You find them standing in the crib, walking from end to end, wide-eyed at 3am.

Object permanence is complete

At 12 months, your baby knows with certainty that you're in the next room. They know the world keeps going without them. And sometimes, they disagree with that arrangement. They want to be where you are, even at midnight.

Routine changes pile up

First birthday party, family gatherings, trips — life around 12 months is full of disruptions. Every schedule change, every new excitement can amplify the regression.

Signs of the 12-month regression

Night wakings after weeks or months of good sleep
Nap resistance, especially the afternoon nap
Baby active in the crib at night (standing, walking, playing)
Longer time to fall asleep — your baby doesn't want the day to end
More daytime fussiness from accumulated tiredness

What actually helps

1. Offer plenty of motor practice during the day

The more your baby walks, cruises, and explores during the day, the less they need to do it at night. Get outside, go to the park, let them explore safely. A baby who's had their fill of movement falls asleep more easily.

2. Keep 2 naps (don't drop to 1)

This is the number one trap of the 12-month regression. Your baby refuses naps, so you think they're ready for one nap. They're not. Before 14-15 months, one nap isn't enough and creates a sleep deficit that makes nights worse.

Keep offering 2 naps. Even if the morning nap is sometimes refused, the rest time in bed has value. Wake windows at this age: 2.5-4 hours.

3. Be boring at night

If your baby wakes up and plays in the crib, don't join in. No chatting, no lights, no games. If you need to intervene, do it in a monotone, brief way. The message should be clear: nothing interesting happens at night.

4. Set firm boundaries with empathy

Your baby understands far more than they can say. A calm, firm "I know you want to play, but it's sleep time" does more than 20 trips back and forth.

5. Protect the bedtime routine

Parties, visitors, outings — all wonderful for development. But try to keep the bedtime routine as stable as possible. Even if the day was exceptional, the 20-30 minutes before bed should feel familiar.

How long does it last?

The 12-month regression typically lasts 2-3 weeks. It's often shorter than others if you maintain a consistent routine and avoid creating new habits to compensate.

When to see a doctor

If the night wakings come with fever, visible pain (intense teething, ear infections), or if your baby is also regressing in other areas (no longer walking, no longer babbling), consult your pediatrician. A baby who only regresses in sleep is most likely going through a normal developmental phase.

A clear plan when nights feel blurry

DodoCare understands that regressions are part of the journey. Your night plan automatically adapts based on regression signals you report in your daily check-ins. No panic, no guesswork — just a clear plan. The first 3 days are free.