At 11 months, your baby’s sleep schedule is becoming more predictable, but that doesn’t mean it’s always smooth sailing. Teething, separation anxiety, and big developmental leaps can lead to night wakings and nap resistance. But don’t worry! With a consistent routine and gentle guidance, your little one can get the sleep they need.
How Much Sleep Does an 11-Month-Old Need?
Most 11-month-olds need:
- Total Sleep: 13-14 hours in a 24-hour period
- Nighttime Sleep: 11-12 hours
- Daytime Sleep: 2-3 hours over two naps
Your baby’s schedule should allow enough time for restorative naps while maintaining a healthy bedtime.
11-Month-Old Sleep Schedule
A consistent routine will help your baby settle into predictable naps and nighttime sleep.
Sample Schedule
- 7:00 AM – Wake up
- 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM – Morning nap (1 hour)
- 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM – Afternoon nap (1-1.5 hours)
- 7:00 PM – Start bedtime routine
- 7:30 PM – Asleep for the night
If your baby is waking too early or fighting naps, check wake windows and adjust as needed.
Nap Schedule & Wake Windows
At 11 months, babies still need two naps per day.
Wake Windows:
- Morning wake window: 3 hours
- Between naps: 3.5-4 hours
- Before bedtime: 4-4.5 hours
If naps are getting too short or bedtime is a struggle, look at wake windows first before making big changes.
Signs of Nap Readiness:
- Rubbing eyes, fussiness, zoning out → Your baby is ready for a nap.
- Happily playing past nap time, fighting naps daily → Time to stretch wake windows slightly.
Sleep Training & Night Wakings
By 11 months, many babies are capable of sleeping through the night, but some still wake up due to habits, hunger, or sleep associations.
If Your Baby is Waking at Night:
- Check for discomfort – Teething, hunger, or a wet diaper could be the cause.
- Encourage self-soothing – Try a gentle sleep training method like the Sleep Lady Shuffle.
- Be consistent – If you’ve responded one way to night wakings before, sudden changes can cause confusion.
Gentle Sleep Training Methods:
- The Sleep Lady Shuffle – Stay with your baby while they learn to fall asleep on their own, moving further away every few nights.
- Gradual Night Weaning – Slowly reduce night feeds to help your baby adjust.
Troubleshooting Common Sleep Issues
1. Nap Resistance
Problem: Baby fights naps or takes short naps.
Solution: Adjust wake windows, ensure a dark and quiet sleep space, and keep a consistent nap routine.
2. Early Morning Wakings
Problem: Baby wakes before 6:00 AM.
Solution: Shift bedtime slightly earlier, ensure a dark room, and avoid reinforcing wake-ups with feeding or play.
3. Night Wakings
Problem: Baby wakes multiple times at night.
Solution: Focus on putting baby down drowsy but awake and use a gentle sleep coaching method if needed.
4. Separation Anxiety
Problem: Baby cries when put down.
Solution: Offer extra reassurance at bedtime, but avoid picking baby up right away—patting and soothing from the crib can help.
Final Thoughts
Consistency is key at this age. Stick with a predictable routine, respond to sleep challenges gently, and know that this phase will pass. Your baby is learning lifelong sleep skills, and with your support, they’ll get the rest they need.
Sweet dreams,
Kim (The Sleep Lady)
Citations
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- MedlinePlus. “Bedtime Habits for Infants and Children.” MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, October 21, 2022. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002392.htm.
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- American Academy of Pediatrics, “Emotional and Social Development: 8 to 12 Months,” HealthyChildren.org, 2019, https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/Pages/Emotional-and-Social-Development-8-12-Months.aspx.
- American Academy of Pediatrics, “Language Development: 8 to 12 Months,” HealthyChildren.org, August 1, 2009, https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/Pages/Language-Development-8-to-12-Months.aspx.
- American Academy of Pediatrics, “Movement: 8 to 12 Months,” HealthyChildren.org, April 7, 2021, https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/Pages/Movement-8-to-12-Months.aspx.
- Stockhausen, Amy Lynn. “How Much Formula Does My Baby Need?” HealthyChildren.org, March 22, 2018. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/tips-tools/ask-the-pediatrician/Pages/How-much-formula-does-my-baby-need.aspx.
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