Your Guide To An 11-Month-Old’s Ideal Sleep Schedule

It’s hard to wrap your mind around the fact that your little baby is approaching their first birthday and taking those exciting steps into toddlerhood. As your baby grows, they embark on a whirlwind of changes and milestones — which is thrilling, but let’s be real: it can also turn your sleep schedule upside down, leaving you more exhausted than ever.

Some babies seem to drift off to dreamland without a care, while others put up a fight that would impress even the most seasoned negotiators. Don’t let their occasional resistance fool you! An 11-month-old still desperately needs those daytime naps and a solid, restorative nighttime sleep. If you haven’t quite found that ideal sleep schedule yet, now is the perfect time to prioritize it. Just around the corner at 12 months, sleep regressions can become common, sometimes even earlier, so it’s smart to get ahead of the game.

Cheryl Mackay, a highly regarded sleep and potty training specialist with over three decades of hands-on experience, emphasizes the crucial link between daytime and nighttime rest. She wisely notes, “It’s like a puzzle; all the pieces need to slot together for it to work! If you crack daytime naps, you will undoubtedly see much better results at night.” This is not just a theory; it’s a principle rooted in parenting experience.

Now, you might be wondering — how much sleep does your little one really need at this age? By 11 months, most babies should be racking up about 13 to 14 hours of sleep daily. Lucky parents might even witness their little ones sleep a blissful 12 hours straight overnight. However, be prepared for occasional wakes for a feed or comfort. The good news is that they’ll fill the rest of those hours with some daytime snoozing.

When it comes to daytime naps, aim for two. These naps can vary in length, generally ranging from half an hour to two hours, depending on your baby’s unique needs. Remember, sleep is pivotal for brain development. Keep in mind that other factors like teething or a mild illness can disrupt their usual schedules. Establishing a consistent nap time will foster healthy sleep habits. “Consistency is key,” as Cheryl wisely advises. “Even when baby doesn’t sleep, some quiet time is beneficial because you definitely don’t want an overtired baby.”

You’ll soon become attuned to your baby’s sleep cues. Look for signs like rubbing their eyes, yawning, fussiness, and quieter engagement. The earlier you catch these signals, the better your chances of a smooth nap experience.

When your baby hits the 11-month mark, consider introducing a short “power nap” around 9 a.m. for about 45 minutes to help bridge the gap to their after-lunch nap. As they near the end of this age phase, focus on that afternoon snooze — it’s where you want them to gain the most rest. After lunch, let them sleep as long as they need, anywhere from an hour and a half to three hours, allowing the little one to wake up naturally.

If figuring out a good sleep routine feels overwhelming, a sample schedule may help you navigate the waters. Remember, if your little one has taken a long nap post-lunch, they might not need an additional late afternoon snooze before bedtime.

Alongside establishing a sleep routine, consider these tips to foster healthy sleep habits:

• Stick to a calming bedtime routine that includes a warm bath and dim lights.
• Gently massage your baby right after their bath and just before sleep.
• Give them a moment to settle if they wake up crying instead of jumping right in.
• Avoid overstimulation before nap and bedtime.
• Consider a sleep training method that aligns with your parenting philosophy.
• Create a consistent sleep environment; make nap time feel like bedtime to foster associations.
• Encourage daytime sleep in their crib as much as possible to ease nighttime transitions.

Cheryl underscores the importance of being confident in your approach. Babies can pick up on your uncertainty, making them more sensitive to any perceived hesitations. She suggests a simple and effective routine: Change their diaper, get them into a cozy sleeping bag, give them a comforting cuddle, then gently place them in their crib while they’re still awake. If your baby is used to falling asleep in your arms, they may be taken aback if they wake to find you absent. Help them settle by reassuring them with gentle strokes or pats, letting them know they are safe even though you’re not holding them. After that, step back, allowing them to find comfort in their space.

Navigating sleep schedules for your baby can be daunting at times, but with consistency, patience, and a little expert insight, you’re not just working toward better sleep for your baby but also reclaiming those precious hours for yourself. Remember, you’re not alone on this journey — you’re part of a vast community of parents navigating the joys and challenges that come along with parenting.What is a good bedtime for an 11-month-old?

As any parent of an 11-month-old knows, bedtime can be one of the most critical parts of the day. It’s not just about putting your baby to sleep; it’s also about creating a routine that helps both of you unwind after a long day. Most experts recommend a typical bedtime around 13 hours after your little one wakes up in the morning. For example, if your baby stirs at 6:30 AM, aiming for bedtime around 6:30 PM to 7:00 PM is usually the sweet spot. Sticking to the same bedtime each night is crucial; if you push it too late or bring it earlier, it might throw off their internal clock, and let’s be honest, that affects your routine too, doesn’t it?

At this age, your baby should ideally be sleeping around 13 to 14 hours a day, including those all-important daytime naps. It’s best to avoid letting them stay up too long between naps—once they get overtired, good luck trying to calm them down! Creating a soothing environment as you prepare for nighttime can also make a world of difference. If you have a toddler around, keep them busy with toys or quiet activities while you usher your little one towards sleep, making the process as smooth as possible for everyone.

Can an 11-month-old baby sleep through the night?

Yes, they can! It’s wonderful to think that by this age, many babies are starting to sleep through the night (cue the happy dance!). However, don’t be surprised if your little one isn’t quite ready to stretch their sleep to a solid 12 hours. Some babies might still need to wake for a feed around 3 AM to 5 AM, which could actually work in your favor. A quick feed might help them settle for that last stretch of sleep, preventing those painfully early wake-up calls. If they do wake up, try your best to keep things calm and peaceful, almost like a soothing lullaby to ease them back into dreamland.

Is there an 11-month sleep regression?

It’s not uncommon for parents to hear about sleep regressions, and yes, the possibility exists. Many babies experience sleep disruptions around the ages of 8 to 10 months, and the 11-month mark can fall right in that window. Some experts, like childcare veteran Cheryl Mackay, propose that instead of perceiving these disruptions as regressions, we should think of them as signs of our little ones maturing and needing adjustments in their sleep routine. Cheryl suggests that having a consistent sleep schedule helps alleviate these issues by establishing predictable nap times, meaning your precious one wakes up around the same time each day. This predictability can make both daytime naps and bedtime smoother.

If your baby does seem to go through a phase that resembles a sleep regression, it can be helpful to have strong sleeping habits established prior. Here are a few reasons sleep challenges may arise:

• Developmental milestones: This age is often filled with new skills—some babies are trying to walk or are starting to pull themselves up. All this newfound freedom and perspective can make it tough for them to settle down at night since they might be buzzing with excitement.
• Separation anxiety: Many babies can begin to feel nervous about being apart from their parents, and this anxiety might manifest in more crying or fussiness at bedtime. They just need a little more reassurance from you.
• Teething: Ah, teething—every parent’s nemesis. If your 11-month-old is experiencing discomfort from those little teeth popping through, that can seriously affect their sleep patterns too.

Cheryl Mackay is a childcare expert with over 30 years of experience and the founder of Sleep Training London. With her qualifications as a sleep consultant and gentle parenting specialist, she’s dedicated to guiding parents through sleep training, potty training, and behavior management. Cheryl emphasizes using compassionate and child-centered techniques, recognizing that every family is unique.