💤 A Parent's Guide to Your 11-Month-Old's Sleep Routine

💤 Your 11-Month-Old's Sleep Routine (and the 'Cruising' Regression!) 💤

Your 11-month-old is on the move! They are likely pulling up on everything, cruising along furniture, and maybe even taking their first steps. This is an incredibly exciting time of discovery. However, this explosion of new skills often comes with a frustrating disruption to sleep: the 8-10 month sleep regression, which often continues into the 11th month.

If your previously good sleeper is now having epic bedtime battles, fighting naps, and treating their crib like a jungle gym, you are not alone. This is a very common and normal developmental phase. Sticking to a consistent sleep routine for your 11 month old is the key to navigating it.

This guide will explain what a typical schedule looks like. We will also cover why this regression is happening and how to manage it. Let's get your family back to more restful nights. 💪

🤔 What Does a Typical 11-Month-Old's Sleep Schedule Look Like?

By 11 months, your baby is solidly on a two-nap schedule. Their sleep patterns are becoming more predictable. Understanding their wake windows is the key to a smooth day. Here are the average sleep numbers for this age:

Total Sleep: About 12 to 14 hours in a 24-hour period.
Nighttime Sleep: 10 to 12 hours.
Daytime Sleep: 2 to 3 hours, divided into two naps.
Wake Windows: The time your baby can stay awake between sleeps is typically between 3 and 4 hours.

What is a good sample schedule?

A good sleep routine for an 11 month old is all about balance. This is just a template, so adjust it based on your child's individual needs.

7:00 AM: Wake up
(3-hour wake window)
10:00 AM - 11:15 AM: Nap 1
(3.5-hour wake window)
2:45 PM - 4:00 PM: Nap 2
(4-hour wake window)
8:00 PM: Bedtime

🤯 Why is Your 11-Month-Old Suddenly Fighting Sleep?

This regression is all about development. Your baby's brain is making huge leaps, and their body is learning amazing new things. This excitement can easily override their desire to sleep.

Are they practicing new physical skills?

Yes! This is the number one cause. Your baby is mastering pulling to a stand and cruising. Their crib is the perfect safe place to practice these new skills, day or night. They would often rather practice standing than lie down to sleep.