💤 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 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 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.

Is separation anxiety still a factor?

Separation anxiety is at its peak around this age. Your baby now fully understands that you can leave the room. This can cause them to become upset at bedtime or when they wake up at night. They want your reassuring presence.

Are they ready to drop a nap?

Probably not! Many parents mistake this nap strike for a sign that their baby is ready for one nap. However, most babies are not ready to transition to one nap until around 15-18 months. Dropping the nap too early can lead to an overtired baby, which makes sleep even worse.

✅ What Are the Best Strategies for This Phase?

The key to getting through this phase is consistency. Your baby needs the security of a predictable routine. This is your most powerful tool.

1. Stick to Your Routine: A calm, 20-minute bedtime routine is a powerful signal that sleep is coming. The cozy, cool autumn evenings here in Bursa are perfect for a warm bath, pajamas, a book, and a song to help your baby wind down. 🍂

2. Don't Create New Habits: It can be tempting to start rocking or feeding your baby to sleep again just to get them to settle. Try to avoid this. It can create a new sleep crutch that you will have to break later.

3. Let Them Figure it Out: If your baby stands up in the crib, give them a moment. Let them try to figure out how to get back down on their own. They are learning a new skill. Resist the urge to rush in and lie them down immediately.

This challenging phase typically lasts for three to six weeks. It will pass as your baby masters their new skills. Stay consistent, and you will all be sleeping more soundly again soon. ❤️