Updated on
11.4.25
Ever feel like your 11-month-old is powered by an endless supply of energy during the day, only to crash in the most inconvenient places like their high chair or mid-bite? At this stage, your little one is busy exploring, learning, and getting into everything. And with all these new skills, sleep might not always go as planned.
If you are wondering, "Is my 11-month-old baby sleeping enough?" or if naps are suddenly a battle, you are not alone. Sleep needs are shifting, wake windows are lengthening, and developmental milestones are keeping your baby’s brain extra active. But do not worry because we are here to help.
In this guide, we will explore how much sleep your 11-month-old baby sleeping needs, what a good schedule looks like, how to address common sleep struggles, and what important milestones may be affecting their rest.
At 11 months, sleep can feel unpredictable—some nights are peaceful, while others are full of bedtime resistance, skipped naps, or middle-of-the-night wake-ups. Here’s what we’ll cover:
By now, your baby is awake for longer periods and staying engaged with the world around them. But even though they are busier, sleep is still a huge part of their development. It is during sleep that their brain consolidates memories, their muscles recover from all that crawling and cruising, and their emotions regulate after a day of big feelings.
Most 11-month-olds need between 13 to 15 hours of sleep per day[1], though this is split between nighttime rest and daytime naps. On average:
Some babies need a little more or a little less, and that is perfectly fine. The key is to watch for sleep cues like eye rubbing, zoning out, restlessness, or tugging at their ears. These are all signs that it is time to wind down before overtiredness kicks in.
Stay on top of sleep schedules, developmental leaps, and feeding routines with personalized guidance. With Happy Baby, you’ll always know what to expect, making parenthood feel more joyful and less overwhelming.
If your baby seems to be getting less sleep than the average and is overstimulated, resisting naps, or waking up frequently at night, it might be time to tweak their routine. Small adjustments can make a big difference in helping them get the rest they need.
Now that we've established the sleep requirements for an 11-month-old baby sleeping, let’s explore what their daily schedule could look like.
By this age, most babies are following a two-nap schedule with wake windows of around three to four hours in between. If your baby is still taking three naps, they are likely nearing the transition to two naps soon.
Here is an example of what a balanced sleep routine might look like:
Every baby is different, so this schedule might need some tweaking to fit your little one’s needs. Some babies take a longer morning nap and a shorter afternoon one, while others do the opposite. What matters most is keeping wake windows balanced and ensuring your baby is not overtired by the end of the day.
If you find naps are suddenly a struggle, do not worry. Next, we will talk about wake windows and how to get the timing just right.
Wake windows are one of the most important parts of keeping your baby’s sleep on track. They determine how much awake time your baby has between naps and before bedtime, and when managed well, they can prevent overtiredness (which can lead to sleep battles and night wakings).
At 11 months old, your baby’s wake windows will generally be:
If your baby’s naps are suddenly short or they are fighting sleep, it could be a sign that their wake windows need adjusting. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Discover the top 6 baby sleep-tracking apps to monitor your little one’s sleep routine. Find the best app to improve sleep patterns easily!
Figuring out wake windows can take some trial and error, but once you get the balance right, naps and bedtime become much easier. Now, let’s talk about bedtime and what time works best for an 11-month-old baby sleeping.
Bedtime is one of the most important parts of your baby’s sleep schedule. The right bedtime ensures they get enough nighttime sleep and prevents overtiredness, which can lead to restless nights and early wake-ups.
For most 11-month-old babies, the best bedtime falls between 6:30 PM and 8:00 PM. The exact time depends on when your 11-month-old baby sleeping woke up from their last nap.
Here is how to determine bedtime:
A predictable bedtime routine also helps signal to your baby that sleep is coming. Keeping the routine calm, consistent, and relaxing will make it easier for them to settle down.
Even with the perfect bedtime, night wakings can still happen. Let’s look at what might be waking your baby up and how to handle it.
Even if your baby was sleeping through the night before, you might notice night wakings creeping back in around this age. There are a few common culprits:
If your baby is waking up more often than usual, take a look at their daytime sleep, bedtime routine, and overall sleep environment. A little troubleshooting can go a long way in helping them sleep more soundly.
At 11 months, your baby is on a mission to explore, learn, and practice every new skill they possibly can. This stage is full of exciting physical and cognitive leaps, which means you might find yourself marveling at their progress one moment and chasing them away from mischief the next! Here are some of the biggest milestones you can expect this month.
Your little one is getting stronger and more coordinated, making them eager to test their physical abilities. Some major developments include:
With all this newfound mobility, your baby’s energy levels are through the roof, and they are eager to practice every waking moment. This might even mean they start trying out their new moves in the crib instead of sleeping!
Your baby’s brain is working overtime this month, making sense of words, emotions, and cause-and-effect relationships. Some key cognitive developments include:
As their awareness grows, so does their independence, which is both exciting and challenging. You might notice a bit of separation anxiety, especially at bedtime, as they become more attached to you and their surroundings.
At 11 months, many babies are experimenting with new sounds and working towards their first words. While some might already be saying “mama” or “dada” with meaning, others are still babbling in a way that sounds like a mini conversation.
With all these big leaps happening, it is completely normal for sleep to be a little unsettled. Your baby’s brain and body are working so hard, and sometimes that means more night wakings or extra resistance at bedtime. But do not worry, as this is all temporary, and as they master these new skills, sleep will naturally fall back into place.
Looking ahead? Start planning for the next phase! Check out Sleep Schedule and Habits for 12-Month-Old Babies to stay prepared as your baby grows.
Navigating your baby’s sleep at 11 months can feel like a mix of progress and setbacks. One day, they are napping perfectly, and the next, they are standing in their crib at 3 AM, ready to practice walking. It is all part of their incredible growth, even if it makes bedtime a little unpredictable.
If sleep feels off right now, take a deep breath. You are not alone, and you are doing an amazing job. Some nights will be easier than others, but your love, patience, and consistency are what matter most. Your baby feels safe and secure because of you, and that is what truly helps them rest.
Struggling to set a sleep routine? With Happy Baby’s personalized sleep schedules and expert tips, you can create a routine that works, making bedtime smoother for both you and your little one.
1. 8- to 12-Month-Old Sleep Schedule & Tips (for Parents). (n.d.). https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/sleep812m.html#:~:text=Most%20babies%20this%20age%20should,for%20up%20to%202%20hours.
2. What age do babies have object permanence? (n.d.). WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/baby/what-age-do-babies-have-object-permanence
3. Ferrer, M., & Fugate, A. M. (2003). How I Grow: Months Eleven and Twelve. University of Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, EDIS.
© Copyright 2024 Aumio GmbH. All rights reserved.
Follow us
.png)
