11 Month Old Sleep Schedule: Ideal Bedtime, Baby Sleep, Naps & Tips

As your baby approaches their first birthday, you may wonder what the ideal sleep schedule looks like for an 11 month old. This 11 month old sleep schedule and guide helps families set a healthy baby sleep routine.
At this age, your little one is undergoing significant developmental changes that can impact their sleep patterns. This period also influences night wakings and nap schedule considerations for baby sleep.
Establishing a consistent bedtime routine and daily routine ensures your baby gets the rest they need to grow and thrive. A reliable bedtime routine supports healthy sleep and reduces night wakings.
In this post, we’ll explore the ideal bedtime for an 11 month old and provide tips on creating a sleep schedule that works for your family. This 11 month old sleep schedule includes a practical nap schedule and strategies for night wakings and sleep training.
We’ll cover how much sleep your baby needs, typical wake windows, and sample schedules to help you navigate this exciting stage. This includes sleep periods and a clear look at the nap schedule within the day for better baby sleep management.
Whether dealing with sleep regression or optimizing your baby’s sleep, read on to learn more about finding the perfect 11 month old sleep schedule and pediatric sleep guidance.
Essential Factors to Adhere to an 11-Month Sleep Schedule
Different factors require your attention while addressing the sleep schedule of an 11-month-old and their baby sleep patterns.
Sleep and feeding are the two most crucial factors that parents must carefully consider for a baby’s sleep and holistic development.
1. Sleep needs for an 11 month old
Sleep needs for an 11 month old: At 11 months old, your baby requires 12-15 hours of total sleep in 24 hours to support their growth and development.
This total sleep is typically divided into 11-12 hours of nighttime sleep and 2-3 hours of daytime sleep across two naps, part of the nap schedule within the day’s sleep plan.
Nighttime sleep is crucial for your baby’s physical and cognitive development and for consolidating memories and learning. Minimizing night wakings can help with a smoother baby sleep pattern.
Aiming for a consistent bedtime routine and creating a sleep-conducive environment can help your baby achieve the recommended total sleep and a healthy sleep schedule.
Daytime naps are equally important. They allow your baby to rest and recharge, essential for their mood, energy levels, and overall well-being, contributing to a healthy baby sleep pattern.
At 11 months old, most babies take two naps daily, lasting 1 to 2 hours each, fitting into the nap schedule and sleep periods.
2. Wake windows for an 11-month-old
Wake windows refer to how long your baby can stay awake between periods of sleep. At 11 months old, your baby’s typical wake windows are 3-4 hours long, guiding when night wakings and naps should occur as part of the day’s sleep schedule.
The time between morning wake-up and the first nap is usually around 3 hours. This allows your baby to engage in play, learning, and social interaction before they need to rest and supports the morning wake window for a natural wake rhythm.
The wake window is typically 3-3.5 hours between the first and second nap. During this time, your baby can eat, play, and explore its surroundings, aligning with the nap schedule and sleep periods.
The wake window between the second nap and bedtime usually lasts 3.5-4 hours. This extended period allows your baby to enjoy more wake time with family and wind down before nighttime sleep and bedtime routine.
3. Sample 11-Month-Old Sleep Schedules
Case 1:
- 6:30 AM: Wake up (start of a baby sleep day)
- 9:30-10:45 AM: Nap 1 (1 hour 15 minutes) (nap schedule)
- 2:15-3:30 PM: Nap 2 (1 hour 15 minutes) (nap schedule)
- 6:30 PM: Start a bedtime routine
- 7:15 PM: Bedtime (nighttime sleep)
In this example, the baby wakes up at 6:30 AM and has a wake window of 3 hours before taking their first nap at 9:30 AM. This aligns with the morning wake window and part of the day’s baby sleep rhythm as part of the 11 month old sleep schedule.
The first nap lasts 1 hour and 15 minutes. After the first nap, the baby has a wake window of 3.5 hours before taking their second nap at 2:15 PM, which also lasts 1 hour and 15 minutes. This fits into the nap schedule within the day’s sleep plan.
The bedtime routine starts at 6:30 PM, with the baby asleep by 7:15 PM (nighttime sleep).
Case 2:
- 7:00 AM: Wake up
- 10:00-11:00 AM: Nap 1 (1 hour) (nap schedule)
- 2:30-3:30 PM: Nap 2 (1 hour) (nap schedule)
- 7:00 PM: Start bedtime routine
- 7:45 PM: Bedtime (nighttime sleep)
In this example, the baby wakes up at 7:00 AM and has a wake window of 3 hours before taking their first nap at 10:00 AM, which lasts 1 hour. This sequence supports a steady sleep rhythm and a predictable sleep schedule for the day.
The baby then has a wake window of 3.5 hours before taking their second nap at 2:30 PM, which also lasts 1 hour. This helps maintain a balanced nap schedule and overall baby sleep pattern.
The bedtime routine starts at 7:00 PM, with the baby asleep by 7:45 PM.
4. Factors Influencing Bedtime for An 11-Month-Old
4. Factors Influencing Bedtime for An 11 Month-Old: Several factors can influence your 11-month-old’s ideal bedtime; we have listed a few of them in this segment. Knowing the factors that essentially impact the bedtime of your 11-month-old can help you tailor the sleep schedule, pediatric sleep expectations, and bedtime routine to your family.
- Wake times and nap lengths: Wake times and nap lengths influence the day-to-day baby sleep schedule. If your baby takes longer or shorter naps than expected, you may need to adjust their bedtime accordingly.
- Individual sleep needs: Every baby is unique and may have slightly different sleep requirements. Some babies may need more or less sleep than the recommended average, impacting their ideal bedtime and overall sleep pattern.
- Family schedule and preferences: Your family’s daily routine and personal preferences can influence your baby’s bedtime. Consider factors such as work schedules, older siblings’ routines, and evening plans when establishing a bedtime that works for your family and sleep goals.
5. Tips for Establishing a Consistent Bedtime Routine
- Choose a bedtime between 7:00 and 8:00 PM:Aim for a bedtime routine that allows your baby to get the recommended nighttime sleep and aligns with your family’s schedule, supporting a reliable baby sleep plan.
- Create a calming pre-sleep routine: Establish a soothing and consistent bedtime routine that helps your baby wind down and prepare for sleep. This may include a warm bath, reading a story, singing a lullaby, or engaging in quiet, calming activities as part of the nightly sleep training approach.
- Keep the sleep environment dark, quiet, and comfortable: To ensure your baby’s sleep space is conducive to rest, keep it dark, calm, and at a comfortable temperature. Use blackout curtains, white noise machines, and appropriate sleepwear to create an optimal sleep environment.
- Be consistent with the routine each night: Consistency is key to establishing healthy sleep habits. Follow the same bedtime routine each night, as this helps your baby understand that it’s time to sleep and can make falling asleep easier during night wakings.
6. Dealing with Sleep Regressions and Challenges
11-month sleep regression due to developmental milestones: Around 11 months, your baby may experience a sleep regression due to developmental milestones such as standing, cruising, or even taking their first steps. The excitement and desire to practice these new skills can temporarily disrupt sleep patterns, contributing to night wakings and sleep regression phases.
- Separation anxiety affecting sleep: As your baby becomes more aware of their surroundings and forms stronger attachments to caregivers, they may experience separation anxiety, which can make falling asleep and staying asleep more challenging and lead to night wakings.
- Teething discomfort disrupting sleep patterns: Teething pain and discomfort can also interfere with your baby’s sleep at this age, leading to more nighttime awakenings and difficulty settling.
Strategies for coping with sleep disruptions: These strategies apply to baby sleep, wake windows, and managing night wakings. Offer extra comfort and reassurance during times of separation anxiety or developmental milestones.
- Offer extra comfort and reassurance during times of separation anxiety or developmental milestones.
- Use teething remedies, such as cold toys or baby-safe pain relief, to help soothe discomfort.
- Maintain a consistent bedtime routine and sleep schedule to provide security and predictability.
- Be patient and understanding. Sleep disruptions are often temporary and will pass as your baby adjusts to new developmental stages.
Remember, every baby is unique, and what works for one family may not work for another. Baby sleep needs can vary, so stay flexible and tailor routines to your child.
Be open to adjusting your baby’s sleep schedule as needed, and don’t hesitate to contact your pediatrician or a sleep consultant if you need further guidance or support. Sleep training can be a helpful option for families seeking structured guidance.
Final Words
Establishing an ideal bedtime and sleep schedule for your 11-month-old is essential for their overall health and well-being. This guide to baby sleep supports a consistent routine and promotes healthy night routines.
You can ensure your baby’s total sleep needs are met by aiming for 11-12 hours of nighttime sleep and 2-3 hours of daytime sleep across two naps, forming a reliable sleep schedule.
Remember that every child is unique, so paying attention to your baby’s sleep cues and adjusting their schedule as needed is important. Morning routines can set the tone for a successful day, influencing overall baby sleep patterns.
Creating a consistent bedtime routine and sleep-conducive environment can help your little one settle into a regular sleep pattern. A well-planned routine supports steady night wakings and peaceful sleep for the entire family.
Stay patient and flexible if you encounter sleep challenges, such as regressions or separation anxiety. With time, you and your baby will find a sleep schedule that works for your family and supports healthy growth.
With careful attention to your 11-month-old’s sleep needs, you’re setting them up for healthy growth and development in the months and years to come.