What’s the Ideal Bedtime for An 11-Month-Old?

ByMaria Joseph Updated on
What’s The Ideal Bedtime For An 11-Month-Old

As your baby approaches their first birthday, you may wonder what the ideal sleep schedule looks like for an 11-month-old.

At this age, your little one is undergoing significant developmental changes that can impact their sleep patterns.

Establishing a consistent bedtime and daily routine ensures your baby gets the rest they need to grow and thrive.

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.

We’ll cover how much sleep your baby needs, typical wake windows, and sample schedules to help you navigate this exciting stage.

Whether dealing with sleep regressions or optimizing your baby’s sleep, read on to learn more about finding the perfect 11-month-old sleep schedule.

Essential Factors to Adhere to an 11-Month-Sleeping Schedule

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Different factors require your attention while addressing the sleeping schedule of an 11-year-old.

Sleep and food are the two most crucial factors that parents must carefully consider for a child’s holistic development.

1. Sleep needs for an 11-month-old

At 11 months old, your baby requires 12-15 hours of 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.

Nighttime sleep is crucial for your baby’s physical and cognitive development and for consolidating memories and learning.

Aiming for a consistent bedtime and creating a sleep-conducive environment can help your baby achieve the recommended 11-12 hours of sleep.

Daytime naps are equally important. They allow your baby to rest and recharge, essential for their mood, energy levels, and overall well-being.

At 11 months old, most babies take two naps daily, lasting 1 to 2 hours.

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.

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.

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.

The wake window between the second nap and bedtime usually lasts 3.5-4 hours. This extended period allows your baby to enjoy more awake time with family and wind down before bedtime.

3. Sample 11-Month-Old Sleep Schedules

Case 1:

  • 6:30 AM: Wake up
  • 9:30-10:45 AM: Nap 1 (1 hour 15 minutes)
  • 2:15-3:30 PM: Nap 2 (1 hour 15 minutes)
  • 6:30 PM: Start a bedtime routine
  • 7:15 PM: Bedtime

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.

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.

The bedtime routine starts at 6:30 PM, with the baby asleep by 7:15 PM.

Case 2:

  • 7:00 AM: Wake up
  • 10:00-11:00 AM: Nap 1 (1 hour)
  • 2:30-3:30 PM: Nap 2 (1 hour)
  • 7:00 PM: Start bedtime routine
  • 7:45 PM: Bedtime

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.

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.

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

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.

  • Wake times and nap lengths: The timing and duration of your baby’s naps can affect when they are ready for bed in the evening. 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.
  • 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.

5. Tips for Establishing a Consistent Bedtime Routine

  • Choose a bedtime between 7:00 and 8:00 PM:Aim for a bedtime that allows your baby to get the recommended nighttime sleep and aligns with your family’s schedule.
  • 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.
  • 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.

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.

  • 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.
  • 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.

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Strategies for coping with sleep disruptions:

  • 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.

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.

Final Words

Establishing an ideal bedtime and sleep schedule for your 11-month-old is essential for their overall health and well-being.

You can ensure your baby gets the rest they need by aiming for 11-12 hours of nighttime sleep and 2-3 hours of daytime sleep across two naps.

Remember that every child is unique, so paying attention to your baby’s sleep cues and adjusting their schedule as needed is important.

Creating a consistent bedtime routine and sleep-conducive environment can help your little one settle into a regular sleep pattern.

Stay patient and flexible if you encounter sleep challenges, such as regressions or separation anxiety.

With time and consistency, you and your baby will find a sleep schedule that works for your family.

By prioritizing your 11-month-old’s sleep needs, you’re setting them up for healthy growth and development in the months and years.

Maria Joseph

Maria Joseph brings over a decade of experience in early childhood education and development to her writing. Holding a Master’s degree in Child Psychology from the University of Michigan, she has worked as a preschool teacher and a child therapist before turning her passion into writing insightful and supportive content for parents and caregivers. Joining our team in 2022, Maria has been instrumental in creating resources that foster a nurturing and educational environment for children. Beyond her professional life, Maria enjoys hiking and photography, often capturing the wonders of nature through a child’s eyes.

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