Gina Johnson
Many parents of 11-month-olds report that their babies are resisting sleep or frequently waking overnight. This phenomenon is often referred to as the 11-month sleep regression. However, it's important to note that there is no predetermined timeline for poor sleep, and a child's sleep patterns tend to vary for various reasons as they approach their first birthday. Some common reasons for sleep challenges at this age include the baby's excitement or frustration with learning new motor skills, increased sensitivity to stimuli in their surroundings, and separation anxiety. Additionally, babies at this age may need longer stretches of awake time before and after their naps, and they may outgrow their previous wake window duration.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sleep regression | 2 to 6 weeks |
| Sleep duration | 11-12 hours at night, 2-3 hours of daytime sleep over 2 naps |
| Sleep training | Gentle methods are recommended |
| Separation anxiety | Practice brief separations during the day |
| Physical activity | Promote daytime physical activity |
| Temperament | Every baby is different |
| Sleep habits | Maintain a consistent sleep schedule and bedtime routine |
| Stimuli | Increased awareness of surroundings |
| Motor skills | Pulling up, standing, walking |
| Sleep onset associations | Protesting if sleep support is taken away |
| Sleep challenges | Waking due to hunger |
| Nap regression | Resist or skip naps |
| Wake windows | Lengthen awake periods to 3.5-3.75 hours |
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What You'll Learn
Sleep regression
At 11 months, babies are typically working on exciting motor skills like pulling up, standing, or even walking. They want to practice these skills and may resist sleep as a result. When babies are used to being fed, rocked, or otherwise helped to sleep, they often learn to rely on this support and protest if it’s taken away. This can lead to increased overnight waking and less sleep overall.
To help your baby through this challenging phase, consider implementing the following strategies:
- Bedtime routine: Establish a soothing routine with activities like a warm bath and reading to signal sleep time.
- Offer reassurance: Allow your baby to self-soothe for a few minutes before offering comfort, reinforcing their self-soothing skills.
- Adjust nap schedules: Monitor and adjust daytime naps to prevent overtiredness.
- Create a sleep-friendly environment: Use blackout curtains, regulate room temperature, and ensure a comfortable sleep space.
- Sleep training: Consider gentle sleep training methods to encourage independent sleep.
- Address separation anxiety: Practice brief separations and provide reassurance during the day, and use transitional objects at bedtime.
- Encourage physical activity: Promote daytime physical activity to help your baby sleep better at night.
Remember, every baby is different, and the exact duration and intensity of the sleep regression may not be the same for everyone. With persistence and the right approach, you and your baby will soon be back to enjoying restful nights together.
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Separation anxiety
Sleep problems are common in the second half of a baby's first year. Separation anxiety is a normal stage of development that happens during this time. It is a phase that many toddlers and older children go through, marking a distinct progression from the separation anxiety observed in babies. This development phase is a normal part of childhood and signifies the deepening of a child's understanding of their relationships and environment.
If your baby is going through separation anxiety, the good news is that it is a normal part of development, and it will likely fade away around the time they turn two. The bad news is that it can last several months, possibly involving sudden difficulty with night sleep and naps, and possibly causing multiple night wakings when they weren’t an issue previously.
If your baby is experiencing separation anxiety, there are several effective ways to help them cope:
- Nurture your bond and lovingly promote independence.
- Practice leaving the room and coming back. Tell your baby "I'll be right back" and then always come back to happily greet them. Games like peek-a-boo and hide-and-seek work well, too!
- Although it can be tempting, do not sneak away when leaving your child at daycare, with a babysitter, etc.
- Create a consistent routine, practice short goodbyes, use a transitional object, offer reassurances, and gradually increase the child’s time spent away from you.
- A comfort object (also called a “transitional object” or “lovey”) can help your little one feel safe and secure. Children often pick their own comfort object—like a blanket, soft toy, etc.—between 8 and 12 months and seek emotional comfort from it for years to come. Holding onto a lovey can reassure your child that everything is okay and help them become more independent at sleep times. Tucking in the lovey at bedtime can also be included as a step in your child’s sleep routine.
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Increased sensitivity to stimuli
As your baby approaches their first birthday, you may notice changes in their sleep patterns. One of the reasons for this could be their increased sensitivity to stimuli. An 11-month-old baby has heightened awareness of their surroundings and is more easily stimulated by noises, lights, or other environmental factors, making it challenging for them to fall and stay asleep. They may be excited or frustrated by their newfound motor skills, such as pulling up, standing, crawling, or even walking, and this can make it harder for them to settle down and sleep.
At this age, babies may also experience separation anxiety, which can make bedtime and nighttime awakenings more difficult. They may protest if they are used to being fed, rocked, or soothed to sleep and this support is taken away. This can lead to increased overnight waking and less sleep overall. It is important to remember that sleep regression is temporary, and your flexibility and understanding are crucial in helping your baby navigate this phase.
To ease the transition, maintain a consistent sleep schedule and bedtime routine, ensuring your baby has ample opportunities for sleep during the day and evening. You can also create a sleep-friendly environment by using blackout curtains, regulating room temperature, and providing a comfortable sleep space. Additionally, consider gentle sleep training methods to encourage independent sleep.
It is worth noting that every baby is unique, and the duration and intensity of sleep regression can vary. While some babies may experience more frequent night wakings, others may struggle with shorter naps or difficulty falling asleep. By understanding the causes, remaining patient, and implementing appropriate strategies, you can help your 11-month-old navigate through this challenging period and return to restful nights.
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Mastering motor skills
Many babies experience sleep challenges as they approach their first birthday. This is referred to as the "11-month sleep regression". During this time, your baby may experience more frequent night wakings, shorter naps, or difficulty falling asleep.
At 11 months, babies are typically working on exciting motor skills like pulling up, standing, crawling, or even walking. They want to practice these new skills, not sleep! It’s not uncommon for babies to resist sleep while they’re mastering these milestones.
Motor skills are movements and actions that involve our muscles. They can be separated into two main types: gross motor skills and fine motor skills. Gross motor skills are involved in everyday physical activities like walking, running, throwing, lifting, kicking, etc. Fine motor skills are smaller, more precise movements like picking up a cheerio between your thumb and forefinger.
At 11 months, your baby is likely working on their gross motor skills. They might be pulling up on furniture to stand, cruising along the couch, or even taking their first steps. Here are some tips to help your baby master these new motor skills:
- Provide a safe environment for exploration: Clear a space in your home where your baby can practice standing and taking steps without too many obstacles. You can also use a playpen or a walker to give them some support as they find their balance.
- Encourage tummy time: Tummy time helps to strengthen your baby's neck, shoulders, and back muscles, which are important for gross motor skills like crawling and walking. Place some interesting toys just out of reach to encourage your baby to lift their head and chest off the ground and reach for the toys.
- Offer support: As your baby is learning to stand and walk, offer a helping hand to steady them and prevent falls. You can also use a walker or push toy to give them some extra support.
- Practice makes perfect: The more your baby practices these new skills, the better they will become at them. Encourage them to crawl through tunnels, stand up to retrieve toys, or take steps towards you. Make it a fun game and celebrate their successes!
- Consider physical therapy: If you are concerned about your baby's development of gross motor skills, a physician or therapist may be able to help. They can provide a comprehensive examination of your baby's strength, balance, coordination, and gross motor skills to ensure they are on track and provide additional support if needed.
By giving your baby opportunities to practice their gross motor skills during the day, they may be more inclined to return to their regular sleep patterns at night. Just remember that every baby is unique and develops skills at their own rate, so don't worry if your little one takes a bit more time to master these exciting new milestones!
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Hunger
Babies who are genuinely hungry will usually eat until they are full. If your baby is feeding for comfort instead of hunger, they may drift off quickly once they have fed. If your baby takes a full feed at night, they should be able to sleep for around 3-4 hours afterward. If they are waking up around 45 minutes to an hour after eating, it is likely that they are dependent on the sucking and soothing actions of your feeding routine to get to sleep.
Sleep regression can be frustrating and exhausting for parents. If your baby is struggling with sleep, it is important to remember that this is a challenging phase that will pass. You can help your baby through this time by implementing strategies such as a bedtime routine, offering reassurance, and adjusting nap schedules to prevent overtiredness.
To address the issue of hunger specifically, ensure that your baby is getting enough breast milk/formula or solid food throughout the day. If your baby is not eating enough, this may lead to increased night waking and shorter naps. It is also important to remember that every baby is different, and the exact duration and intensity of sleep regression may vary. Factors such as temperament, sleep habits, and individual development can influence how your baby experiences sleep regression.
Additionally, at 11 months, your baby may be experiencing developmental changes such as crawling, standing, or walking, which can make it harder for them to settle down and sleep. They may also be more easily stimulated by noises, lights, or other environmental factors, making it challenging for them to fall and stay asleep. Separation anxiety is also common around this age, which can make bedtime and nighttime awakenings more difficult.
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