Updated on
11.4.25
You finally think you’ve cracked the sleep code. Bedtime routine? Check. White noise? Check. Lovey in the crib? Check. But just as you start to enjoy your newfound evening freedom—boom. Your baby, once a pretty decent sleeper, now acts like they’ve forgotten how to sleep entirely.
Naps are a no-go. Bedtime turns into a full-blown protest. And the middle of the night? Suddenly, it’s playtime. Your once peaceful sleeper is now wide awake, babbling, standing in the crib, and—somehow—asking for snacks at 2 a.m.
As you sit in the dim glow of the nightlight, exhaustion creeping in, you start to wonder: What happened to my baby’s sleep? Is this a growth spurt? Teething? Did I do something wrong?
Spoiler alert: Nope, you didn’t do anything wrong. You’re in the middle of the 11-month sleep regression—a completely normal (but seriously exhausting) developmental phase that almost every parent goes through, and it won’t last forever.
If your baby is suddenly fighting naps, waking more at night, or refusing bedtime, you’re probably dealing with the infamous 11-month sleep regression. Have you ever heard of it? Don’t worry—we’ve got you. In this guide, we’ll break down:
Your baby was sleeping through the night, and naps were a breeze. Now, total chaos. Suddenly. Now, it is a battle, and naps are a distant memory. Is this the dreaded 11-month sleep regression? Let’s break it down.
While the 11-month sleep regression isn’t as universally recognized as the 4-month or 8-month regressions, many babies experience a temporary disruption in sleep around this age. Their brains are working overtime on milestones like standing, cruising, and early speech, which can cause them to resist naps, wake up frequently, or struggle to fall asleep. The good news? This phase is temporary.
A sleep regression is a sudden dip in sleep quality. If your baby has been sleeping well and now they’re waking up more at night or resisting naps, that’s a sign they might be going through a regression. It’s frustrating, but it’s completely normal.
At 11 months, your baby is likely tackling major milestones like crawling, standing, or taking their first steps. They’re also making huge strides in cognitive development—learning to imitate sounds, say "mama" or "dada," and even understanding that you still exist when you’re out of sight.
All this growth demands a lot of energy—both physical and mental—and it can disrupt their sleep. It’s temporary, though. As your baby adjusts, their sleep will eventually return to normal.
Remember, while it might be exhausting now, it won’t last forever. Hang in there—you’ll get your sleep back soon!
You might wonder, "What happened to my baby, who was once a good sleeper?" Don’t worry; you’re not doing anything wrong—your baby is simply going through a major developmental phase, and sleep often takes a backseat during these milestones. This phase of the 11-month sleep regression can bring some pretty frustrating signs.
Here are the most common signs to watch out for:
Even though this stage can feel exhausting and overwhelming, keep in mind that these disruptions are a normal part of growth and development.
So, while it may seem like sleep has gone out the window for now, it’s just a temporary phase. With some patience, your baby will settle back into their routine—and you’ll finally get that uninterrupted sleep again.
If you recognize these signs in your baby, Happy Baby can help! With personalized sleep schedules, soothing sleep sounds, and expert guidance on handling sleep regressions, you’ll get the support you need to guide your baby back to restful sleep—no more guessing games!
If you’ve ever thought your baby had a built-in, perfect sleep schedule—only to have it fall apart at 11 months, you’re not alone. The truth is, there are several factors at play, and most of them are a result of your baby’s exciting development. So, let’s take a deep breath and dive into what could be causing those sudden sleep challenges.
Here’s what might be going on:
A combination of physical, cognitive, and emotional growth disrupts your 11-month-old’s sleep. From milestones to separation anxiety to teething, it’s no wonder your baby’s sleep is going through a little hiccup.
But don’t worry—this stage is temporary. With a little extra patience, your little one will settle back into their routine, and you’ll be back to those peaceful nights soon enough. So hang in there because as challenging as this phase can be, it’s all part of your baby’s development!
If your baby’s sleep is feeling a little off lately, you’re probably seeing the effects on both naps and nighttime sleep. These 11-month sleep challenges can disrupt your little one’s routine, making bedtime and naps a bit of a struggle. Here’s how:
These sleep challenges at 11 months can interfere with naps and night sleep, but they’re temporary. With patience and routine adjustments, your baby will soon return to a more settled sleep schedule.
The 11-month sleep regression usually lasts anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks [4], though it can vary depending on your baby’s temperament, developmental milestones, and sleep habits. If your baby’s sleep issues are caused by something temporary, like a cold or teething, you’ll likely see them bounce back within a week.
But adjusting to a change in their sleep routine—like transitioning away from rocking or feeding to sleep—may take a bit longer. While it can feel like forever, this phase is temporary, and with some consistency and patience, your baby will soon settle back into a more predictable sleep routine.
We’ve all been there—your baby was sleeping great, and suddenly, it’s like someone flipped a switch, and you’re both awake at 2 a.m., wondering what happened. 11-month-old sleep issues can be tough, but don’t worry; you’ve got this! Here’s how you can handle sleep regressions and help your little one get back on track.
At 11 months, aim for around 13.5 hours of total sleep per day—about 11-12 hours overnight and 2-3 hours of daytime sleep split between two naps. Keep in mind that every baby is different, so don’t stress if your little one needs a bit more or less sleep. Pay attention to their mood and energy levels to gauge if they’re getting enough sleep. If they’re overtired, it can make falling asleep harder and disrupt their routine.
At 11 months, your baby is likely learning new skills like crawling, standing, or even trying to walk. And, let’s face it, they often prefer practicing these skills while oversleeping. Allow your baby time during the day to practice their new abilities. The more practice they get, the more settled they’ll feel at night. Of course, expect some temporarily lost sleep, but it’ll pay off in the long run when they feel more confident and ready to sleep.
If your baby is waking up too early in the morning (hello, 5 a.m.!), try offering a later or bigger dinner. This might help your baby sleep longer at night and prevent those early wake-ups. If your baby goes too long between their last meal and morning wake-up, it could mess up their sleep cycle. A fuller belly at night can help them stay asleep longer, which in turn won’t disrupt their nap schedule during the day.
Consistency is key—whether it’s nap time or bedtime, create a consistent, calming bedtime routine. A warm bath, reading a book, or some quiet cuddle time can help signal to your baby that it’s time to wind down and sleep. Stick to the same order of activities each night so your baby knows what to expect. For naps, you can use a shortened version of the bedtime routine to get them ready for their day rest.
Sleep training can be a game changer if you’re ready for your baby to learn to fall asleep independently. There are a few different methods. Find what works for you and your baby. The goal is to help them self-soothe and learn to settle themselves to sleep, which leads to longer, deeper sleep for everyone.
If your baby is fighting naps or struggling to sleep at night, it could be a sign that their nap schedule needs adjustment. Aim for 2.5-3.5 hour wake windows between naps to ensure they’re not overtired by the time bedtime rolls around. Keeping them well-rested during the day will make for better sleep at night.
At 11 months, your baby might be going through separation anxiety. This can make bedtime more difficult, as they might cry when you leave the room or wake up during the night seeking comfort. Practice short separations during the day to help them feel more secure. Using transitional objects (like a favorite blanket or stuffed animal) can also help comfort them during nighttime sleep [5].
If naps are your baby’s main issue, start by focusing on nights. Handling bedtime is crucial—it sets the tone for the rest of the night. Try to ensure your baby is awake in the crib so they can learn to fall asleep independently. If your baby is struggling with this, a few nights of comforting might be necessary, but sleep training can help your baby become a self-soother and sleep more soundly.
Even if your baby is fighting their second nap, try to keep them on a two-nap schedule for now. At 11 months, one nap a day is still too early. The sweet spot for wake windows between naps is 2.5-3.5 hours. Keeping them well-rested during the day is essential for getting a good night’s sleep. If your baby starts sleeping better through the night, you can begin nap training for more consistent, restful naps.
If your baby is working on crawling, standing, or walking, make sure they have plenty of time during the day to practice. Creating space for your baby to explore can help them feel less restless at night, as they’ll have worked out their energy. This gives them a better chance to sleep soundly when it’s time to rest.
Let’s be real—dealing with sleep regression is exhausting for you, too. Taking care of your baby is your priority, but don’t forget to take care of yourself. Even 30 minutes of rest, a hot bath, or a quick walk can help you recharge. When you’re well-rested and in a good mood, staying patient and flexible with your baby through this phase is easier.
Sleep regressions are temporary, and while they can feel endless, focus on the milestones your baby is achieving. Celebrating these big wins, whether they’ve said their first word or pulled up to stand on their own. Your baby is growing, and though it’s hard now, you’re helping them develop important skills for the future.
The 11-month sleep regression can feel overwhelming, but you can navigate this challenging phase with consistency, patience, and flexibility. Stick to your baby’s sleep routine, encourage independence, and remember that this phase won’t last forever.
Are you tired of sleepless nights? Happy Baby is your solution! We've got you covered, from custom sleep schedules to mindfulness techniques that reduce stress. Our app will support you every step of the way in helping your little one sleep soundly again, so you can rest easy too.
Navigating the 11-month sleep regression isn’t easy, but take a deep breath—it’s just a phase, and it’ll pass. With some patience, a little flexibility, and the right adjustments to your baby’s sleep routine, you’ll both be back to those quiet, restful nights soon enough. Every baby is different, and while it might take a bit of trial and error, you’re already doing the hard work. So hang in there—better sleep is just around the corner, and you’ve got the strength to handle this!
Are you struggling to manage naps, feeds, and wake windows? Happy Baby is here to help. With personalized sleep schedules, real-time feeding tracking, and diaper change reminders, we make your baby’s sleep routine easy and stress-free. Download the app today and start creating a peaceful sleep routine for both you and your little one!
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