There’s a lot happening in your baby’s brain and body at this stage, and those changes can wreak havoc on sleep patterns. Here’s what’s behind this regression:

🚶‍♂️ Physical & Cognitive Development

At 11 months, babies are busy mastering new skills like standing, cruising, or even walking. Their brains are working overtime, making it harder for them to wind down at night.

👀 Curiosity & Distraction Before Bedtime

Your little one is suddenly fascinated by the world —which means bedtime might feel like the worst time to stop exploring. They’d much rather practice pulling up on the crib or babbling away than settle down for sleep.

💔 Separation Anxiety & Emotional Awareness

Around this age, babies become more attached to caregivers and may struggle with being left alone at night. If your baby cries the moment you step out of sight, separation anxiety is likely at play.

💤 Resistance to Naps & Changing Sleep Needs

As babies grow, their sleep requirements shift. Some 11-month-olds start transitioning from two naps to one , which can throw their sleep rhythm off balance.

😬 Teething Pain & Discomfort

Those little teeth are still coming in, and teething pain can make nighttime wake-ups more frequent . If your baby is drooling more or chewing on everything in sight, teething could be part of the issue.

Thankfully, this sleep struggle won’t last forever! Most babies go through a rough patch for 2 to 6 weeks before their sleep stabilizes again.

⏳ Factors That Influence Duration

• Sleep habits —If your baby has strong sleep routines, they may adjust faster.
• New habits formed —If rocking, feeding, or co-sleeping starts as a quick fix, the regression could last longer.
• Temperament —Some babies are more sensitive to change, making the adjustment take longer.

When does sleep return to normal?

Once your baby adapts to their developmental changes, their sleep should gradually settle into a new rhythm —usually around 12 months.

If you’re unsure whether your baby is going through a sleep regression or just a rough few nights , look for these telltale signs:

✔ More frequent night wakings —sometimes for no clear reason

✔ Nap struggles —refusing to sleep even when tired

✔ Early wake-ups —starting the day before the sun does

✔ Increased fussiness & clinginess —especially around sleep times

Tip for Parents:

To better understand and track these changes in sleep patterns, try our Sleep Cycle Calculator. This tool can help you monitor your baby's sleep cycles and determine whether their sleep quality is improving or if further adjustments to the routine are needed.

Nap resistance is one of the biggest struggles during the 11-month sleep regression. Your baby may:

• Seem tired but refuse to nap
• Only take short naps or wake up crying
• Struggle with their usual nap schedule

🕰 Signs of a Nap Transition

Some babies are ready to drop to one nap around 11-12 months , while others still need two naps. Signs your baby might be transitioning:

• Skipping the second nap consistently
• Taking longer to fall asleep at naptime
• Naps suddenly shortening

The key is adjusting daytime sleep gradually to prevent overtiredness. If they’re not ready for one nap, try stretching their wake windows slightly to help balance naps.

While sleep regression can feel endless, there are ways to manage it without creating long-term bad habits.

⏳ Stick to a Consistent Routine

Babies thrive on predictability . Keeping bedtime and nap routines the same provides reassurance during this chaotic phase.

🤗 Offer Comfort, But Avoid Sleep Dependencies

It’s okay to reassure your baby , but be mindful not to create new sleep crutches (like rocking or feeding to sleep) that will be hard to break later.

⏰ Balance Awake Windows

Most 11-month-olds do best with 3-4 hour wake windows . Too short, and they won’t be tired enough. Too long, and they become overtired and fight sleep even harder .

📖 Introduce Calming Pre-Bedtime Activities

To help your baby wind down:

• Dim the lights
• Read a short bedtime story
• Sing a lullaby or play white noise

These cues signal that sleep is coming, making bedtime easier.

This depends on your baby and your family’s approach. Some parents use gentle sleep training methods at this stage, while others prefer to wait it out.

💤 Signs Your Baby May Be Ready for Sleep Training

✔ Struggles to fall asleep without being rocked or fed

✔ Wakes frequently at night without needing anything

✔ Takes a long time to settle back to sleep

If you choose to sleep train, gentle methods like Ferber, pick-up-put-down, or chair method can help your baby learn to fall asleep independently.

While it’s tempting to try anything for sleep, some common mistakes can make things worse:

❌ Inconsistency —Changing sleep routines too often confuses your baby.

❌ Over-reliance on quick fixes —Rocking or feeding every wake-up leads to long-term sleep struggles.

❌ Ignoring sleep cues —Putting your baby to bed too early or too late can backfire.

❌ Ditching routines completely —Stick with your bedtime and nap schedule as much as possible.

Most sleep regressions resolve on their own, but sometimes sleep struggles point to something else . Talk to your pediatrician if:

• Your baby’s sleep hasn’t improved after 6 weeks
• They seem uncomfortable or in pain at night
• Sleep disruptions come with feeding issues or weight loss

Your doctor can check for possible medical causes like reflux, allergies, or sleep disorders .

Once the regression ends, help your baby get back on track with these sleep strategies:

✔ Keep a consistent bedtime routine

✔ Encourage self-soothing skills so they can fall back asleep independently

✔ Make naps a priority until they are truly ready to drop one

✔ Be patient —sleep habits take time to form, and every baby is different

The Bottom Line

The 11-month sleep regression is tough , but it’s just a phase. Your baby is learning, growing, and becoming more aware of their world—which, unfortunately, means sleep takes a hit. But with patience, consistency, and the right strategies , you’ll both be back to restful nights before you know it.

And if you need that extra cup of coffee to get through it— you’re definitely not alone! ☕