11 month old sleep schedule and daily routine
The information in this article is intended for healthy, full-term babies. Always follow advice given by your pediatrician, nurse, or other healthcare professionals. If you are concerned about your child's health, consult your healthcare professional.
At 11 months, babies are often curious and active and usually have an established sleep routine with 2-3 naps per day. In this article we'll guide you on how to create a daily routine that supports your 11-month-old’s development.
What does a daily routine for an 11-month-old look like?
At this age, most babies take two naps per day, each lasting around 1–1.5 hours. Some may manage with just one nap, while others still need a third, shorter nap. A few babies prefer shorter but more frequent naps.
Some babies can sleep through the night now; however, it’s also common to wake up once or a couple of times during the night.
Example sleep schedule for an 11-month-old baby
7:00 AM: Wake up for the day
10:30–11:30 AM: First nap
3:00–4:00 PM: Second nap
7:00 PM: Start the bedtime routine
7:30–8:00 PM: Bedtime for the night
7:00 PM–7:00 AM: Possible night wakings
Note: It’s important to remember that every baby is different and develops at their own pace. Some babies might need a third nap to get through the day.
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Tips to support your 11-month-old’s sleep and development
Find a balance between daytime and nighttime sleep
At 11 months, it’s important to balance the hours of daytime and nighttime sleep. If the baby sleeps too long during the day, it can sometimes affect nighttime sleep and make bedtime more difficult.
Spend at least 2 hours outside
Spend time outdoors every day. Daylight helps regulate your baby’s internal clock and promotes better sleep at night.
Maintain regular routines
At 11 months, having consistent times for sleep and meals can provide a sense of security and make bedtime easier. A predictable rhythm helps your baby feel calm and safe in daily life.
Toothbrushing as part of the bedtime routine
At this age, most babies have several teeth. Include toothbrushing in your routines both in the morning and at night. Use a soft baby toothbrush and show your baby that you brush your teeth too.
Start potty training
If you haven’t already started potty training, now might be a good time. Make it part of the bedtime routine. To make it an enjoyable moment, combine it with reading books, playing games, or singing rhymes.
Play and activities to support your 11-month-old’s development
Climbing and exploring
Babyproof your home and supervise as your baby climbs and moves around. Many babies enjoy exploring their surroundings at this age.
Fine motor skills through play
Stacking toys and shape sorters are often exciting to explore now and provide opportunities for practicing hand and finger coordination.
Language and communication
Reading picture books, singing, and talking to your baby support their attachment and language development. At this age, babies often enjoy imitating their parents. Narrate your daily tasks to your baby and point out objects around you.
Rolling a ball
Many babies enjoy rolling a ball back and forth. This interactive activity can be a fun bonding moment and encourages cooperative play. Make sure the ball is large enough so the baby can’t fit it in their mouth.
Treasure hunts
Hide toys under boxes or fabric. This is often a fun game that lets your baby practice searching and stimulates curiosity.
Dance and rhythm
Play some music and dance together! Your baby can also try drumming on bowls or toy drums to explore rhythm and sound.
How much sleep does an 11-month-old baby need?
Most 11-month-old babies need a total of approximately 12–15 hours of sleep per day, with 10–12 hours at night and 2–3 hours during the day, divided into two longer naps. However, every baby is unique, and the most important thing is to adjust sleep based on their individual needs.
How long is an 11-month-old’s wake window?
At this age, the wake window is usually between 3 and 4 hours between sleep periods, with the last wake window before bedtime sometimes being slightly longer. Follow your baby’s signals to see when they start to get tired, and aim to put them down before they become overtired.
What is a good bedtime for an 11-month-old baby?
Many parents choose to put their 11-month-old baby to bed between 6:30 PM and 8:00 PM, depending on when they wake up in the morning and their daily schedule. However, there’s no single "right" bedtime. The most important thing is to experiment and find a bedtime that works best for your family.
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