Sleep Basics
You’ve just settled down for a well-deserved break after putting your baby to sleep, but suddenly, a shriek from the baby monitor shatters the calm. Rushing to your 11-month-old’s room, you’re greeted by a cheeky grin and a crib devoid of pacifiers. Welcome to the 11-month sleep regression!
As your baby approaches the 1-year mark, it’s pretty amazing to look back and think that just 11 months ago they were so tiny and unable to do so many things, and now you have a clever kiddo who is figuring out cause and effect.
While all this development is pretty spectacular, it also means some inevitable sleep disruption as growing and learning don’t stop when the sun goes down. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the reasons your 11-month-old might be causing you to Google ’11-month sleep regression,’ and provide insights into how you can navigate this challenging yet common phase in your baby’s development.
Firstly, let’s delve into the physical milestones your 11-month-old may be working on this month. As your baby nears their first birthday, they’re not just growing; they’re on the move! Cruising around furniture and showing off squatting skills that would impress a CrossFit coach, your little one is hitting major physical milestones. However, these physical milestones can disrupt sleep in various ways, leaving parents wondering if their baby might be experiencing an 11-month sleep regression.
In addition to physical development, cognitive milestones can also impact sleep for your 11-month-old. As separation anxiety begins to wane, your baby’s understanding of cause and effect takes center stage. Now that your little one understands that objects continue to exist, even when out of sight, they may start to explore this idea by exploring cause and effect. For example, what happens if I drop my pacifier over the rail of my crib? Gone are the days of passive observation. It’s a time of discovery, but also one that can play havoc with their sleep, leaving you wondering why more people don’t talk about an 11-month sleep regression.
Furthermore, feeding can also play a part in the 11-month sleep regression. Mealtime with an 11-month-old can feel like feeding a whirlwind. Their newfound mobility often means they’re too busy exploring to sit still for a meal, which can lead to hunger-induced wake-ups at night. For more on this topic, check out our detailed blog.
In addition to all of the things we’ve discussed so far, you have probably also noticed that the wake windows ahead of each nap and bedtime need some adjusting as your little one can cope with longer periods of awake time. While many parents mistakenly assume their child is ready to transition to one nap, it’s important to note that the transition to 1 nap typically happens between 13-18 months once your little one can comfortably handle at least 5 hours awake consistently.
And finally, with all of these changes going on physically and mentally, it’s understandable that you may be just doing whatever you need to do to get some sleep. However, sleep associations can also impact your little one’s sleep patterns.
When it comes to sleep associations – the routines or cues that signal it’s time for sleep – it’s important to think beyond the labels of “good” or “bad.” The key is to assess whether these associations are sustainable for your family.
As your baby grows and starts to express strong preferences in how they settle to sleep, it’s valuable to evaluate if these habits are still working for you. Are they helping your family get the rest you need, or have they become a source of stress? Remember, what matters most is finding a balance that supports the well-being of your entire family.
If you’re finding that the sleep associations you’ve established are no longer sustainable, or if they’re not meeting the needs of your little one, Batelle is here to help. Our approach is not about enforcing a one-size-fits-all solution; instead, we focus on a responsive method that respects your child’s developmental stage. We believe in empowering families with expert support and guidance, helping you to make adjustments that align with your parenting values.
With Batelle’s support, the 11-month sleep regression doesn’t need to be a source of stress. We can help you create a sleep routine that is not just restful, but also a source of joy and connection for your entire family.
