Has your baby been waking up more at night lately? Are they resisting nap time? If so, they may be going through an 11 month sleep regression. This is a normal part of development that all babies go through. In this blog post, we will discuss what causes sleep regressions, how to deal with them, and when to seek help from a pediatrician.
What Is Sleep Regression?
Sleep regression can take a toll on the little ones (and us!) as it disrupts our regular sleeping schedule and leaves everyone feeling exhausted. It can happen to babies, toddlers, and beyond—and it’s important to understand what is happening and why. Sleep regression occurs when a baby or child suddenly starts waking up during the night more often than usual and usually occurs around 4 months, 8 months, 18 months, 24 months of age, and beyond.
Read more: 6 Month Sleep Regression
What Causes Sleep Regression?
This shift could be caused by a number of things such as learning new skills like crawling or talking; shifting bedtimes; growth spurts; changes in routine; teething; illness; or adjusting from short nap time periods to longer naps that might cause the baby or toddler to sleep later in the morning which then translates into an earlier bedtime.
The best way to deal with sleep regression is patience and understanding. Establishing healthy sleep habits early helps make for smoother transitions down the road so getting comfortable with balancing naps and keeping an eye on your child’s bedtime around different stages in their development will help alleviate any potential issues you’re likely to experience.
11-Month Sleep Regression:
An 11-month sleep regression occurs when a baby’s sleep pattern suddenly changes around the 11th month. This can be caused by a variety of things, such as teething, developing new physical and mental skills, a growth spurt, or just generally feeling more alert. Symptoms can include waking up more frequently during the night, difficulty going to sleep in the evening, short naps during the day, and crankiness even after sleeping.
Read more: 7 Month Sleep Regression
If your little one is entering this stage, you might feel helpless at first—after all, your baby wasn’t having issues before! But there are several tried and true techniques that parents can use to help ease the process for their child. With some consistency on your part and lots of patience, you’ll be able to make it through this period without too much disruption for everyone involved.
Signs Of 11-Month Sleep Regression:
At around 11 months old, babies may experience sleep regressions—a period of time when their normal sleeping patterns are disrupted and they start to wake up more at night or during naps. Luckily, this phase is usually temporary and there are several telltale signs that your little one might be going through it.
- One sign is if your baby has been sleeping through the night but suddenly starts waking up an hour or two after falling asleep. If your little one used to take long naps in the day but now has difficulty settling down for sleep or wakes up frequently during their nap, this could also be a sign of sleep regression.
- Watch out for changes in bedtime routine—like crying at bedtime or needing more attention to fall asleep—or any other disruption of their general sleeping pattern such as waking up too early or taking longer than usual to fall asleep.
These can all be signs that your little one is in the midst of a sleep regression.
Read more: 8 Month Sleep Regression
How To Deal With 11-Month Sleep Regression?
Dealing with 11-month sleep regression can be tricky and quite a challenging time for both parents and their children alike. As the developmental leap at 11 months comes into play, babies will often experience a few rough weeks as they become increasingly mobile and aware of everything around them. However, there are tips and techniques that parents can use to support them during this period.
Crib/Bassinet
Making sure that your baby is comfortable in their crib or bassinet can help them sleep better. Make sure the bedding is suitable for the season, and if possible, add a soothing noise machine to drown out any outside disturbances.
Maintaining Bedtime Routine
Start by following proper baby sleep training including nighttime sleep, morning nap, and afternoon nap. Although your little one may resist a sleep schedule in these trying times, you should be firm in sticking to the routine until things settle down again.
Accept that baby wakes are normal during this period and try not to view them as setbacks — instead, create an environment of understanding, compassion, and care so your baby feels secure enough to get back to sleeping through the night.
Read more: 9 Month Sleep Regression
Providing Comfort
Make sure your baby is comfortable and use soothing techniques like massage, swaddling, or a warm bath to help them relax before bed. When they wake up during the night, try to stay in the same room with them and provide comforting reassurance. Additionally, you can create a calm environment by keeping noise low and the lights dimmed.
Be Flexible
It’s important to be flexible and accept that your baby’s night sleep habits will likely change during this time. If they’re not sleeping through the night, feel free to adjust their nap times so they’re getting enough rest during the day but still going to bed at a reasonable hour.
When To Seek Help From A Pediatrician?
If none of these techniques seem to make a difference, it may be time to seek help from your pediatrician. They can provide insight into other ways of a sleep routine to help your baby (and you!) get more restful nights of sleep.
Read more: 10 Month Sleep Regression
Final Takeaway:
11-Month Sleep Regression can be a difficult and exhausting period for both parents and babies alike. However, with some consistent efforts and with a sleep train like maintaining a regular bedtime routine, providing comfort, and being flexible in dealing with their changing sleep habits, it is possible to get through this period relatively unscathed.
Remember to find what works best for your baby in terms of nap times and nighttime routines, and maintain a healthy sleep environment for good quality rest. With these tips in mind, you should be able to make it through this period without too much trouble! Good luck!
