Is it normal for my 11-month-old to suddenly fight bedtime?

Yes, bedtime resistance is common at this age. Growing separation awareness and new skills like pulling up and cruising can make settling harder. A predictable, calm bedtime routine usually helps over time. If the change is sudden, severe, or comes with other symptoms, check with your pediatrician.

Should my baby be down to one nap at 11 months?

Most 11-month-olds still take two naps a day, though some begin moving toward one. There is no single correct schedule, and babies vary. Follow your baby's tired cues and overall mood when awake, and talk to your pediatrician if naps are a concern.

Can I put a blanket or pillow in the crib now that my baby is older?

Keep the crib bare through the first year. Place your baby on their back on a firm, flat surface with only a fitted sheet, and leave out pillows, blankets, bumpers, and soft toys. Ask your pediatrician before changing the sleep setup if you have questions.

Sleep · 11 months

11-month sleep: pre-toddler naps & bedtime battles

At 11 months most babies need about 12-16 hours of total sleep in a 24-hour period, including naps, though babies vary and your pediatrician is the one who decides what is right for your child. Many 11-month-olds take two naps a day and sleep a longer stretch at night. Bedtime can feel harder now because of separation awareness and new skills like pulling up and cruising, but a steady, predictable routine usually helps.

3 min read Sleep Updated June 2026

How much sleep at 11 months

Total daily sleep at this age generally falls in a 12-16 hour range across the full day and night, counting naps. Most 11-month-olds still take two naps, often a morning and an early-afternoon nap, but some are starting to shift toward one longer nap.

Numbers are guides, not targets. Some babies sleep on the lower end and some on the higher end and are still healthy. Watch how your baby acts when awake. A baby who wakes mostly content and stays in a reasonable range is usually getting enough.

Total sleep: about 12-16 hours per 24 hours, including naps
Naps: commonly two per day at 11 months
If you have concerns about your baby's sleep amount, ask your pediatrician

Why bedtime feels harder now

Around this age separation awareness grows, so your baby may protest more when you leave the room at bedtime. New physical skills also play a part. Pulling to stand, cruising, and crawling are exciting, and some babies want to practice them in the crib instead of settling.

This stage is common and usually passes. A calm, consistent response helps more than changing the plan each night. Keep bedtime predictable so your baby knows what comes next.

A steady bedtime routine

A short, repeatable wind-down signals that sleep is coming. Aim for the same order and roughly the same time each night. Keep the last steps quiet and dim to help your baby settle.

If your baby stands or fusses after you leave, you can briefly check in, help them lie back down, and keep your visit calm and low-key. Try to put your baby down drowsy but awake so they can practice settling on their own.

Keep a consistent bedtime and the same order of steps
Wind down with calm activities like a bath, pajamas, and a book
Lower lights and reduce noise before the crib
Place your baby in the crib drowsy but awake

Safe sleep still applies

Safe sleep practices remain important through the first year. Always place your baby on their back to sleep, on a firm, flat sleep surface made for infants, with nothing else in the crib.

Keep soft objects, loose bedding, pillows, blankets, and bumpers out of the sleep space. If your baby can roll and move well, you do not need to reposition them, but you should still start every sleep on the back and keep the crib bare.

Back to sleep for every nap and at night
Firm, flat surface with a fitted sheet only
No pillows, blankets, bumpers, or soft toys in the crib

Quick answers

Is it normal for my 11-month-old to suddenly fight bedtime?: Yes, bedtime resistance is common at this age. Growing separation awareness and new skills like pulling up and cruising can make settling harder. A predictable, calm bedtime routine usually helps over time. If the change is sudden, severe, or comes with other symptoms, check with your pediatrician.
Should my baby be down to one nap at 11 months?: Most 11-month-olds still take two naps a day, though some begin moving toward one. There is no single correct schedule, and babies vary. Follow your baby's tired cues and overall mood when awake, and talk to your pediatrician if naps are a concern.
Can I put a blanket or pillow in the crib now that my baby is older?: Keep the crib bare through the first year. Place your baby on their back on a firm, flat surface with only a fitted sheet, and leave out pillows, blankets, bumpers, and soft toys. Ask your pediatrician before changing the sleep setup if you have questions.

Sources & further reading

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This article was written against current AAP, CDC, and WHO guidance and is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. ParentFlow is a wellness companion — not a substitute for your pediatrician. For medical concerns, always consult a qualified healthcare provider.