By Angelica Videla — Certified Baby and Toddler Sleep Consultant, London | Supporting families across the UK, Europe, US, and Australia
Quick Answer
Wake windows for an 11 month old are typically 3.5 to 4.5 hours. Most 11 month olds are still on 2 naps but approaching the 2-to-1 nap transition. The most common mistake at this age is dropping the second nap too early in response to refusal that is actually driven by developmental disruption rather than genuine readiness.
What are wake windows at 11 months?
At 11 months, wake windows have extended to 3.5 to 4.5 hours. Your baby is approaching toddlerhood — likely walking or nearly walking, communicating actively, and developing strong preferences.
Most 11 month olds are still on 2 naps but may begin showing occasional resistance to the second nap. This is not reliably a sign of nap transition readiness.
Wake window ranges at 11 months
First wake window: 3.5 to 4 hours
Between naps: 3.5 to 4 hours
Final window before bed: 4 to 4.5 hours
Sample schedule for an 11 month old (2 naps)
- 7:00am — Wake
- 10:30–11:00am — Nap 1 (45–75 minutes)
- 12:00pm — Wake from nap 1
- 3:30–4:00pm — Nap 2 (30–45 minutes)
- 4:30pm — Wake from nap 2
- 7:15–7:30pm — Bedtime
Is my 11 month old ready to drop to one nap?
The 2-to-1 nap transition typically happens between 13 and 18 months. At 11 months, most babies are not genuinely ready.
Signs it is NOT time yet at 11 months
- Nap refusal is inconsistent — some days fine, some days not
- Baby becomes overtired by late afternoon without the second nap
- Night sleep worsens significantly on 2-nap days
- Baby is under 13 months
Signs that genuine readiness might be approaching (more relevant from 13 months)
- Consistently refusing the second nap for 4+ weeks
- Managing nap-free afternoons without obvious overtiredness
- Night sleep staying consistent without the second nap
At 11 months, nap refusal is almost always developmental disruption or timing, not readiness. Try adjusting the wake window before the second nap by 15 minutes rather than dropping the nap.
The 12-month regression approaching
At 11 months, the 12-month regression may be beginning. See our 12-month regression guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the wake windows for an 11 month old?
Typically 3.5 to 4.5 hours. The morning wake window is usually 3.5 to 4 hours; the final window before bed extends to 4 to 4.5 hours.
My 11 month old is fighting the second nap — should I drop it?
Almost certainly not. Nap refusal at 11 months is almost always developmental disruption or timing rather than genuine readiness.
How many naps does an 11 month old need?
Most 11 month olds still need 2 naps. Total daytime sleep of 2 to 3 hours is typical.
What time should an 11 month old go to bed?
Between 7pm and 7:30pm works for most 11 month olds. Earlier — around 6:30pm — if the second nap was short or skipped.