Activities for an 11-month-old: Fostering baby’s development

As you’re counting down the days until your tiny tot’s birthday, take a moment to reflect on just how much has changed over the past 11 months. It’s almost been a year. This is big! You and your little one have gotten so good at communicating and responding to each other’s needs—growing together in so many ways.

These days, your busy babe likes to use their hands to explore whatever catches their eye. Rotating out a few of their toys can help them feel fresh—and believe it or not, too many toys can be overwhelming. It’s also smart to encourage (supervised) independent play, which can mean more moments of downtime for you, mama.

Here’s what else you can expect this month.

Related: 11-month-old baby milestones

Sensory activities for 11-month-olds

Keeping up with your baby these days can mean you’re constantly on your toes. Here are a few fun ways to keep them busy.

1. Tunnel time

Set up a play tunnel or create one under your dining table with blankets and pillows or even a large cardboard box opened on both ends.

Encourage your tot to get cozy with a few board books or loveys—or try to coax them to push a ball from one end to another.

2. Kitchen playdough

Whether you make your own or opt for store-bought, your almost-toddler will love sinking their fingers into some playdough. Break out the kitchen tools, like whisks, a rolling pin and cookie cutters and help them craft their own kitchen creations.

3. Bath sorting

Bath time can be playtime, too. With a set of colorful stacking cups and other bright bath toys, encourage your babe to help sort the cups and toys by color and pour water from one object to another.

Related: How much sleep does an 11-month-old baby need?

Developmental activities for 11-month-olds

1. Stack it

Your kiddo has been hard at work over the past couple of months learning how to stack blocks and other objects. Keep it going! Challenge them to stack stuff that’s not so square—all in the name of helping them learn about balance and cause and effect while finessing those fine motor skills.

2. The big dig

It’s time to let your lovebug get a little dirty. Hand them a shovel and model for them how to use it to dig up dirt or sand or mulch in the backyard (just a little, don’t worry!). They’ll love the sensory experience and the opportunity to get a little messy while mimicking what they see you doing. (They’re in a big copycat phase right now!)

3. Stuffy storytime

Set up a few favorite stuffies for a storytime session with your baby in an example of dramatic play. This type of play will become more common in toddlerhood, and it’s sweet to start it now by showing your little one the ropes.

Related: Why isn’t my baby talking yet? 7 ways to encourage speech from a speech-language pathologist

Things to do with an 11-month-old

Week 1: Dance party

At 11 months, moving and grooving is your baby’s favorite thing to do, so why not celebrate with a dance party? Help your little one find the beat and dance, spin or sway along together to a few fun songs—don’t be afraid to pick your faves, mama. Watch as they try to mimic your movements!

Week 2: Library storytime

Head out into the wide world for a baby storytime event near you. Your local library or community center is a good place to check. Baby-and-caregiver classes are a great way for baby to start learning a few social skills while in the safety of your arms—and a great way for you to meet some other parents, too.

Week 3: Playground playdate

Your little one loves to people-watch at this age, especially peers and older kids, and might get a kick out of tossing around a ball or trying out the baby swings on the playground with a fellow tot or toddler.

Related: Montessori at home: Why toddlers crave routines

Week 4: Balancing act

To encourage your tot to start taking their first steps, help them find their balance by coaxing them into reaching for a favorite toy. Once they’re standing and leaning against a piece of furniture or wall, hold out a beloved lovie in the hand they’re relying on to see if they’ll grab it. You might catch them standing and balancing for a few seconds!

Our favorite products for 11-month-olds

Retrospec

Cricket Baby Walker Balance Bike

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$49.81

From as early as 10 months, little ones can start to work their bike riding skills–even before they can stand or walk on their own! The sturdy Retrospec Cricket is a great style to start them on given its super compact size and double front and back wheel design. A limited steering radius keeps them from tipping too easily while the low-riding padded seat makes it easy to get the hang of pushing forward. It’s also equipped with slip-resistant, no-scratch wheels that make it suitable for indoor and outdoor riding.

SHOP

Leap Frog

Learning Friends 100 Words Book

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$10.99

Introduce little ones to 100 words in both English and Spanish with the touch activated word book from LeapFrog. They’ll learn colors, animals, mealtime words and more with plenty to explore as they grow.

SHOP

Fat Brain Toys

Original Dimpl

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$12.89

It doesn’t get much more classic than this—and if you haven’t heard about it, just know that they will for sure obsess over it. The dimpl is a super portable way to work on their dexterity and great as a sensory activity. The dimples can be popped in and out and come in various bright colors to keep little ones engaged.

SHOP

Hape

Shape Sorting Box

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$10.99

Busy babes will love this wooden shape sorter that helps promote hand-eye coordination and motor skills. We love that there’s only one shape per side and four blocks total, which helps keep little ones from getting overwhelmed. Elastic strings across the bottom keep all the blocks tucked inside while also providing chubby hands easy access to start all over.

SHOP

A version of this story was originally published on March 3, 2023. It has been updated.