As you eagerly await your little one’s upcoming birthday, take a moment to appreciate all the changes that have occurred over the last 11 months. Can you believe it’s nearly a year? This is a significant milestone! You and your child have developed exceptional communication skills and have attuned to each other’s needs, learning and growing together in countless ways.
Nowadays, your active baby enjoys using their hands to investigate everything that piques their curiosity. Swapping out a few toys can provide them with a sense of novelty—and surprisingly, too many toys can lead to feelings of overwhelm. It’s also beneficial to promote (supervised) independent play, which can give you some much-needed moments of rest, mama.
Sensory activities for 11-month-olds
Keeping pace with your baby can leave you feeling like you’re always on the move. Here are a few enjoyable ways to engage them.
1. Tunnel time
Set up a play tunnel or fashion one using blankets and pillows under your dining table, or simply use a large cardboard box with openings at each end.
Encourage your little one to snuggle up with some board books or stuffed animals—or tempt them to roll a ball from one end to the other.
2. Kitchen playdough
Whether you choose to make your own or buy it ready-made, your almost-toddler will enjoy squishing and molding some playdough. Bring out kitchen utensils like whisks, a rolling pin, and cookie cutters and assist them in crafting their very own culinary creations.
3. Bath sorting
Bath time can also serve as playtime. With a set of vibrant stacking cups and other colorful bath toys, encourage your child to sort the cups and toys by color and pour water between different objects.
Developmental activities for 11-month-olds
1. Stack it
Your little one has been diligently practicing stacking blocks and various objects over the past few months. Keep the momentum going! Challenge them to stack objects that aren’t perfectly square—this activity helps them learn about balance and cause-and-effect while refining their fine motor skills.
2. The big dig
It’s time for your little explorer to get a bit messy. Hand them a shovel and show them how to dig in dirt, sand, or mulch in the backyard (just a small amount!). They will thoroughly enjoy the sensory experience and the chance to mimic your actions (they’re in a significant imitation stage right now!).
3. Stuffy storytime
Arrange a few of their favorite stuffed animals for a storytime experience with your baby, showcasing an example of imaginative play. This type of play will become even more prevalent in toddlerhood, making it heartwarming to begin this practice now by guiding your little one.
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, your baby loves to move, so why not host a dance party? Help your little one find the rhythm, dancing, spinning, or swaying together to some lively tunes—feel free to include your own favorites. Watch as they attempt to imitate your dance moves!
Week 2: Library storytime
Venture out to find a baby storytime event in your community. Local libraries or community centers often have these gatherings. Baby-and-caregiver classes provide a wonderful way for your little one to begin developing social skills while being safely in your arms—and they also offer you the chance to connect with other parents.
Week 3: Playground playdate
Your child loves observing others, particularly peers and older kids, and might find joy in tossing a ball or trying out the baby swings on the playground with another tot or toddler.
Week 4: Balancing act
Encourage your child to take their first steps by helping them find their balance. Lure them with a favorite toy to reach for. Once they’re standing, leaning against furniture or a wall, hold out a cherished lovie with the hand they’re using for support, in hopes they’ll grasp it. You may catch them balancing on their own for a few seconds!
Our favorite products for 11-month-olds
