Key takeaways: At 11 months, many babies are close to their first birthday skills: pulling to stand, cruising, waving bye-bye, saying “mama” or “dada” for a parent, and picking up small objects with a pincer grasp. Some babies take first steps, while others walk months later. Keep giving lots of talk, play, and safe space to move.
Your baby is almost 1! Here’s what many 11-month-olds are doing.
Skills on the CDC’s 12-Month Checklist
Social: plays games like pat-a-cake.
Language:
- Waves bye-bye.
- Calls a parent “mama,” “dada,” or another special name.
- Understands “no.”
Thinking:
- Puts something in a container.
- Looks for things they see you hide.
Movement:
- Pulls up to stand.
- Walks holding on to furniture.
- Drinks from a cup without a lid as you hold it.
- Picks things up between thumb and pointer finger.
First Steps
Many babies take first independent steps around their first birthday, but the normal range is wide. Taking a few steps alone is on the CDC’s 15-month checklist, and walking without holding on is on the 18-month checklist.
Supporting Language
- Narrate your day.
- Respond to babbles as if they’re words.
- Read every day.
- Name objects your baby points to.
Play Ideas
- Push toys and sturdy furniture for cruising.
- Shape sorters and stacking toys.
- Water play with close supervision.
- Rolling a ball back and forth.
Shoes
Babies don’t need shoes indoors. Barefoot helps balance. Use flexible, lightweight shoes outdoors.
Planning for the 12-Month Visit
Common topics include switching from formula to whole milk, moving from bottles to cups, vaccines, and lead and anemia screening.
Talk to your baby’s doctor if: your baby isn’t showing the skills on the CDC checklist for their age, loses skills they once had, or you have any concerns.
The Bottom Line
At 11 months, your baby is on the edge of toddlerhood. Encourage movement, talk often, and celebrate how far you’ve both come.
Want more support for your baby’s first year? My book, From First Breath to First Birthday, is available on Amazon.
Sources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Important milestones: your baby by 1 year; by 15 months; by 18 months. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly
- Zubler JM, Wiggins LD, Macias MM, et al. Evidence-informed milestones for developmental surveillance tools. Pediatrics. 2022;149(3):e2021052138.
- American Academy of Pediatrics. Developmental milestones: 12 months. HealthyChildren.org. https://www.healthychildren.org
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Always talk with your baby’s health care provider or your own provider about your specific situation. If you think your baby or you may have a medical emergency, call 911.
