Your 11-month-old baby isn't quite so little anymore and next month they'll be celebrating their first birthday. As they approach that one-year mark, they'll be reaching all sorts of exciting baby development milestones like walking (though don't worry if they're not), learning to start talking and exploring everything within reach.
As they enter each milestone, it becomes a very exciting time for their little brains and there's a lot for your 11-month-old to see, do and explore, but be sure to remember that every child is different and can reach their milestones at different times.
Development milestones for 11 month old baby
Physical Your little one will be gaining strength in their little legs by doing things like crawling, pulling themselves up or even. Around this age, most babies are crawling and possibly starting to pull themselves up to stand - some may already be able to stand on their own for a few seconds before falling back down on their bottom. Others will be walking while holding onto furniture which is called cruising.
Fine motor skills Babies at this age are developing how to grasp and pick up small objects using their thumb and index finger. They may also be starting to use utensils, such as a spoon to feed themselves.
Coordination skills As babies become more mobile, they are developing their balance and coordination skills, which allows them to manoeuvre and move around more confidently and independently.
Growth At 11 months old, the average weight for a baby girl is around 18 pounds (8.2 kg) and for a baby boy is around 20 pounds (9.2 kg). However, the range of what's considered a healthy weight can vary based on factors such as genetics, gender, and overall health. The average length for a baby girl at 11 months old is around 29 inches (74 cm) and for a baby boy is around 30 inches (76 cm).
Language Their baby babbling will be coming fast and strong now and they may be near or already have started saying their words words like 'mama' or 'dada.' Continue to speak to them and they'll start babbling or copying what words they can back to you. They can also understand simple words and phrases like 'ball' and 'dog.'
Sensory and cognitive development
Object permanence Babies at this age understand that objects still exist even when they are out of sight. For example, if you hide a toy under a blanket, the baby will most likely pick up the blanket to find it.
Learning Babies at this age are able to use trial-and-error to solve simple problems. For example, they may figure out how to stack blocks or fit a shape into a matching hole. Continue to let them play with simple toys like puzzles, puppets, activity cubes and they may already be able to point out animals in their favourite book. Reading to your baby can help promote language development and build their cognitive skills. Choose books with bright colours, simple words, and interactive features (such as flaps or textures) to keep your baby engaged.
Memory Babies at this age can remember familiar people, objects, and routines.
Social interaction Babies at this age are becoming more social and are able to communicate their needs and wants through gestures and sounds. Encouraging your baby to interact with others (such as through playdates or story time at the library) can help promote social skills and emotional development.
Sleep patterns and routine for 11-month-old baby
At 11 months old, most babies still need about 12-14 hours of sleep each day, including nighttime sleep and naps. The amount of sleep can vary depending on the individual baby, but generally, by this age they will sleep through the night and take two daytime naps that should add up to 3-4 hours. One nap is usually in the morning and then a later one after lunch.
It's important to note that as babies grow and develop, their sleep needs can change. Some babies may start to transition to one nap a day around 12-18 months old, while others may continue to take two naps until closer to 2 years old. It's best to follow your baby's cues and adjust their sleep schedule based on their individual needs.
If babies are waking at night or have inconsistent sleep patterns, try and create a consistent baby bedtime routine to help promote healthy sleep habits. Below you'll find a sample sleep schedule for an 11-month-old baby.
Waking in the night could be a sign that they are hungry if they are not eating enough food during the day or a sign that your baby is teething.
Feeding and nutrition for an 11-month-old baby
Most 11-month-old babies are eating three meals a day, with a variety of foods from each food group but you can still encourage them to try new flavours. A general guideline is to offer about 1/4 to 1/3 cup of each food at each meal. Babies at this age may also have 1-2 healthy toddlers snacks like fruit or yoghurt. During mealtimes, encourage self-feeding with finger foods and a spoon to help promote their fine motor skills and foster independence.
Alongside solids, breastfed babies at this age typically feed on demand, which can vary depending on the individual baby. However, most babies will still breastfeed 4-6 times per day at 11 months old. If your baby is bottle-fed, they may consume around 24-32 ounces of formula per day, or around 3 bottle feeds a day depending on individual needs. If your baby is bottle-feeding, try and encourage them to drink from an open cup to help wean them off bottles so that they learn to sip drinks rather than suck on a bottle.
Health and safety tips for 11-month-old baby
Choking hazards As babies become more mobile and start to explore their environment, they may come into contact with small objects that could be choking hazards. It's important to keep small objects out of reach and to supervise your baby closely during playtime.
Baby proofing Even if your baby hasn't started walking, it's a good idea to start baby proofing your house. Consider stair gates, be mindful of sharp edges, things like glass tables, hanging blind cords, and don't forget to cover unused plug sockets.
Practical parenting tips - looking after yourself
It's a good time to take part in classes like swimming where you can meet other like-minded parents. Classes are a great way to help boost your mood and physical well-being, even short walks around the neighbourhood or to the local supermarket or high street, even if it is just to grab a coffee.
Conclusion
At 10 months old will be flourishing and even if they're not fully walking, be patient, they'll get there when they are ready. Continue talking, interacting and reading to them to encourage their language development. The more mobile they become, the more they'll want to explore everything, so it's definitely worth keeping an eye on them.
FAQs 11-month-old baby milestones
How do I know if my 11-month-old is happy?
Babies at this age will show obvious happy signs like smiling, giggling, playing happily. They may also demonstrate happiness by being content and relaxed during feeding and sleep, and by showing enthusiasm for play.
How many teeth should an 11 month old have?
By 11 months, most babies typically have around 4 teeth, with the first teeth usually appearing between 6 and 12 months.
How often should I brush my 11 month old's teeth?
As soon as your baby has teeth, they should be cleaned twice a day: in the morning and before bed at night. Making it part of their routine is important to form healthy future habits.
How can I help my 11-month-old sleep better?
It's good to establish a consistent bedtime and bath routine. Create a calming sleep environment no loud noise or activity, low lighting - something like bath, book and bed may work well. Put your baby in their crib when they are drowsy, offer them some comfort like a dummy. This will be their cue to soothe themselves to bed.
About the author
Lorna White is the Products Editor for Mother&Baby. After running the Yours magazine website, specialising in content about caring for kids and grandchildren, Lorna brought her expertise to Mother&Baby in 2020. She has a keen interest in a range of topics from potty training and nutrition to baby names and early development and has a wide range of experienced medical experts and professionals at her fingertips.