Eleven Month Old Milestones: What to Expect

At eleven months, your baby is just weeks away from becoming a one-year-old, and it shows! They may be taking their first independent steps or showing signs that walking is just around the corner. They're communicating more clearly every day, and their personality is in full bloom. This is an exciting and sometimes bittersweet time as you watch your baby transform into a toddler.

Physical Development at Eleven Months AAP

Your baby's body is becoming increasingly capable, preparing them for independent walking.

Standing independently: Many eleven-month-olds can stand without holding onto anything for several seconds or longer. They might stand up in the middle of the room, balance briefly, and then sit back down. This balancing practice is essential preparation for walking.

First steps may happen: Some babies take their first independent steps around eleven months, though the average age for first steps is closer to twelve months—and many babies don't walk until 13-15 months. All of these timelines are normal. If your baby isn't walking yet, don't worry; they'll walk when their body and brain are ready.

Cruising is sophisticated: Your baby likely cruises with confidence, moving along furniture, switching directions, and moving from one support to another. Some babies cruise while holding on with only one hand, showing their increasing balance and confidence.

Fine motor skills are precise: Your baby can pick up small objects with a precise pincer grasp, stack a few blocks, put objects into containers, and manipulate toys with intention. They're getting better at using both hands together for tasks like opening containers or turning pages.

Climbing is increasingly attempted: Many eleven-month-olds try to climb—up stairs, onto furniture, out of cribs. Their ambition often exceeds their ability, so close supervision is essential to prevent falls.

Cognitive Development CDC

Your baby's thinking is becoming increasingly sophisticated.

Understanding of language is extensive: Your baby understands far more than they can say. They follow simple instructions, point to objects when asked, and understand many words and phrases. They know the names of familiar people, pets, objects, and body parts.

Problem-solving is strategic: Watch your baby figure out how to open containers, how to get around obstacles, and how to make toys work. They experiment with different approaches and learn from trial and error.

Imitation is detailed: Your baby imitates complex actions they've observed—pretending to talk on the phone, brushing hair, feeding a doll. This imitation shows that they're watching, remembering, and understanding the purpose of actions.

Object understanding deepens: Your baby knows that objects have specific uses and purposes. They might try to put on shoes, brush their teeth with a toothbrush, or "read" a book. They understand that different objects are for different things.

Language and Communication AAP

The explosion of language understanding continues, and many babies speak their first words around this age.

First words are likely: Most babies say their first words between 10-14 months. Common first words include "mama," "dada," "ball," "more," "no," "uh-oh," and the names of pets or siblings. Even if your baby doesn't have words yet, they're likely close.

Jargon emerges: Your baby may produce long strings of sounds that have the rhythm and intonation of speech but aren't recognizable words. This "jargon" is a bridge between babbling and true speech—they're practicing the melody of language.

Gestures are extensive: Your baby uses gestures to communicate—pointing at what they want, waving, nodding, shaking their head, clapping, and reaching up. These gestures are language and should be responded to.

Understanding of "no": Your baby clearly understands "no," even if they don't always comply. They might pause, look at you, and then continue with the forbidden action. This testing is normal—they're learning about boundaries and your reactions.

Social and Emotional Development CDC

Eleven-month-olds have rich social and emotional lives.

Independence is emerging: Your baby may insist on doing things themselves—feeding, drinking from a cup, choosing toys. This drive for independence is healthy and should be supported, even when it's messy or time-consuming.

Attachment remains strong: Even as independence grows, your baby still needs you as a secure base. They may move away to explore but check back frequently or come running back for reassurance. This is healthy attachment in action.

Social awareness is growing: Your baby pays attention to other people's emotions and reactions. They may try to make you laugh, comfort you if you seem sad, or get distressed when others are upset. This empathy is an early sign of emotional intelligence.

Parallel play is typical: Your baby is interested in other children and may play near them, watching and imitating. True cooperative play won't develop for another year or more, but social interest is clearly present.

Testing limits continues: Your baby is learning about cause and effect in social relationships—what happens when they do something you don't like? This testing isn't defiance; it's learning about how social interactions work.

Feeding and Nutrition at Eleven Months AAP

Your baby is eating more like a toddler now.

Self-feeding is predominant: Most eleven-month-olds want to feed themselves most of the time. They can manage finger foods well and may be getting better with spoons. Allow messy self-feeding—it builds important skills.

Family foods are appropriate: Your baby can eat most of what the family eats, in appropriate sizes and textures. Avoid choking hazards (whole grapes, hot dogs, nuts, popcorn, raw vegetables) and limit added salt and sugar.

Milk needs are changing: As solid food intake increases, breast milk or formula needs typically decrease to about 16-24 ounces per day. This varies based on how much solid food your baby is eating.

Approaching weaning considerations: If you're planning to wean from the bottle after the first birthday (as recommended by the AAP), you might start introducing more milk in cups to prepare for the transition.

Sleep at Eleven Months NSF

Sleep is usually fairly stable at this age.

Night sleep is long: Most eleven-month-olds sleep 10-12 hours at night. Many have dropped night feedings, though some still have one early morning feed.

Two naps are standard: Most babies continue with two naps per day—morning and afternoon. Some babies are showing signs of transitioning to one nap, but most still need two at this age.

Sleep disruptions happen: Learning to walk, teething, developmental leaps, and any changes in routine can temporarily disrupt sleep. These phases are normal and usually temporary.

Approaching the First Birthday AAP

The first birthday is just around the corner! Here are some things to think about:

The 12-month checkup: Schedule your baby's one-year well-child visit. This includes developmental assessment, growth measurements, and often several vaccines.

Transitioning from bottles: The AAP recommends weaning from bottles by 12-15 months to protect dental health. Start introducing milk in cups if you haven't already.

Cow's milk introduction: After the first birthday, your baby can transition from formula to whole cow's milk (unless advised otherwise by your pediatrician). Breastfeeding can continue as long as desired.

Car seat considerations: Review car seat safety as your baby grows. Most babies should remain rear-facing until at least age 2 or until they reach the maximum height/weight for their rear-facing seat.

Warning Signs to Discuss with Your Pediatrician CDC

Talk to your doctor if your baby:

• Doesn't stand with support
• Doesn't search for things they see you hide
• Doesn't point at things
• Doesn't learn gestures like waving or shaking head
• Doesn't say single words like "mama" or "dada" (though some babies won't until later)
• Seems to have lost skills they once had

How to Support Your Eleven-Month-Old's Development

Encourage safe walking practice: If your baby is working on walking, let them practice as much as possible. Hold their hands, let them push push-toys, and provide stable furniture for cruising.

Keep talking: Your baby is absorbing vocabulary at an amazing rate. Narrate activities, read books, sing songs, and engage in back-and-forth "conversations."

Support independence: Allow your baby to do things themselves when safe. This might mean messier mealtimes or longer dressing times, but it builds confidence and skills.

Play together: Interactive games like peek-a-boo, chasing games, ball rolling, and simple pretend play strengthen your bond and support development.

The Bottom Line

At eleven months, you're raising an almost-toddler! Your baby is increasingly mobile, communicative, and independent, while still needing your love and security. This is a wonderful time of rapid development and emerging personality.

Clara is here to answer questions about your eleven-month-old's development!