Baby's Eleventh Month: A Guide to Development and Milestones

All about your 11-month-old baby!

Physical development: She’s getting closer to walking with longer standing time and she’s starting to take steps, says Seattle Children's Hospital's Dr. Mollie Greves Grow. Some early walkers might be walking on their own by now.

Brain development: Her brain is developing rapidly in motor areas needed for walking and in areas needed for language, says Grow.

Social development: She’ll be imitating activities of family members, says Grow. She might begin to use a name like “mama” or “dada.” Expect episodes of frustration as your baby struggles to make sense and take control of her environment, according to the Mayo Clinic. If your baby throws a toy in frustration, calmly pick it up and say, “I can see you’re upset. Let’s try again.” Make time in your busy day for baby to explore her environment at her own pace, make a mess while feeding herself and work on all her rapidly developing skills.

Fun fact or milestone: She’ll try to copy you or her older siblings getting ready — brushing teeth, doing hair and make-up and similar activities, Grow says. Baby will reach for what you have that she wants, and she might get angry if she doesn't get it!

What to watch for/common concerns: She will fall over more as she tries to stand and take steps, and she’ll develop an increasing desire for independence. “They’re not nearly as easy as they once were!” says Grow.

One important thing you can do for your baby: Set up safe areas for walking, and safe walking toys, like stable wagons or carts she can push from behind, says Grow. The Mayo Clinic recommends keeping only safe objects within baby’s reach, moving anything toxic or poisonous out of reach, covering electrical outlets, installing child locks and stairwell gates and covering sharp edges.