What to expect at 11 months

Eleven months sits just before the CDC 12-month checklist. Many babies are cruising and some are standing alone, but timing varies a lot. In the WHO Multicentre Growth Reference Study, standing alone was achieved between about 6.9 and 16.9 months and walking alone between about 8.2 and 17.6 months in healthy children, so a baby who is not walking at 11 months is well within the normal range.

Typical skills around 11 months

  • Motor: Pulling to stand, cruising, standing with support or briefly alone, and for some babies a few independent steps. Crawling babies often crawl very fast.
  • Hands: A neat pincer grasp, putting objects in and out of containers, stacking or banging blocks, and holding a cup with help.
  • Language: Babbling that sounds like speech, gestures such as waving and pointing, and understanding "no" and familiar words. The CDC 12-month list includes waving bye-bye and calling a parent "mama" or "dada" or another special name.
  • Social: Imitating, playing simple games, showing preferences for people and objects, and sometimes strong protests when something is taken away.
  • Thinking: Looking for hidden objects and exploring how things work by dropping, shaking and banging.

Sleep at 11 months

The AASM consensus, endorsed by the AAP, recommends 12–16 hours per 24 hours (naps included) for babies 4–12 months and 11–14 hours for ages 1–2. Most 11-month-olds take two naps, with wake windows of about 180–240 minutes in our wake window calculator. Around 12 months, sleep can wobble again: see the 12-month sleep regression and 6–12 month sleep schedule guides.

Free tool: wake window calculator →

Feeding at 11 months

Milk is still important, with three meals and snacks of varied textures. Honey and cow's milk as a main drink are not recommended before 12 months, according to CDC guidance. See introducing solid foods.

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How to support your 11-month-old

1

Encourage cruising and standing

Set toys on low, stable surfaces so your baby has a reason to stand and move along them.

2

Hold hands and cheer, but do not rush walking

Let your baby set the pace. Walkers and push toys are not necessary; baby walkers with wheels are unsafe and discouraged by the AAP.

3

Narrate and name

Say what things are and what you are doing. Pause to let your baby respond.

4

Keep the routine steady

A consistent bedtime routine helps through the next regression and the move toward one nap later.

5

Let them feed themselves

Finger foods and a cup help with fine motor skills and self-feeding.

6

Prepare for the 12-month visit

Write down what your baby does and any questions to share with your pediatrician.

When to talk to your pediatrician

Milestone timing varies widely between healthy children, and one missed item is rarely a diagnosis. Bring your notes to the well-child visit and ask early if you see any of the following, or simply feel something is off:

  • does not crawl, pull to stand or bear weight on the legs
  • does not say any babble that sounds like speech, does not respond to their name, or does not use gestures such as waving or pointing
  • does not search for hidden objects or play games like peekaboo
  • does not make eye contact or show interest in people
  • loses a skill they previously had

Early evaluation is not an overreaction: the CDC's "Learn the Signs. Act Early." program exists so concerns are raised sooner rather than later, and your pediatrician can refer for a developmental screening if needed.

Sources

Disclaimer: This article is for general guidance and does not replace advice from your pediatrician. Timelines are ranges that vary between healthy children. If you are worried about your baby's sleep or development, consult your doctor.