Your baby follows simple instructions and understands more than you realize—they're connecting words to actions.
These activities build receptive language comprehension, develop the ability to follow one-step directions, and strengthen the working memory that supports all learning.
Your baby follows simple directions, points to body parts when named, and uses objects functionally. They understand the purpose of everyday items and imitate how you use them — a clear sign that learning through observation is highly active.
Involve your baby in daily routines: let them 'help' put laundry in the basket, hand them a spoon to stir (with supervision), ask them to find specific objects. These practical activities build comprehension, memory, and the satisfaction of being capable.
Following directions and functional object use at eleven months demonstrate comprehension skills and imitative learning that accelerate development across all domains.
Walking is right around the corner. Push toys and sturdy furniture give your almost-toddler the confidence to take those first wobbly steps.
Your baby loves imitating you. Give them a play phone, a small broom, or safe kitchen items—pretend play is starting!
Simple shape sorters and chunky puzzles build problem-solving skills. Cheer when they get a piece in—confidence matters more than speed.
Hide a musical toy or phone playing music under a blanket and let your baby search for the sound source. Builds listening skills and early problem-solving.
Stack soft blocks into a tower with your baby and let them knock it down. The build-and-crash cycle teaches spatial reasoning, cause and effect, and pure joy.
Introduce your baby to a simple shape sorter — but forget the rules. At this age, mouthing, banging, and experimenting with the pieces is the real learning.
Count to three and lift your baby into the air during play. This anticipation game pairs number words with a thrilling physical payoff babies adore.
Hide a favorite toy under a scarf and let your baby find it. This classic peek-a-boo variation builds object permanence — a major cognitive milestone.
Give your baby safe containers and objects to put in, take out, and dump. This endlessly satisfying game builds early spatial reasoning and cause-and-effect.