Almost-toddlers need sensory input to help them regulate big emotions and growing bodies.
These activities provide calming proprioceptive input, build advanced tactile exploration skills, and support the emotional regulation that helps your baby manage the intensity of this developmental stage.
Your almost-toddler uses sensory input to help regulate big emotions and a growing body. They may seek out deep pressure (squeezing into tight spaces, being wrapped tightly), calming textures (a soft blanket), or rhythmic movement (rocking, swinging) when feeling overwhelmed.
Pay attention to what sensory experiences calm or energize your baby. Provide access to their preferred calming inputs during transitions and challenging moments. You're learning their sensory profile, which will guide you through the toddler years.
Sensory self-regulation at eleven months builds the foundation for emotional management — learning to use sensory input to calm, focus, and organize their nervous system.
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.
Place your baby on an inflatable water mat and watch them press, pat, and track colorful floating toys — tummy time with a sensory twist.
Set jiggly, colorful gelatin on a tray and let your baby squish, poke, and mouth this completely safe sensory material.
Seal paint inside a zip bag and tape it down — your baby presses, squishes, and watches colors blend without any mess on their hands.
Create a glittery sensory bottle your baby can shake, roll, and watch — a mesmerizing visual and tactile experience for curious little hands.
Thread ribbons through a colander and let your baby pull, tug, and discover — a simple fine motor and sensory activity they'll love.
Fill sealed bottles with rice, bells, and beads to create shake-and-listen sensory toys your baby can grab and explore safely.