7 min read · For babies aged 11–12 months
Between eleven and twelve months, your baby may begin using their hands, body and attention in increasingly intentional ways.
Instead of only exploring what an object feels or sounds like, your baby may begin trying to work out what it can do. They may turn it, pull it, place it inside something, remove it, pass it between the hands or repeat one action until the result becomes familiar.
Communication may also become clearer. Your baby may point, reach, gesture, look between you and an object or use sounds and facial expressions to show what they want. Some babies begin saying a first meaningful word, while others communicate mainly without words.
Movement continues to vary widely. Your baby may crawl quickly, pull to stand, move sideways while holding furniture, stand briefly without support or take early independent steps. Other babies may focus on floor movement for longer.
Development does not follow a fixed order. The aim is not to make your baby walk, talk or solve problems sooner. It is to provide safe opportunities to explore, communicate and try again.
What typically changes between 11 and 12 months?
As your baby approaches their first birthday, you may notice changes in how they use objects, communicate, move and respond to familiar routines.
Your baby may begin to:
- use objects in more intentional ways;
- place an object inside a container;
- remove an object and try to put it back;
- turn, pull, push or rotate moving parts;
- use the thumb and fingertip to pick up small pieces of food;
- point, wave, reach or gesture;
- look between an adult and an interesting object;
- understand some familiar words and short phrases;
- respond to their name and familiar routines;
- imitate simple actions;
- choose between two familiar objects;
- persist when an action does not work immediately;
- pull to stand or lower from standing;
- move sideways while holding furniture;
- stand briefly or attempt early steps.
Your baby does not need to show every behaviour on this list. Skills may appear gradually, remain inconsistent or temporarily disappear while your baby focuses on another area of development.
More intentional use of hands and objects
Earlier in infancy, your baby may have explored mainly by grasping, shaking, banging and mouthing. These forms of exploration can continue, but your baby may now begin combining them with more purposeful actions.
For example, your baby may:
- turn an object to find a particular side;
- pull one part while holding another steady;
- place a smaller object into a larger opening;
- remove an object and immediately try to return it;
- use one hand to support an object while the other manipulates it;
- change grip when the first attempt does not work;
- repeat a movement that produced an interesting result.
This does not mean your baby understands the full purpose of every object. They are learning through action, observation and repeated attempts.
Early problem-solving
At eleven and twelve months, simple problems may begin to hold your baby’s attention for longer.
A problem might be:
- an object that does not fit through an opening;
- a toy that rolled partly out of reach;
- a moving part that stopped;
- an object held in an awkward position;
- a favourite item partly hidden under a cloth;
- a container that needs to be turned before something can be removed.
Your baby may pause, look closely, change hand position, try from another angle or repeat the same action with slightly different force.
They may also look towards you for help. This look does not always mean that you need to complete the task. Your baby may be checking that you are nearby or inviting you to share the experience.
For practical examples of how to support this without solving the activity for your baby, read our guide to simple problem-solving play at 11–12 months.
Grab & Grow Kit | 7–12 months
A thoughtfully selected collection of play companions for movement, coordination, sensory exploration and early problem-solving during the second half of your baby’s first year.
Discover the Grab & Grow Kit
Persistence, repetition and frustration
Problem-solving often includes repetition. Your baby may try the same movement several times before changing their approach.
Persistence can look like:
- reaching again after missing an object;
- turning a disc several times;
- repeatedly attempting to place an object into an opening;
- pulling an object closer after pushing it away;
- changing from one hand to the other;
- looking at you and then returning to the activity.
Frustration is also common when your baby knows what they want to happen but cannot yet organise the movement.
Your baby may grunt, vocalise loudly, push the object away, tense the body or look towards you for support.
How to help without solving the task
You do not need to leave your baby alone with a difficult activity. Support can make the problem easier without removing the opportunity to act.
You can:
- move the object slightly closer;
- hold the container steady;
- turn the opening towards your baby;
- remove competing objects from the area;
- demonstrate one slow action;
- describe what your baby is doing;
- pause before offering more help.
Avoid repeatedly guiding your baby’s hand through the complete movement. If the adult performs every step, the baby mainly observes the solution rather than exploring it.
If frustration continues to increase, simplify the activity or take a break. A challenge should remain interesting, not overwhelming.
Pointing, gestures and shared attention
Near the end of the first year, babies often communicate through gestures before they can express the same message with words.
Your baby may:
- point towards an object;
- reach to be picked up;
- wave in response to “bye-bye”;
- lift their arms during a familiar routine;
- push an unwanted object away;
- offer an object to you;
- look towards something and then back at your face;
- use sounds together with a gesture.
When your baby points or looks towards something, follow their attention and name it simply:
“You see the dog.”
“You want the ball.”
“The light is on.”
This shared focus is more important than asking your baby to identify the object correctly.
Learn more about how gestures develop in When Do Babies Start Pointing? Communication at 11–12 Months.
Understanding familiar words
Your baby may understand more language than they can say.
They may begin connecting familiar words with people, objects, actions and routines, including:
- their own name;
- names for close family members;
- “bye-bye”;
- “no”;
- “come here”;
- “give it to me”;
- names of familiar foods, toys or pets;
- phrases linked with bathing, eating or going outside.
Responses may remain inconsistent. Your baby may understand a familiar phrase in one situation but not respond when tired, distracted or deeply focused.
Use short, natural language and allow time for a response. Avoid turning every interaction into a request or test.
Communication without words
A baby does not need to speak a clear word to communicate meaningfully.
Communication may include:
- eye contact;
- looking towards an object;
- pointing or reaching;
- facial expressions;
- changes in body position;
- babbling and varied sounds;
- offering or refusing an object;
- moving towards or away from you.
Respond to the message you think your baby is expressing:
“You are showing me the card.”
“You do not want that one.”
“You are asking for help.”
You do not need to interpret every signal perfectly. The back-and-forth exchange itself helps your baby experience communication as shared and meaningful.
First attempts at choosing
At eleven and twelve months, you can begin offering small, manageable choices.
Hold up two familiar objects and ask:
“Would you like the card or the discs?”
Your baby may choose by:
- looking longer at one object;
- reaching towards it;
- pointing;
- vocalising;
- pushing the other object away.
Accept the response without asking your baby to repeat or confirm it. Two choices are usually enough. A large selection can make the interaction less clear.
A simple way to practise this kind of shared attention is our “Find the Animal” activity for 11–12 months.
Imitating everyday actions
Your baby may begin copying simple actions they see repeatedly.
They may imitate:
- waving;
- clapping;
- tapping an object;
- turning a moving part;
- placing an object into a container;
- holding an object near the ear;
- brushing or wiping movements;
- simple animal sounds or facial expressions.
Imitation may not happen immediately. Your baby may watch an action and repeat it later.
Demonstrate slowly, then pause. There is no need to repeat the action continuously or move your baby’s hands for them.
Pincer grasp and more precise movements
The pincer grasp uses the thumb and fingertip to pick up a small item. As this movement becomes more precise, your baby may show greater interest in small details.
During meals, your baby may use the pincer grasp to pick up appropriately prepared pieces of soft food.
During play, they may:
- touch a small edge or moving part;
- use one finger to push or turn;
- pick at a label or texture;
- release an object more intentionally;
- adjust the object within the fingertips.
This increasing precision also makes small household objects more accessible. Keep coins, batteries, magnets, beads, buttons, hair accessories and other choking hazards completely out of reach.
Moving along furniture and early steps
Some babies begin moving sideways while holding furniture, sometimes called cruising. Others may stand briefly without support or take early independent steps.
Your baby may:
- pull to stand using stable furniture;
- shift weight from one foot to the other;
- move one hand along the furniture;
- lower slowly towards the floor;
- move between two closely positioned supports;
- stand briefly before sitting down;
- take one or more independent steps.
Many babies are not yet walking independently at twelve months. There is no need to hold your baby’s hands high above the head or repeatedly practise walking.
Provide a safe floor area, stable furniture and bare feet or secure, non-slip footwear where appropriate. Avoid baby walkers with wheels.
Play with inserting, turning and pulling
At this age, your baby may become interested in activities involving a clear physical problem.
Useful actions include:
- placing an object into a wide container;
- removing it and returning it;
- turning an object to inspect another side;
- pulling a fabric partially from a container;
- pushing a moving part;
- holding one part while moving another;
- opening and closing a safe flap.
Use large, baby-safe objects without loose parts, sharp edges or finger-trapping spaces.
Using the Hand-to-Hand Discs
The Hand-to-Hand Discs invite your baby to grasp, turn, reposition and transfer an object between the hands.
Your baby may:
- hold one side while exploring the other;
- rotate the connected shape;
- change grip between the palm and fingertips;
- pass the discs from one hand to the other;
- use both hands to inspect the connection.
There is no correct way to hold the discs. Offer them near the centre of your baby’s body and allow the shape to guide open-ended exploration.
Using the Wooden Cause and Effect Spinner
The Wooden Cause and Effect Spinner creates a visible result when your baby pushes or turns it.
At eleven and twelve months, your baby may begin using more precise finger movements, changing the force of the push or stopping and restarting the spinner intentionally.
Place it on a stable floor surface within comfortable reach. Demonstrate one slow turn if needed, then wait.
Your baby may push, tap, hold, stop or reposition the spinner. A perfect rotation is not required.
Using the Animal Discovery Cards
The Animal Discovery Cards can support shared attention, gestures and familiar language.
Show one or two cards and allow your baby to choose where to look or reach.
Name the animal and add one simple sound:
“Dog. Woof.”
Your baby may point, touch, babble, smile, offer the card to you or look between the image and your face.
There is no need to ask your baby to identify the correct animal. The activity is about looking, communicating and sharing attention.
Eight simple activities for babies aged 11–12 months
1. Put in and take out
Offer a wide container and one or two large baby-safe objects. Allow your baby to place them inside, remove them or simply inspect the opening.
2. Turn and transfer
Offer the Hand-to-Hand Discs and observe how your baby changes grip, rotates the shape or transfers it between the hands.
3. Spin, stop and restart
Place the Wooden Cause and Effect Spinner within reach. Let your baby create, stop and restart the movement.
4. Choose between two cards
Hold up two Animal Discovery Cards. Name both and wait for your baby to look, reach, point or vocalise.
5. Copy one action
Tap a safe object once or wave slowly. Pause to see whether your baby responds or imitates the action.
6. Find the partly hidden object
Hide part of a familiar object under a light cloth. Leave enough visible to make the activity easy to notice.
7. Pull a cloth from a container
Place part of a lightweight cloth inside a wide baby-safe container and leave one end visible. Supervise closely while your baby pulls it out.
8. Follow your baby’s point
When your baby points or looks towards something, follow their attention and name the object without turning the moment into a question.
What to expect around the first birthday
A first birthday is a meaningful family milestone, but it is not a developmental deadline.
At twelve months, one baby may be walking and using a word, while another may be crawling, communicating through gestures and concentrating on hand play. Both may be progressing in individual ways.
Around the first birthday, focus on your baby’s overall pattern of development:
- Are they exploring objects and their surroundings?
- Do they use sounds, looks or gestures to communicate?
- Do they respond to familiar people and routines?
- Are they developing new ways to move?
- Do they use both sides of the body?
- Do they attempt actions and show interest in results?
Speak with your baby’s paediatrician or another qualified healthcare professional if your baby has lost a skill, does not use gestures, rarely responds to sounds or familiar people, does not bear weight through the legs when supported, uses one side much less than the other or if anything about their development concerns you.
The First Birthday Number
The First Birthday Number is a decorative keepsake created to mark your baby’s first birthday.
It can be used as part of a supervised birthday photograph and later kept as a memory of the first year.
The First Birthday Number is not a toy. It should remain in adult hands or be positioned as decoration outside your baby’s reach. Do not allow your baby to mouth, chew or play with it.
For more calm and meaningful ways to mark the occasion, see our guide to your baby’s first birthday, play and celebration ideas.
Explore play for babies aged 7–12 months
The Owloo Grab & Grow Play Kit for 7–12 Months includes the Hand-to-Hand Discs, Wooden Cause and Effect Spinner and Animal Discovery Cards, alongside a First Birthday Number keepsake.
The play experiences are designed to support everyday exploration, communication, repetition and increasingly intentional hand use without attempting to accelerate milestones.
You can also explore all Owloo development guides and play ideas for babies aged 11–12 months.
Frequently asked questions
Should my 12-month-old already be walking?
No. Some babies walk before their first birthday, while others crawl, cruise along furniture or begin walking later. Development varies. Provide safe opportunities for movement without forcing independent steps.
How can I help when my baby becomes frustrated?
Pause before completing the task. You can move the object closer, hold the container steady or simplify the activity. If frustration continues to increase, offer comfort or take a break.
Should my baby be saying words at twelve months?
Some babies use one or more meaningful words, while others communicate mainly through gestures, sounds, facial expressions and looking. Speak with a healthcare professional if you have concerns about hearing, communication or development.
How many choices should I offer?
Begin with two familiar options. Your baby may choose by looking, reaching, pointing, vocalising or pushing one object away.
Can my baby play with the First Birthday Number?
No. The First Birthday Number is a decorative keepsake, not a toy. Use it only under direct adult control and keep it out of your baby’s mouth and play area.
The Owloo approach
At eleven and twelve months, play often becomes more intentional, but your baby still learns through movement, repetition and shared interaction.
Offer a simple problem, wait before helping and respond to the gestures, sounds and expressions your baby uses.
Let them try. Make it easier when needed. Leave the final action to your baby.
Written by Tina Krapez, Owloo Co-founder & COO
Tina Krapez is the Co-founder and COO of Owloo, where she helps create thoughtful play solutions and educational resources that support parents through their baby’s early development. Her work focuses on turning developmental knowledge into simple, practical guidance families can use in everyday play.
Sources and further reading
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — Milestones by 1 Year
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — Milestones in Action: 1 Year
- American Academy of Pediatrics — Developmental Milestones: 12 Months
- American Academy of Pediatrics — Cognitive Development in Infants: 8 to 12 Months
- American Academy of Pediatrics — Language Development: 8 to 12 Months
- Harvard Center on the Developing Child — Serve and Return
