How to Stimulate an 11-Month-Old's Physical Development

Your 11-month-old is probably turning into a little busy body that seems to always be on the move. This is a good thing since physical activity can keep your little one healthy, help him sleep better, improve his motor skills and help to build strong bones, according to Let's Move, a national campaign aimed at ending childhood obesity. By 12 months, there are some physical milestones your baby should meet, such as getting into a sitting position by himself, crawling, standing while supported and cruising while holding onto furniture, notes the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If your baby hasn't yet met some milestones, there are some things you can do to stimulate or encourage him.

Instructions

    • 1

      Provide your baby with a safe and stimulating place to play in your home, whether it's in his bedroom, in your family room or another area of the home that you've baby-proofed and set up as a play place. Fill the space with age-appropriate learning toys and activities. Provide him with balls to throw and kick. Build a small obstacle course with boxes or pillows and help your baby navigate his way through it, suggest KidsHealth. Allow him to have at least one hour of unstructured play time each day.

    • 2

      Limit the amount of time you place your baby in her playpen, crib or other equipment, encouraging him to be active instead, suggests KidsHealth. Get down on the floor and play along with him.

    • 3

      Hold onto your baby's hands or provide him with a walking toy for balance, to encourage him to walk, advises KidsHealth. Stay by his side when he's walking without your assistance in case he needs a helping hand along the way. Only allow him to do this in areas of the home where there are no stairs. You can also teach your baby to walk while holding onto your couch or a coffee table without sharp edges.

    • 4

      Take your baby out of your home for at least 30 minutes of physical activity each daily. Go for a walk around your neighborhood, head over to the tot lot for some play time or sign your baby up for a tumbling class.

    • 5

      Help your baby build towers with his blocks to stimulate his fine motor skills. You can also encourage painting, scribbling with crayons, or covering and uncovering containers. Roll a ball and ask him to pick it up while it's still rolling. Provide him with a toy that requires him to place round pegs into round holes or shapes into the same shaped hole.

    • 6

      Allow your baby to feed himself more to encourage independence. Let him brush his teeth (with your assistance) and attempt to dress himself. He could help by putting his arm through his sleeves or by pulling his socks up.

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