Play Ideas by Age

Published: September 3, 2026

10-12 Months: Learning Through Repetition, Growing Communication

Around their first birthday, babies learn new skills by repeating the same play over and over, and start expressing themselves through gestures, sounds, and sometimes short words. Based on CDC and ZERO TO THREE resources, the following play ideas may be helpful at this age.

Sensory Play

• Let your baby repeatedly play with toys that sound when shaken or tapped, like rattles or busy boxes.
• Try a simple “find the sound” game, making different sounds for your baby to search out.

Physical/Gross Motor Play

• Give a safe space to pull up on furniture or attempt first steps.
• Allow plenty of floor time, and avoid a walker or bouncer for long periods.

Fine Motor & Exploration Play

• Try repetitive play like stacking and knocking down blocks, or opening and closing a box — repetition helps at this age for learning new skills and cause and effect.
• Simple games like “So Big,” raising arms in response to a question, are often enjoyed now.

Language & Social Play

• Respond actively to your baby’s gestures, expressions, and sounds to keep a back-and-forth going.
• When your baby uses a short word or intentional babbling, repeat it back and add related words.

Play Tips for This Age

Screen time other than video calls is still not recommended, and 12-16 hours of sleep per 24 hours (including naps) is helpful. Not getting bored with the same game repeated many times is typical now, so repeat play as much as your baby wants.

When to Consider Talking with a Pediatrician

If your baby never uses gestures or sounds to express what they want, makes no attempt to pull up on furniture, or shows no interest in repetitive play, checking in with a pediatric provider may be helpful. This information isn’t a diagnostic tool and doesn’t replace advice from a medical professional.