11 Months Old Baby Development & Milestones
Your 11 month old is just a month away from his first birthday, how exciting is that. Soon your baby would leave behind the infant years enter his toddlerhood. There is so much on the development front this month with many babies walking holding on to furniture, some even taking their first steps, talking words like mama, dada, hi, up, etc. regularly, communicating through gestures - shaking head in no, waving, have strong liking for specific food, toys and even a parent. All this is part of a healthy development of your child.
11th Month Milestones
Congratulations on the tremendous progress and how far you both have come. You baby is more skilled, confident and stronger with amazing progress in communication and mobility. This is an exciting phase for both the parents and the baby, with so many new skills your infant has picked up over the past 11 months and soon moving to toddlerhood get ready to be running behind your bubba soon.
Pull to Stand
By now your baby is a pro at pulling to stand, it comes naturally by this age, while they may still need help to squat back down or to lower themselves to sit. Some may hold on using one hand and may even let go for brief periods.
Cruising and Walking
A major milestone in any baby's life, the freedom of mobility and independence is unparalled. You baby should be crusing around the house holding on to furniture with heightened eagerness to explore the environment from a different angle. Many babies should be able to stand without support and walk for brief seconds without holding on to anything. Some may already be walking but still would be very wobbly and falling frequently. Stay close by to monitor but don't be overly alarmed if you baby falls as this is all normal.
Even though the window to walk is between 12 to 18 months with some doing it as early as 9 months, talk to your doctor if your baby shows no interest in any form of mobility like by this age like scooting, crawling, crusing or walking.
Communication
Your baby now says few words regularly like 'mama', 'dada', 'bye bye', 'hi'. Keep talking to your child regularly as even if they are not speaking yet they vocabularly is growing by the day, so be sure to keep yapping.
Your baby would also be understanding you better now and following simple instructions like get your book, give the toy. They also may be able to point/look to things you ask like where is the fan or dog. It is common for them to use their hands to communicate / gesture at this age but in case your baby is not there yet, should be doing it any time now.
Feeding Routine
Meal time should now seem easy with many tried and tested options for your baby. By this age babies have their favorites and would love to eat them. Solids are now major part of their diet with lots of fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins like pulses, meat, yogurt, eggs and so much more. Your baby is now excited to try different foods and you can offer the same food the rest of the family is having. Ensure the food is not too spicy and avoid sugars.
Give them lots of steamed and cut to small pieces of vegetables, eggs, meat that they can try and also small cut fruits. Avoid any foods that can cause chocking like nuts, seeds, popcorn, etc.
By now with increased appetite for solids your baby's milk consumption should be down to 24 - 28 ounces or about 700 - 850ml. Don't force your baby to drink more milk as that would not leave room for solids.
Related: Baby Led Weaning
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Sleep Routine
Your baby continues to clock about 14 - 15 hours of sleep each day including 2 naps a day. Having said that, sleep disturbances or regression is also common this month as your baby continues to teeth, experience seperation anxiety or just be milestones related changes in sleep pattern. All this is normal and should get back to normal pattern in a few weeks. Key is to continue to follow a consistent night time schedule so your baby knows its time to sleep and is not overtired.
Most babies continue to need two naps a day till they get to 18 months of age, post which they gradually transition to one nap a day which continues till they turn 3 to 5 years of age.
Height & Weight
The average weight for eleven months old baby girl is around 8.7kg and height of 28.7 inches.
The average weight of eleven months old boy is around 9.4kg and height of about 29.3inches.
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11th Month Doctor's Visit
There will be no appointments this month, next should be around 1 year mark. You could catch up on any missed vaccinations or schedule an appointment if you have any concerns or questions for your doctor.
Safety is of utmost importance both at home and while outside. Baby proof the house if not already done as your child is mobile now and could get into trouble. Ensure you have a car seat properly installed for when you need to step out with your bubba. Always keep an eye on your child, its important not to leave them unattended.