Baby's Development: Eleventh Month
Your Baby’s Appearance at Eleventh Month of Life
Your baby has changed so much during the last few months. You can look at some old photos of yourself or your baby's father at this age. Do you notice any similarities? Genes have a powerful influence, and some characteristics can be eerily familiar.
Your Baby’s Growth at Eleventh Month of Life
Once she puts herself in a standing position, your baby isn't getting longer anymore. She’s getting taller, instead! As she becomes more mobile and active, it's perfectly normal for her rate of growth to slow down a bit, so don't be worried if she isn't gaining weight as quickly as she used to.
Your Baby’s Motor Skills at Eleventh Month of Life
Anytime from 10 to 12 months, your baby will probably have her second developmental check. Health visitor will check whether she can sit without support, and is she moving, yet (don't worry if she doesn't - she's not the only one). Most 11-months-old babies are cruising around while holding onto the furniture or someone's hands. And some might even try to let go of your hands and make a few tentative steps alone. There are also the ones who are already walking independently. They will also check your baby's fine motor skills, such as passing a toy from one hand to the other. As her hand-eye coordination improves, she’ll enjoy arranging toys by size or color, as well as taking things apart and putting them back together. Buy her some stacking blocks and nesting cups, and play with her.
Your Baby’s Senses at Eleventh Month of Life
At the check-up, health visitor will also check your baby's vision - can she see an object across the room, and her hearing - does she show any interest to sounds. Babies like touching things with their fingertips. You can use some baby-safe finger paints to help her create masterpieces. You should also offer her some textile books with different textures she can touch and feel.
Your Baby’s Sleeping at Eleventh Month of Life
Most babies have defined sleep patterns at this age. They usually have two naps during the day. It may be easier for your baby to fall asleep during the morning since the house is usually full during the afternoon. Since, your baby is quite active during the day, she may want to be active at night, too. It's a sleep regression that could last a couple of weeks. Offer your baby a soothing bedtime routine, and try to get her back on track.
Your Baby’s Eating at Eleventh Month of Life
It's been a long time since your baby has eaten everything you offer her. Now she may start showing her own preferences when it comes to foods. Don't give up if she's particularly picky. Keep offering her new foods. It may take up to 10 tries before she accepts something new. But remember, you should never force your baby to eat. It's always a good idea to give her to choose between two healthy options - that way she'll pick for herself, and you won't mind which one she'll pick. You may also need to use two spoons during mealtimes - one for you, and the other one for her. She'll enjoy playing, and she'll practice feeding herself, while at the same time you can put her some food in her mouth. You can also offer her a cup, she might be ready to start drinking from it independently. Just be careful - she might toss it when she finishes drinking.
Your Baby’s Communication at Eleventh Month of Life
Don't be disappointed if your little baby first said 'dada,' and then 'mama.' It's slightly easier for her to pronounce the letter 'd' than the letter 'm.' Look out for her other favorite words - it still counts as a word, even if she doesn't pronounce it quite right. Even though your baby understands some simple instructions and she knows what the word 'no' means, she may ignore you. That's more likely to happen if you're using this command all the time. If your baby hears it too often, it will lose its impact. Try using it only when she’s doing something dangerous. And when she's doing something you don't want her to - try distracting her attention.
