Baby Development Calendar -- Month Eleven

Baby talk -- it's so sweet and yet so important to a lifetime of communication for your child. Isn't it amazing how much baby's connecting with the world around him? And he needs your help more than ever to learn about the language of life.

Milestones this month | Helping your baby master the wonderful world of words | My, how you've grown! | On-the-go baby


Milestones this month*
  • Your baby now walks while holding onto furniture.

  • He uses the "pincer grasp" to pick up tiny objects between his thumb and forefinger.

  • Baby can stand alone.

  • He drinks from a cup.

  • Baby says "mama" and "dada."

  • He says a few other one-syllable words (like "hi").

  • Baby communicates his wants with gestures and words instead of cries.

  • He talks in conversational gibberish.
*All babies have their own internal developmental timetable. If your 11-month-old hasn't yet reached these milestones, rest assured that he will in time. If you have concerns about your baby's development, discuss them with her doctor.


Helping your baby master the wonderful world of words

  • Talk simply, talk often. Use simple, one-word labels to identify every component of your child's life. Go for a stroller ride and point to every tree, flower, or bird you pass by. Continually name all the objects in his bedroom and the toys in his closet. And use your baby's name often so he develops a real recognition for it.

  • Listen. Patiently listen as he weaves an incomprehensible tale, then respond appropriately and courteously. Try to pick out "real" words, then say them back to your child as a way of trying to understand him.

  • Introduce concepts. Point to objects and describe them as big or little, empty or full, up or down. Illustrate ideas with objects or actions whenever possible.

  • Name colors. When you label objects, identify their color.

  • Name numbers. When you talk about objects, identify how many there are. ("You are wearing two blue socks today.") Sing counting songs like "This Old Man."

  • Don't always put words in your baby's mouth. Instead of saying "I'll bet you'd like a snack," ask "Would you like a cracker or a piece of cheese?" This allows him to answer, either verbally or with gestures. Repeat his response: "You chose a cracker -- here you are."

  • Share the world of books with your baby. Reading to your baby is among the most precious gifts you can give him. Make it a part of your daily routine; snuggling up with a few age-appropriate stories before nap time or bedtime will help both of you relax as it strengthens your bond and shows baby the wonder of words.


My, how you've grown!

As impossible as it must seem, your baby has experienced almost an entire year of life. So many changes have sprung up at every turn, all leading you to even more fun and fulfillment. Only yesterday, baby just fit into the crook of your arm; today, he may be walking -- which, of course, means that running is imminent.

Monitoring your baby's growth provides a constant in a world of change. As you record his monthly height and weight, you'll gain comfort in knowing that your little one is on a strong and healthy course.

During the eleventh month, it's common to notice a slight slowing in his growth. If your baby was larger than average at birth, he's probably now moving closer to his more genetically predisposed size. If you and your partner are short, it's only a matter of time before your baby drops down from the 90th percentile in height.

Most doctors are less concerned about graphs than they are about your baby's overall health. If he's eating, sleeping, and maturing at a normal rate, the numbers on a chart don't mean quite as much.


On-the-go baby

Because your baby is more mobile now, you may be more inclined to include him in outdoor family activities.
  • Bicycling: Make sure baby sits in a bicycle seat that has a safety belt. The seat should attach over the rear wheel and have spoke guards. It should have a high back and some support for his head. Bicycle helmets are available in infant sizes, and your baby always should wear a helmet, as should every member of your family.

  • Strolling: Make sure your baby is safely secured in the stroller with both a seat belt and a strap between his legs. The stroller should have a brake to lock the wheels so it won't roll off unattended. Look for a stroller with a wide base and a basket that hangs at a low level to prevent tipping.

  • Shopping: The same precautions apply whenever your baby is seated in a grocery cart. Use either the attached safety belt or a baby carrier designed specifically for shopping carts.
About this time, your little one -- who not so long ago was content to lie on the floor and watch the world go by -- is crawling everywhere, standing by herself, and possibly trying to take her first solo steps. There's no stopping her now! Grab the camcorder before she's out of sight!

Milestones this month | Fancy footwork | Thanks for the memory


Milestones this month*
  • She can walk while holding onto furniture.

  • Baby can stand alone, possibly for a few minutes.

  • She drinks from a cup.

  • Baby plays pat-a-cake or waves good-bye.

  • She understands the meaning of "no."

  • Baby says "mama" or "dada."

  • She expresses herself with gestures and sounds instead of cries.

  • Baby can roll a ball to you.

  • She uses gibberish in a conversational way.
*All babies have their own internal developmental timetable. If your 10-month-old hasn't yet reached these milestones, rest assured that she will in time. If you have concerns about your baby's development, discuss them with her doctor.


Fancy footwork

  • Shoeless is cool. You may wonder what's the appropriate footwear for your newly mobile baby. Most doctors recommend nothing. Your baby's feet develop best when they're bare; this helps build arches and strengthen ankles. But if you're looking for protection while you're outdoors, choose low-cut baby shoes with flexible soles, flexible uppers, flat nonskid bottoms, and a roomy fit.

  • Stepping up. Your active 10-month-old probably also has discovered stairs -- and how to climb them. Most likely, baby knows how to go up but not how to come down. Encourage her to crawl up the stairs, but make sure you're planted close behind her. Do the same as she maneuvers her way back down; help baby put her knees and feet in the proper positions for the trip back down. Never leave your child unattended on or near stairs; those tumbles back down can result in serious injury.

  • Exercise cautiously. As your baby grows stronger and more active, it may be tempting to introduce her to some of the exercise opportunities outside your home. Before you engage in any "baby workouts," though, there are some things to consider:

  • Infant swimming: Use these classes to help your child become comfortable in the water; your baby isn't quite ready to learn the breaststroke!

  • Baby exercise classes or videotapes: Look for fun activities that provide socialization, not competition. Avoid those that promote passive motion (where you move your baby's limbs), stretching, or any techniques that are aimed at improving strength, conditioning, or coordination. These exercises could cause serious injuries to an infant's still-developing bones and joints.

  • Jogging: Although running with your baby in a backpack may sound like a great bonding opportunity, keep in mind that the bouncing, jarring motions could injure her head or back. Also, you'll put her at risk if you fall or run into someone.

Thanks for the memory

Baby also may remember events. A song played on a carousel may trigger memories in your child when she hears it played later on a cassette tape. Though she may not be able to tell you in words that she recalls the song, her excited smiles and facial expressions will say it all.

"Out of sight, out of mind" no longer applies. If your child has ever enjoyed unrolling the toilet tissue that sits on the other side of the cabinet door, she'll remember the pleasure every time she passes the door.

Baby's First Year
The content on these pages is provided as general information only and should not be substituted for the advice of your physician.


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