MONTH ELEVEN



Your Baby's 44th Week

Your little explorer is now likely to pull herself up to a standing position and will begin to “cruise” from one piece of furniture to another. She’ll begin to alternate feet and “walk” if you offer encouragement and physical support by holding both of her hands.

More advanced exploration is also possible, as she learns to scale and climb furniture and other obstacles. Expect frequent tumbles and falls as she learns to balance more effectively. Take care to babyproof your house. Soft, cushioned, corner guards on sharp table and furniture edges and securely installed gates will help keep her safe. Take a second glance at drawers and cabinets now too. Little fingers will be able to reach higher than before. Now that she can stand up be sure to move heavy, hot or otherwise dangerous objects at least 12 inches away from table and counter edges so they’re safely out of reach of curious hands.

Your Baby's 45th Week

You witness your little one’s physical growth each day as he outgrows clothes and displays new physical abilities. His cognitive abilities have been growing steadily during recent weeks as well. Expect that he’s now able to understand and respond to a one-step command. For instance, when he picks up an object you’d rather he not have, ask him to “Please bring that to Mommy (or Daddy).” Watch as he diligently shares his latest discovery.

Of course, the mere fact that he can understand your request does not mean he’ll abide by it. Continue to set reasonable limits and teach him to live within them. Be careful to keep your requests simple and age-appropriate. Be assured that it is not unreasonable to expect him to start to learn and abide by family rules. Young children actually crave such structure and order in their lives. While your initial requests may be met with dramatic protest, soon he’ll learn his boundaries and will respect them.

Language skills continue to evolve as he beings to make more and more two syllable sounds. He may even learn another word or two. Don’t worry if he doesn’t seem to “talk” as much as friends his age. Each child develops at his or her own pace. Some children begin to talk months after many of their peers.

Your Baby's 46th Week

Your little one has been enjoying solid foods for some time now. She is now able to pick up small, snack-like foods such as Cheerios and diced, soft fruits and vegetables. You’re probably amazed at how she gets excited to feed herself each time you offer such a snack. She’s now ready to take self-feeding to another level. Allow her to feed herself with a spoon. Offer her a toddler-sized spoon and carefully cut or mashed foods and step back. She’ll likely make quite a mess at first. Plan for this by donning an appropriate bib and placing her high chair on an easily mopped kitchen floor. Eating on a carpeted floor? Consider employing a drop cloth beneath her chair.

Keep your camera handy for classic shots of her “first” meal and when the meal is complete, head toward the tub for a refreshing and relaxing head-to-toe rinse.

As she grows and learns to chew foods properly, you’ll be able to introduce increasingly chunky foods. And, as she masters the necessary hand-eye coordination she’ll enjoy trying a fork just like Mommy and Daddy. Although she’ll begin using utensils now, expect that she’ll also continue to eat with her fingers for many months to come.

Your Baby's 47th Week

Your little one is beginning to understand certain trigger words and their associated cause and effect relationships. Though her comprehension is still limited, she’ll now anticipate the departure that is to follow when she hears you say “bye-bye.” When you’ve stepped out of the room and she begins to cry, the words “Mommy (or Daddy) is coming right back” may help to calm her as she forms a mental picture of her beloved parent.

Expect her to still be upset when you try to leave her at daycare or with a trusted sitter. Although they’re a great advancement in the battle against separation anxiety, mental images of loving parents will never replace your warm embrace. Rest assured however, that her crying will most likely subside moments after you depart as she’s distracted by toys, games or other children. During playtime, her interest will probably be peaked by stacking and nesting toys. She’ll also enjoy filling and emptying containers.

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