11 Month Old Baby Development: Mr. or Miss Personality
You've probably never seen a more enthusiastic farewell than when your baby waves bye-bye. And she's as thrilled with her new skill as you are! But beware: That ferocious hand-waving and unfaltering smile are addictive. So don't be surprised if you find yourself, Grandma and every stranger in the grocery store waving and smiling back just as enthusiastically. They're just as proud as you and your baby are!
What You're Thinking: "Oooh, ooh, oooh, here comes somebody else ... Do it again! Do it again!"
Baby Milestones
- Your baby's communication skills are bursting at this age. No, she can't tell you she'd like applesauce instead of sweet potatoes for lunch yet, but she can understand a few words, and she might also understand some baby signs and signals, if you've been teaching them.
- Your baby is reaching the age where she might be able to let you know what she wants by pointing or pulling you to get your attention. (Of course, that doesn't mean she should get everything she's pointing to ... no matter how tempting it is to indulge her every whim!)
- At this age, your baby is much more clingy than ever before, and will not want you to leave. Make goodbyes easier by leaving her with someone she's used to, and leaving her with a light, happy smile (no matter how much your heart is breaking ...). A long emotional goodbye is only likely to lead to more crying.
- These days your budding charmer has a distinct personality all her own. (We'll leave it to you to figure out where she got her individual traits, but it's a given the stubbornness comes from the other side of the family, right?).
Mommy Milestones
- You've managed to successfully babyproof your home without making it look like a stunt person's practice area.
- You are a Master Swinger (i.e., you can push your baby on the swings from the front, from the back, while singing songs, while playing peek-a-boo, while playing patty-cake ...).
- You watch Sesame Street for the nostalgia factor.
- You can push a stroller with an iced coffee in hand without suddenly veering into different directions.
- You want to go out on a date with your partner as an excuse to wear something nice.
Home Front
If you've learned one thing in these last 11 months or so, it's surely this: Your child is constantly outgrowing things. Just as you've replaced the too-tight pants, you need to find a not-so-snug jacket and don't-cut-off-my-baby's-circulation socks. One item that may be less obvious is the car seat. We have some advice for ensuring your road trips with baby are safe. Read more ...
Everything you ever wanted to know ... and were just about to ask ...
Do It:
Left, Right, Left
Introduce baby to the difference between left and right with this fun bath game.
Buy It: "Please Don't Feed My Kids Sugar" Tees
Think of them as "do not feed the animals" signs for Grandmas.
Cook It: Vegetable Enchiladas
Go on, Mama, sneak those veggies in there!
Discuss It: Chat with other new mamas and papas on our Baby Board.
BACK: Baby Development: More Month 11 / NEXT: Baby Development: More Month 11
All babies grow and develop at different rates. So please don't compare your kid with so-and-so's baby from across the street—you'll just drive yourself nuts. If you have any concerns, bring them up with your pediatrician at your baby's next checkup.
report abuseIntroduce baby to the difference between left and right with this fun bath game.
Buy It: "Please Don't Feed My Kids Sugar" Tees
Think of them as "do not feed the animals" signs for Grandmas.
Cook It: Vegetable Enchiladas
Go on, Mama, sneak those veggies in there!
Discuss It: Chat with other new mamas and papas on our Baby Board.
BACK: Baby Development: More Month 11 / NEXT: Baby Development: More Month 11
All babies grow and develop at different rates. So please don't compare your kid with so-and-so's baby from across the street—you'll just drive yourself nuts. If you have any concerns, bring them up with your pediatrician at your baby's next checkup.
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