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Your babys growth and development - 11 months old

Your 11-month-old

Your baby’s senses will have been maturing over the past few months and now they will now be able to see objects well both near and far away. They can focus on fast-moving objects and their hand-eye coordination has developed so they can see a toy and move to pick it up.

Their senses of taste and smell are developing, too. By now they will have preferences for different foods and will enjoy smelling flowers outside.

If you are breastfeeding, you might find your baby decides to wean, or you might decide yourself it’s time. It’s best to wean slowly, if possible so that your milk gradually decreases. But there’s no need to wean if you don’t want to, even if you are going back to work.

For more information on weaning, contact your midwife or lactation consultant, or call the Breastfeeding Helpline on 1800 mum 2 mum (1800 686 268).

What can your baby do?

As your baby’s coordination improves, they will start feeding themselves with their fingers at most meals. Some 11-month-olds can grip a cup and drink from it by themselves, although for some babies this will take a few more months.

Their communication skills will develop very fast and you’ll be hearing lots of sounds that are like words. They will be communicating in other ways, by pointing, nodding, waving and grunting. They will also understand simple instructions and will cooperate when you’re dressing them. Now is the time to start setting boundaries by saying ‘no’ to things that are dangerous.

Physically, they might be pulling themselves up and using the furniture to move around (called ‘cruising’). Some babies will be able to stand well by themselves by now and may take their first steps, although they will probably still prefer to crawl.

How to help your baby develop

Keep talking to your baby as much as possible. The more you talk to them, the better. Let them know you understand their sounds like ‘dada’ and ‘mama’. You can encourage their imagination by reading and singing to them.

11-month-old babies are lots of fun to play with. Take them outside, use blocks and interactive toys, and encourage their creativity with painting – but be prepared for lots of mess!

It’s important to encourage your baby to move and explore. Help them to pull themselves up to standing and to practise walking. You’ll also be amazed at how quickly your baby can move around your home, so make sure it’s a safe environment for them to explore.

Development problem signs

Babies develop at different rates. Talk to your doctor or maternal child health nurse if:

• they aren’t happy when they see people they know well
• they don’t make eye contact
• you or a close carer can’t comfort them
• they haven’t started to move at all
• they’re not sitting
• they don’t babble or make other sounds when someone talks to them

Where to seek help

If you are worried or would like to discuss any issues with your baby’s development, speak to your doctor, maternal child health nurse, or call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby on 1800 882 436.