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This month, your house is a baby amusement park. He's probably cruising while holding on to furniture, in love with the novelty of standing — particularly in the bathtub, and enamored with stairs that he can climb up but not down. Consider taking extra steps to protect him. Also this month, keep talking to your baby. Introduce pronouns such as "he" and "she," colors, and simple concepts. By the end of the first year, you'll be amazed at how much he understands and says.
Your baby’s development
Engage your 11 month old's growing mind
Because your baby is becoming so smart and inquisitive, your activities together become more interesting, engaging him cognitively and physically. Here's what you can do together:
- Help him walk with (or without) support.
- Ask him to find his favorite toy in his toy basket.
- Provide push/pull toys for him to play with.
- Roll or toss a large ball back and forth.
- Encourage your baby to pick up a toy off the floor from the standing position without holding onto anything.
- Continue to talk to your baby.
Teaching your baby real words
After months of being talked to, your baby is starting to talk back. He may not use real words, but he can point to a favorite book or toy when you ask. And as he continues to babble, he may even say a word or two.
Planning a safe and fun first birthday party
If you're planning ahead for that one-year milestone, here are some tips to help make yours a success:
For safety:
- Limit the party area to one childproofed room.
- Remove all breakables and sharp objects.
- Avoid snacks such as popcorn and peanuts — even for adults. Babies can pick them up from the floor and choke on them.
For your guests:
- Make sure each child has a toy, party favor, and a chair. (You could ask guests bringing babies to bring their own high chairs.)
- Provide disposable bibs and baby wipes for quick cleanups.
- Take lots of pictures. Make doubles to send to the guests.
Party time:
- Set a time limit — an hour should be enough. Any longer and you may have exhausted babies (and parents).
- Lots of decorations, safe snacks, and music set the tone.
- Play short games, such as rolling/bouncing balls. Everyone gets a prize.
- Play music, sing songs, and dance.
Ensure your baby's safety
It's a good idea to buy safety gates or other barriers that are high and sturdy, have a straight top edge (instead of V-shaped or diamond-shaped openings) and a rigid screen, and install them at the top and bottom of stairs. Also you'll want to:
- Keep his play area clear of hard, sharp-edged furniture.
- Lower her crib mattress so she can't crawl or fall out while she's standing.
- Install easy-to-use childproof locks for drawers, screens, doors, and windows.
- Keep poisonous substances (including household cleaners and products) in high cabinets that you can lock. (If you think your baby has eaten something poisonous, immediately call the Poison Control Center, the hospital emergency room, or your baby's health care professional.) Keep these numbers by the phone.
- Stay close to your baby around water — pools, tubs, large buckets of water, and even toilets.
- Avoid leaving pots containing hot foods close to the edges of tables or counters.
- Make sure you use plug protectors in any unused electrical outlets.
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