First words and first attempts at steps: the eleventh month is a pivotal period for the child. Here’s everything you need to know about baby development at 11 months.

The 11-month-old is between 70 and 78 centimeters, and his weight is between 8 and 12 kilos. His head circumference is approximately 47,5 centimeters. His bicuspids begin to grow, which can make your baby cranky, due to his sore gums. Gross motor skills progress towards standing: this is now his preferred position.

It is not uncommon for babies to protest when you lay them down for bed or to change them. He is now having fun walking along the standing furniture, leaning on it: warmly encourage him because he will be walking very soon. Little by little, it gains in strength and it has more facilities to bend down and sit down.

The 11-month-old wiggles constantly, and continues to crawl or slide on his buttocks to move quickly. Vigilance is therefore essential in order to avoid accidents. The toddler, at 11 months, can perform two simultaneous actions, such as holding a toy and moving around, or waving while turning. Fine motor skills also improve, and if this was not the case before, your child now knows how to hold his cup on his own, with both hands.

The 11th month is characterized by a gap between understanding and restitution of words: the more you communicate with your baby, the better his brain develops, in terms of language. He may be uttering his first “daddy” as this word is easier to pronounce than “mum”.

When you say no to him, your little one is quite able to understand. If he doesn’t obey, it’s because he’s testing your limits, and he’s more and more tempted to explore his surroundings. He now shows his frustration or dissatisfaction, for example if you take a toy from his hands, or if you put him to bed without his wanting to. Your child increasingly enjoys picture books, as well as those that make sounds, such as animal noises. It’s time to introduce him to the game of wooden cubes.

Now that you have established a ritual before sleeping, do not hesitate to sing nursery rhymes often: it develops your child’s memory. When it comes to sociability, the 11-month-old still feels anxious about being separated from you. But now he is less afraid of other adults, and begins to approach them.

Your child, at 11 months, still eats 4 meals each day. Usually a bottle should be given for breakfast and one for afternoon tea, while lunch and dinner are made up of food. Baby is still too young for cow’s milk, while growth milk is very suitable for his age.

As for food-based meals, it is recommended to give 25 grams of mixed meat with ground or crushed vegetables, accompanied by starchy foods every other time. Always vary the vegetables more: in addition to zucchini, broccoli, eggplant and pumpkin, you can introduce vegetables that are more difficult to digest, such as cabbage or artichokes. The first few times your baby will probably have gas.

You can spot the warning signs of premolar growth: in addition to being in a bad mood, the 11-month-old has red cheeks and sore buttocks. If your child is in nursery, it is not uncommon for them to get sick, as babies easily pass germs to each other. The episodes of nasopharyngitis can multiply. In this case, ban self-medication, and always consult the pediatrician before giving medication to your baby. In case of fever, do not delay, and call the pediatrician as soon as possible. In addition, the latter can offer you the chickenpox vaccine, which is recommended, but not compulsory.

The eleventh month is very important for your baby, who is developing his mobility considerably. He understands his environment better and better, and tries to restore words.