As a new parent, there is nothing more satisfying than seeing your baby happy. Seeing them smile for the first time, crawl for the first time, and talk for the first time are momentous achievements to celebrate. But, there also are the smaller milestones, such as lifting their head and turning their face toward a familiar voice, that have a profound impact on your baby’s development.
Milestones are practical guideposts designed to help you identify and celebrate your child’s accomplishments. From birth to 5, ParentPal’s 180 research-based milestones provide you with thoroughly vetted information, giving you a wonderful way to anticipate, encourage, and celebrate your little one’s developments.
Here’s a quick breakdown of milestones to look for in month 11.
Social-Emotional: Plays patty cake
Most babies delight in repetition, and it’s good for their developing brains, too. That’s why playing patty cake is such a great social activity. At first, seat baby facing you in your lap and take his or her hands in your own. Clap hands to the rhythm as you sing “Patty cake, patty cake, baker’s man. Bake me a cake as fast as you can. Pat it, and roll it, and mark it with a ‘B.’ And put it in the oven for baby (or baby’s name) and me!”
Self Help: Picks up a spoon
Your little one has learned to pick up finger foods using a refined pincer grasp (thumb and forefinger tips), but now is realizing that certain foods aren’t easily picked up. When baby first picks up a spoon by its handle, he or she is signaling a desire to take self-feeding skills to the next level.
Gross Motor: Walks while holding on
Once your child is able to stand and maintain balance, he or she will begin taking tentative sideways steps while holding on to nearby furniture or even to a leg. While cruising, baby will practice shifting his or her weight, and may even let go for a few seconds, now and then.
Fine Motor: Picks up small items
Until now, your little one has been using the entire hand to “rake” items closer and pick them up. Now, baby’s pincer grasp has greatly improved, and he or she is able to easily pick up such foods as pieces of a cut-up blueberry and soft banana spears.
Language Comprehension: Imitates sounds
Your little one is now able to make recognizable consonant-vowel sounds and is beginning to imitate sounds you make. Favorites are animal sounds (moo, baa, and quack), and sneezes, laughs, and coughs. The back-and-forth “conversation” you have with baby helps him or her learn the basics of communication: speaking and listening.
Things to Keep in Mind
Remember, it’s not a race and no two babies are alike. Your baby may exhibit some of these behaviors earlier or later than others. Some may simply be skipped. Milestones are meant to be helpful guideposts for parents to ensure their baby is on the right path developmentally.
If you are ever concerned about your child’s development, contact your pediatrician.
Learn more about your baby’s milestones and how you can help foster physical and cognitive development in the ParentPal app.
Want to get a jump start on what to expect next month? Check out our blog on Your Baby’s Development: Month 12.
