Your Active 11-Month-Old

By the Editors of Your Baby Today


11 month oldBaby talk -- it's so sweet and yet so important to a lifetime of communication for your child. Isn't it amazing how much baby's connecting with the world around him? And he needs your help more than ever to learn about the language of life.


Milestones this month | Helping your baby master the wonderful world of words



Milestones this month*



  • Your baby now walks while holding onto furniture.


  • He uses the "pincer grasp" to pick up tiny objects between his thumb and forefinger.


  • Baby can stand alone.


  • He drinks from a cup.


  • Baby says "mama" and "dada."


  • He says a few other one-syllable words (like "hi").


  • Baby communicates his wants with gestures and words instead of cries.


  • He talks in conversational gibberish.



*All babies have their own internal developmental timetable. If your 11-month-old hasn't yet reached these milestones, rest assured that he will in time. If you have concerns about your baby's development, discuss them with her doctor.


 



Helping your baby to master the wonderful world of words



  • Talk simply, talk often Use simple, one-word labels to identify every component of your child's life. Go for a stroller ride and point to every tree, flower, or bird you pass by. Continually name all the objects in his bedroom and the toys in his closet. And use your baby's name often so he develops a real recognition for it.


  • Listen Patiently listen as he weaves an incomprehensible tale, then respond appropriately and courteously. Try to pick out "real" words, then say them back to your child as a way of trying to understand him.


  • Introduce concepts Point to objects and describe them as big or little, empty or full, up or down. Illustrate ideas with objects or actions whenever possible.


  • Name colors When you label objects, identify their color.


  • Name numbers When you talk about objects, identify how many there are. ("You are wearing two blue socks today.") Sing counting songs like "This Old Man."


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