Your 11-Month-Old Baby

Month 11
First Year

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In 11 months, your baby’s gone from complete dependence to the first steps of striking out on his own – climbing, cruising, possibly standing and walking? by himself? (with your guidance, of course).

Nutrients For You When Breastfeeding

Your Nutrition This Month

As breastfeeding mums, your diet and how you nourish your body matter.¹ If you are breastfeeding, here are the essential vitamins and minerals you need:

Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is vital for the formation of red blood cells and producing energy. Where to find Vitamin B12? You can find Vitamin B12 in animal produce such as poultry and eggs.

Iron
Your iron levels may drop during breastfeeding. As such, replenishing your iron levels is important to prevent fatigue or an impaired immune system. Where to find Iron? Iron can usually be found in lean red meat and green leafy vegetables.

Calcium
As you might experience transient bone loss while breastfeeding, taking in calcium helps to build and maintain bone health. Where to find Calcium? Common sources of calcium include nuts and dairy foods such as milk and cheese.

Diet For Your 11-Month-Old Baby

What Can Your Baby Eat This Month?

Breastmilk is a vital source of nourishment for your baby at this stage.

Food Choices

Your 11-month-old baby needs the right nutrients to maintain her health as she continues to grow and develop. If you’d like to introduce new foods, here are some to consider:

Soft pasteurised cheese, yogurt, cottage cheese.
Iron-fortified cereals made from rice, barley, wheat, or oats.
Fruit cut into cubes or strips, or mashed.
Bite-size, soft-cooked vegetables like peas and carrots.
Combo foods including macaroni and cheese or casseroles.
Protein such as eggs, pureed or finely ground meats, poultry, boneless fish, tofu, or well-cooked and mashed beans.
Finger foods like lightly toasted bread or bagels, small pieces of ripe banana, spiral pasta, teething crackers, or low-sugar, O-shaped cereal.

Engaging With Your 11-Month-Old Baby

Because he’s 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 favourite 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 a toy off the floor without holding onto anything.
Continue to talk to your baby.

Safety – The Most Important Factor

Your baby might be exploring your home more than ever before. Whether she’s cruising around the living room furniture, standing on her own, or climbing up (but not down) the stairs, consider taking new steps to keep her safe.

It’s a good idea to install safety gates or other barriers at the top and bottom of stairs. Here are some other tips to help keep your baby safe:

Clear her play area of hard, sharp-edged furniture.
Lower her crib mattress so she can’t crawl out or fall while she stands.
Install childproof locks on drawers, screens, doors, and windows.
Move pots and pans containing hot foods away from counter and table edges.
Insert plug protectors in any unused electrical outlets.
Store toxic substances (like household cleaners and products).

Your Baby Is Talking Back

Your baby is starting to talk back. He may not use real words, but he can point to a favourite book or toy when you ask. And as he continues to babble, he may even say a word or two.

So keep talking to your baby. Introduce pronouns such as “he” and “she,” colours and simple concepts. By the end of the first year, you’ll be amazed at how much he understands and says.