Your 5 Month Old Baby’s Development & Activities

The months have flown by and your baby has been growing like crazy — she may be double the size she was at birth. It’s not just her little body that is getting bigger, but her whole world, too. She may show an interest in complex shapes and patterns, and perhaps even try to babble to you in her early attempts at conversation. Enjoy the ride as you watch your little one grow and develop this month, and read on to see what exciting things your baby will learn to do during 5th month!

5 Month Old Baby Development Milestones

Let’s see what exciting and sometimes challenging changes await you this month.

Growth and Physical Development of 5 Month Old Baby

Each baby is different and will develop at her own pace, but once your baby turns about 5 months old, you may notice that she’s about double her birth weight. On average, babies this age will gain around 1 ¼ pounds and grow 0.8 inches in length per month. Your baby’s healthcare provider will keep track of her growth using baby growth charts to make sure her growth is steady.

Senses: Your 5 Month Baby Loves Red and Blue

Your baby’s eyesight keeps on improving, and by now she can see much farther than before. You might notice reds and blues are her favorites as she may prefer to look at those colours. Your little girl will probably like to stare at more complex patterns and shapes; she will find these really interesting as her sight matures, so don’t shy away from showing her picture books and posters with bold and intricate patterns.

5 Month Baby Movement: Building Stronger Core Muscles

Your baby is getting stronger and she is working on building those all-important core muscles. By now, she can raise and hold her head and chest when lying on her stomach. She’ll continue to strengthen these muscles as she pushes her head and chest further up. Perhaps she’ll enthusiastically move her legs and rock back and forth on her tummy. This isn’t just her being cute — it’s how she’s building the strength to eventually roll over and also to start crawling.

Personality: Your 5 Month Old Baby Gets Experimental

Babies are fast learners and each experience will teach your little one so many things. At around 5 months old, your baby will start to learn that each action has a reaction. Perhaps she will kick her mattress and notice the crib rocks, or she’ll drop something and see that you pick it right up. This will encourage her to become curious and she will test out how she can influence the world around her. This may get frustrating for you as a parent — it’s not fun to pick up a dropped rattle for the umpteenth time — but indulge her as long as it’s safe. Make sure she doesn’t play with anything she can choke on, or that’s breakable, sharp, or toxic. Experimenting helps her brain develop and will also help her better understand how she can impact her environment.

As your baby’s cognitive abilities expand, you’ll be fascinated by her ability to soak up information like a sponge. Engage her eager mind by taking her for walks around the neighborhood, talking to her, and showing her new things. She will love books with large, brightly colored pictures. You can also help her develop her language skills by calling out the names of the new things she sees. She may even babble back as if she has understood you. When you talk to her, pause for a second to let her give you her “answer.” These are your first, early conversations with your little one, and although she may not make much sense at 5 months old, isn’t it lovely to communicate with your baby? The more you do it, the better she becomes, and she’ll be ready to say her first words in a few months’ time.

How to Support Your 5 Month Old Baby’s Development

Your baby has been working hard to develop strong neck and shoulder muscles. Over the coming months, she will use these muscles to stay sitting up, roll over, crawl, and eventually walk. Continue with providing daily tummy time sessions to help your little one build up these skills. Try to do it two or three times a day if you can. As she gets used to tummy time, you can do it more often to help her gain strength and confidence. Make sure she is awake during tummy time and never leave her unattended anywhere high like the bed, changing table, or couch because he might just surprise you by rolling over earlier, when you least expect it.

Feeding Your 5-Month-Old Baby

At 5 months old, your baby may be taking four to six ounces of breast milk or formula at each feeding, or perhaps even more. She may need to eat more when she goes through a growth spurt, which can happen at any time; you may notice one when your baby turns about 6 months old. Whenever she seems hungry, follow her hunger cues and feed her on demand.

What goes hand-in-hand with feeding? Diaper changes! Give your little one best comfort at both day & night with Pampers baby products. Know more about wide range of Baby Diapers & Wipes offered by Pampers India.

How Much Sleep Does a 5-Month-Old Baby Need?

Around this time your baby will sleep 12 to 16 hours a day. This includes an extended stretch at night with perhaps only a few brief awakenings. Each baby is different but with any luck, she won’t need feeding in the middle of the night by this age. Five-month-old babies still need a couple of naps and will sleep around three to four hours during the day. If you need some help getting your baby to sleep, watch our video guide for tips on establishing a good bedtime routine.

A Day in the Life of Your 5 Month Old Baby

By now you have probably settled into a daily routine that works well for you and your baby, but here is an example for how you might choose to break up the average day:

Your 5 Month Old Baby’s Health: Tender Gums

It’s upsetting to see your baby is unwell, or hear him cry when he feels pain or discomfort. You try everything as a parent to make sure your little one is safe and healthy, but there are times when he feels sick, no matter how careful you are. Some common health concerns that may affect a 5-month-old baby include:

Teething. You may notice your baby is drooling, cranky, or crying from discomfort this month. Between 4 and 7 months old, many babies start to get their first teeth. Your baby may get lucky and not feel any pain when he’s teething, but he may still have swollen or tender gums. Soothe his discomfort by giving him a teething ring made of firm rubber or rubbing his gums with a clean finger. If you notice he’s drooling, just wipe his mouth with a clean cloth to prevent a rash. Have a look at top 5 remedies to soothe a teething baby. If you notice your baby is in pain or is feeling irritable, turn to your baby’s healthcare provider for advice.

Conjunctivitis. This is when the white of the eye and the inside of the lower eyelid become red and inflamed. Also known as pinkeye, conjunctivitis is itchy and painful, and usually lasts a week or two. Conjunctivitis is usually caused by an infection, but can also be provoked by an allergy or an irritation to something like smoke. Take your baby to his healthcare provider if you think he may have an eye infection because treatment will likely be required. Conjunctivitis is very contagious, so wash your hands before and after administering any eye drops, and if your child is in child care it may be best to keep him at home until he’s all better.

FAQs at a Glance

Q:How can I help my 5 month old baby sit up on his own?

A: Babies often start to sit up around 6 months or shortly thereafter. Your baby needs to build up the strength to support himself, so encourage this with tummy time. Later, try propping him up into a sitting position. Gradually, he’ll start using his hands to keep himself upright and then sit without support.

Q:At what age do babies roll over?

A: Though all babies develop at a different rate, your baby may learn to roll over around the time he’s 5 months old or later. Make sure you don’t leave your little one unattended

Q:Why does my baby wake up at night?

A: Sometimes your baby will wake up during the night because he’s hungry or needs his diaper changed. If he’s not hungry and doesn’t need changing, then leave him to go back to sleep. See our video guide called “Why Does My Baby Wake Up at Night” for more useful tips and information.

Q:Is it really necessary to immunize my 5 month old baby?

A: Vaccinating your baby is actually one of the safest and best ways to keep her healthy and protect her against serious, contagious diseases — and also to protect other children and family members. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any questions about vaccines.

Your Life as a Parent: Body Image and Self-Care

Now that a few months have passed since the birth of your baby and you’re settling into a routine, you may be starting to think more about yourself. Good for you! Taking care of yourself is important, and as a new mom, it can be easy to overlook your own needs. You can get started by adding healthier habits into your daily routine. Like many new moms, you may be quite eager to return to your pre-baby figure, but it does take some time to achieve healthy weight loss after pregnancy. The key is slow and steady. Remind yourself that although your body may not look like it used to, it has done something truly incredible by giving birth to a new life. Look at how strong you are! Here are some ideas to help you feel good, or even great, about where you’re at right now!

• Healthy eating. Eat more fiber-filled fruits, vegetables, and whole grains; add proteins like chicken, eggs, or fish to meals; limit desserts and treats like chocolate, chips, ice cream, candies, and cookies; and watch your portion sizes.
• Exercise Once your healthcare provider gives you the all-clear, add some gentle exercise back into your daily routine. Keep in mind, you’ll have to slowly work back towards your pre-pregnancy fitness levels, so aim to gradually build up your physical strength and endurance over time. Once your doctor approves, you can start off with these basic post pregnancy exercises to maintain your physical health.
• Me-Time It might be challenging to set aside time for yourself, but it’s important to find balance. Make plans to go to the movies with friends, or on a date night with your partner, or indulge in a spa treatment for a little well-deserved “me time.” Don’t be afraid to ask for help: Get your partner, family members, or your babysitter to come to your aid when you’re feeling overwhelmed or just need a break.

Checklist for 5th Month

• Now that your baby is becoming more mobile, take another look at babyproofing your home to make it as safe as possible for an active baby who’s ready to explore. Check out these baby proofing ideas: Remove or hide any cords or electric cables your baby could become entangled in, secure any heavy objects that could topple over once your baby starts to pull himself up on them, and babyproof edges of furniture like bookshelves and coffee tables. It could help to get on your hands and knees and crawl around your home just as your baby soon will, to see from his eye level what hazards need to be eliminated. If you have stairs it may be time to install baby gates.
• Take a moment to look ahead to what could be coming for your little one when he’s 6 months old.

Your 7 Month Old Baby’s Development & Activities

Daily life for you and your baby is full of surprises and challenges, big accomplishments and small wins. Being open and flexible is the key to getting through the joys and the hiccups together. Here, learn what a 7-month-old baby might be doing this month, including which development milestones you might see, and pick up some strategies on introducing solids to your baby. We’ll also offer tips on such topics as car safety and antibiotics use. Grab a cup of tea or coffee and see what’s coming up this month.

7 Month Baby Development Milestones

There are many exciting milestones to keep an eye out for once your baby is 7 months old. Here are some of the highlights:

7 Month Baby Growth and Physical Development: More Than Double Her Birth Weight!

This month, your baby will probably continue to gain about 1 to 1 ¼ pounds. By the end of this month she may even weigh about 2.5 times her birth weight. If you take your baby in for a checkup this month, your baby’s healthcare provider will make sure that your 7-month-old baby’s weight, length, and head circumference are on track by plotting her measurements on the baby growth charts.

Senses of Your 7 Month Baby: The Imitation Game

From around this month, you may have an extra special role to play in your baby’s language development as your little one slowly starts to imitate the sounds in your speech. Encourage her efforts by talking to her often and by repeating easy words like “mama,” “dada,” and “dog.” Your baby can probably pick up on and respond to the different tones you use. For example, if you raise your voice she may cry, while if you speak to her in a soothing voice she may feel comforted and stop crying.

7 Months Baby Movement: More Coordinated and Independent

One of the most striking changes you could see this month is an improvement in your baby’s ability to coordinate her movements:

• Your baby may be able to transfer objects from one hand to the other. You might even see her turn things side to side and upside down as she investigates them.
• She can probably roll over both ways. Most children learn to roll from their stomach to their back first. With this change you’ll have to be extra careful when she is on a high surface, such as a changing table. Make sure to keep an eye and hand on her!
• When your baby is sitting, she may lean forward onto her hands in a "tripod" position to support her upper body. You may wish to give her a toy to focus on to help keep her balanced. Soon enough she won’t need to use her arms for extra support and she’ll be able to sit upright unassisted.
• When your baby is lying on her back, she may reach for and grab her toes. She’s slowly learning what her various body parts can do and getting used to new sensations.
• Each baby is unique, but some 7-month-old babies may even start crawling.

Cognitive Development: You’ll Know When Your 7 Months Baby Wants Something!

Your 7-month-old has her own personality and is more and more able to express her point of view. For example, in earlier months your baby would have cried only when she was hungry or uncomfortable, but now she’ll cry for all sorts of reasons. For example, she may cry to tell you that she wants a different toy, or that she’s bored and wants to do something different, or that she’s feeling anxious about being held by someone new.

It’s true, you won’t always love that she’s crying or dropping something to get your attention. But the upside is that your baby is becoming better at communicating and is revealing her personality and temperament. Everybody is unique, so try to find out what works for you and your baby. For example, if she needs extra comforting before going to bed at night, give it to her. Alternatively, if she prefers some calm, alone time then go with the flow and give her some space. Keep in mind that your little one’s preferences can change from one month to the next; she’s figuring out the world and her place in it.

Want to know more about your baby’s personality? Find out via our quiz on whether your baby’s a wild child or cool as a cucumber!

How to Support Your 7 Month Baby’s Development

Seven-month-old babies love objects and toys that have different shapes, colors, sizes, and textures. They also love things that make sounds when handled. Of course, you don’t necessarily have to buy your 7-month-old baby lots of toys to encourage her development. In fact, you might find she’s just as interested in ordinary household items such as pots and pans, wooden spoons, and magazines with colorful pictures. Just make sure whatever she wants to handle is safe, and that you provide supervision while she’s playing.

Talking and reading to your baby, listening and responding to her babbles, and taking her on walks or other outings are all great ways to help her learn and grow. You could also sing to your baby or hold her while dancing together to music. If you speak a foreign language, feel free to use it with her.

As your baby gets more mobile, make sure she has a safe space for her exploration. For example, you might set up a playpen where she can enjoy supervised playtime.

Feeding Your 7-Month-Old Baby

Around this time, you may start introducing your baby to solids. Here are some tips and insights on how to slowly make this addition to your baby’s diet:

• At this stage, solids are just a supplement — your baby’s nutritional needs are still met chiefly by breast milk and/or formula. The aim now is simply to introduce her to the art of eating food off a spoon. Don't be surprised if most of the food ends up on her face and bib, or the floor.
• Use a small-sized spoon, and start by offering half a spoonful of food, or less.
• Make sure your baby is sitting upright — for example, in your lap or in a high chair.
• Choose a time when your baby is not tired, cranky, or overly hungry.
• Perhaps try offering the spoon after breastfeeding or bottle feeding for a little bit. This helps her associate spoon feeding with the comfort of nursing.
• Offer baby food like single grain cereals mixed with formula, breast milk, or water, or pureed vegetables or fruits to your 7-month-old. It’s best to offer just one new food at a time for a few days in a row so that you can check for any allergic reactions.
• If you want to make your own baby food, you can use a food processor, a blender, or even a fork to mash fruits and vegetables. Just make sure the food is well cooked, soft, and unseasoned — including no salt.
• Keep in mind: Your baby may not be ready for solids yet and may try to show you if this is the case. For example, if your baby turns away or starts crying when you try to give her a spoon of puree, it may be best to leave it for now and try again in a few days or weeks.
• Once your baby can sit up by herself, you could give her finger foods so she can try to feed herself. Good options could be small pieces of soft sweet potato, chicken, or whole-grain crackers.
• Given that each situation is unique, ask your baby’s healthcare provider about whether your baby needs vitamin D or iron supplements as part of her diet.

  Try these tips by Pampers India to start introducing solid foods to your baby!

How Much Baby Food to Give Your 7-Month-Old

Over the next weeks and months, your baby will still be learning how to eat little bits of solid food off a spoon, so continue with your breastfeeding and/or bottle feeding the same amount as you have been recently. Not that much solid food will actually end up in your baby’s mouth at this stage, as this period is more about slowly introducing the spoon and some new flavors and textures. It’s always best to check with your baby’s healthcare provider to make sure your baby’s nutritional needs are being met and that her growth is on track. If you are worried about overfeeding, you should check with the doctor first before adjusting your baby’s food intake.

How Solids May Change Your 7 Month Old Baby’s Poop

When you start giving your baby solids, you may notice the color and consistency of her poop changes. It may become more solid and smelly! If you notice extremely loose, watery stools, contact your baby’s healthcare provider, who’ll look into what may be irritating your little one’s digestive system.

As your baby grows, you’ll need to change diaper sizes, too. Give your little one best comfort at both day & night with Pampers baby products. Know more about wide range of Baby Diapers & Wipes offered by Pampers India.

How Much Sleep Does a 7-Month-Old Baby Need?

Most babies this age sleep about 12 to 16 hours in a 24-hour period, including about two to three naps during the day. It’s best to let your baby nap as long as he wants — just make sure he’s up long enough during the day so that he’s tired enough at bedtime to fall asleep easily.

To help your 7-month-old baby wind down and fall asleep more easily, you may want to create a short, relaxing bedtime routine. This could include giving him a warm bath, singing him a soothing lullaby, and breast- or bottle-feeding him. Place your baby in his crib on his back while he’s still awake so that he eventually learns to fall asleep on his own. If your baby cries when you leave the room, try to return and give him a few soothing words and then leave again. As the weeks go by, he’ll likely cry less and less each night.

A Day in the Life of Your 7 Month Baby

Your 7-month-old baby’s daily schedule may include sleeping, feeding, bathing, and playing. Here’s just one example of what a day in your baby’s life might look like:

Car Safety for Your 7 Month Baby

As your baby grows, you might be wondering when it’s time to upgrade your baby car seat. It’s always a good idea to double-check that your baby car seat is appropriate for your baby’s age, size, and weight by checking the manufacturer’s instructions. Experts recommend that babies and toddlers ride in an approved, properly installed rear-facing car seat until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by the seat's manufacturer. For more info on this, read this short article on how to choose a car seat.

The baby car seat should always be positioned on the vehicle's back seat (ideally in the middle), and your baby must be securely fastened into the seat each time she travels, even for short trips. The car seat also needs to be correctly installed, no matter whose car your baby is in. So make sure that grandparents, babysitters, and any others who care for your baby know how to install and use the car seat.

Another key car safety rule is to never leave your baby alone in the car — not even for a minute.

Your 7 Month Baby’s Health: What Is Croup?

From time to time your baby might catch a cold or develop a cough. Always consult your baby’s healthcare provider if you think your baby may be ill. Here are some health concerns worth knowing about:

• Croup. During the fall and winter months (but even at other times) your baby may develop a barking cough or a wheezing sound when he breathes in. This may be caused by an inflammation of the voice box and windpipe, which is a condition called croup. This viral infection usually affects children aged between 3 months and 3 years old. Inhaling steam may help ease coughing if it’s only mild. To try this, turn on the hot water in the bathroom and shut the room's doors and windows for about 15 to 20 minutes. Then sit in the steamy room with your little one for a few minutes, making sure your baby doesn’t get overheated or burned by hot water. In appropriate weather, another option is to take your baby outside to inhale cool, moist night air. Croup can lead to the swelling of the airways, so if you notice your baby struggling to breathe, take him to the doctor right away. Know more on coughing in babies & how to treat the same.
• Pneumonia.  The risk of this infection of the lungs is most common in the cooler months. Symptoms include your baby having a cough, having difficulty breathing, having a fever, or being lethargic. If you suspect your baby may be ill, take your baby to the doctor who will be able to make a diagnosis. Pneumonia can be caused by viruses or bacteria, and your healthcare provider will recommend appropriate treatment.
• Sore throat.  It might be tricky to tell if your baby has a sore throat because he can’t tell you with words what he’s feeling, but you might notice he has difficulty swallowing or seems fussy. Sore throats can be caused by viral and bacterial infections, but typically a virus is the cause with babies and young children, and your little one should recover within about a week or 10 days. If you suspect your baby has a sore throat, it’s a good idea to take him to the doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
• Colds.  These upper respiratory infections are the most common illnesses affecting babies and young children; infants typically come down with 8 to 10 colds in the first 24 months of life. The best way to reduce the risk of your baby catching a cold is to keep him away from people who are already sick. Of course, it’s not always possible. For example, children can easily catch colds from other children when they’re in close contact, such as while in child care. Fortunately, most colds go away by themselves within about 7 to 10 days. Symptoms include a runny nose, sneezing, mild fever, sore throat, and slightly swollen glands in the neck. It’s always best to ask your baby’s healthcare provider for advice on how to relieve some of the symptoms.

How to Take Your 7 Month Baby's Temperature

Experts recommend using a digital thermometer. It may be safest to take your baby’s temperature in his bottom (rectally). To do this, put a small amount of lubricant (like petroleum jelly) on the tip of the thermometer, then rest your baby on his back and raise his legs up to his chest. Insert the tip about ½ an inch to an inch in and keep it there for a minute or until the thermometer signals that it’s taken a reading. Typically, a reading of more than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit indicates a fever, but always consult your baby’s healthcare provider for advice.

Important Information on Antibiotics

Antibiotics are useful and powerful medications for treating bacterial infections, but they are ineffective against common viral infections, such as the viruses that can cause colds and flu. Your baby’s healthcare provider is best placed to advise whether antibiotics are needed to treat your baby’s specific condition. In some cases, viral infections can lead to bacterial infections, so whether your child needs antibiotics must be assessed by the doctor. If antibiotics are prescribed, it’s very important that your baby takes the whole course as advised by the doctor, even if he seems better before the course is finished.

Your Life as a Parent: Tips for Reducing Stress

Like all parents, you’ve got a lot on your plate. Stress won’t disappear altogether, but there are some things you can try to help manage your stress levels:

• Get help. Can you find someone to pitch in with household chores or child care?
• Stay flexible. You might have great routines, but a baby can throw a spanner in the works. Be prepared to deviate from your plans or to-do lists if need be.
• Don’t compare your life to others. Reduce the time and energy spent feeling guilty, and try to avoid comparing yourself to others on social media.
• Enjoy a little “me time. Catch up with friends, plan some one-on-one time with your partner, or simply block out some alone time. It may take a little coordinating with a babysitter or relative to make sure you have child care arranged, but having a chance to recharge your batteries will do wonders for how you’re feeling.
• Limit how much you take on It might help to delay a project like renovations or say “no” instead of “yes” to helping a friend with something. With so many changes going on in your baby’s first year, now may not be the best time to make your life more complicated. However, if you think that taking on something a little different — like a creative hobby or a personal goal — might help you feel less stressed, then by all means give it a go!
• Adopt a healthy lifestyle. Eating well, getting as much sleep as possible, and adding a little exercise to your routine can reduce stress levels. Of course, ask your healthcare provider to give you the all-clear before starting a new exercise regime.

Checklist for 7th Month

• Double check that your baby car seat is still right for your baby’s weight and height.
• Start looking ahead — check out what kinds of things may happen when your baby is 8 months old.

Your 8 Month Old Baby’s Development & Activities

Now that your baby has turned 8 months old, you may be finding that he's more curious and active than ever before. His muscles are getting stronger, and he's getting ready to use those legs for crawling, scooting, and eventually walking. Here's what you need to know about sleeping, feeding, health concerns, and more so you’ll be prepared during this exciting time of growth and development.

8 Month Baby Development Milestones

You're about to see some big changes in your little one! If he hasn't started crawling already, he's likely preparing to crawl, so he'll be on the move before you know it. He may also be about to experience some changes in his sleep habits and his attachment to you and other caregivers, so read on to learn more about what's happening during this month.

Growth and Physical Development of 8 Month Old Baby: Putting His Best Foot Forward

By this time, your baby has likely more than doubled his birth weight. The average 8-month-old baby boy’s weight falls somewhere between 17.5 and 22 pounds; girls usually weigh about a half a pound less at this age. Keep in mind, though, that it’s normal for babies’ growth to slow down in the months leading up to the first birthday. At each checkup, your healthcare provider has been weighing and measuring your baby, and using baby growth charts to make sure he's progressing well. You may want to learn more about how to read and interpret baby growth charts.

Have you taken a good look at your baby’s feet lately? You may have noticed that his feet and toes may point inward when he's lying on his back; once he takes a step or two, they may point outward. Not to worry, as those foot positions will correct themselves in due time. By 18 months, most babies are no longer pigeon-toed, and shortly after this time their hip ligaments tighten, and their feet are able to point forward when walking. The soles of your baby’s feet are also protected by a layer of fat that makes his feet appear flat. This fatty layer will also disappear in two to three years, and arches will begin to form.

Senses of 8 Month Old Baby: New Experiences and Reactions

Improved hand-eye coordination is one of many 8-month-old baby milestones your little one may reach right about now. At this point, he is probably able to spot a toy across the room, go after it, and pick it up. He loves to experience different textures, whether in his hand or in the foods he eats. His hearing and early language skills are also improving, so make sure to talk with him as much as possible, and describe all the sights you're both seeing throughout the day.

8 Month Baby Movement: Preparing to Crawl

An exciting 8-month-old baby milestone you might observe is that he's sitting up on his own without support. Watch as your baby starts to lean forward to reach for and pick up objects with one hand! Right now, he's working on strengthening the muscles he needs for crawling, which usually starts somewhere between 7 and 10 months. Now that your little one is more mobile than ever, it's even more important to keep a close eye on him, especially when changing him or during play time.

One way to help him get ready to crawl is by giving him tummy time. During tummy time, he's in the perfect position to start crawling, and he’s learning how to push up onto his hands and knees. He may start by rocking back and forth before he’s able to propel himself forward. You can even encourage him further by holding a toy or other object just beyond his reach.

Cognitive Development of 8 Month Old Baby: Playing With Words and Sounds

Your 8-month-old baby's language and communication skills are continuing to develop, and you may find you both understand each other a little bit better these days. In fact, what may have sounded like gurgles and babbles until recently can begin to sound like real syllables. Simple syllables like “ma” and “ba” start to form the basis for simple words, like mama and bye-bye. Your baby now understands more of your words, too! If you mention his favorite toy that’s across the room and he looks in its direction, he’s understanding you. He’s likely starting to respond to his own name and the word “no,” too.

He's also starting to understand object permanence, the concept that objects exist even when they're out of sight. He's becoming more curious and may start to search for items if you hide them. You can both have some fun honing this skill through games like peekaboo.

Separation anxiety is not uncommon at this stage. Your little one is learning that objects (and people) continue to exist, so your absence may cause him some stress. And, with little or no concept of time, he can't work out when or even if you'll return to him. You may be able to help him through these periods of separation anxiety with a transitional object, like a security blanket or a special, always-by-his-side toy, which will help reassure and comfort him.

How to Support Your 8 Month Old Baby's Development

There are lots of ways to encourage your baby's intellectual and physical development. He's curious, increasingly mobile, and eager to enjoy new experiences with you. Here are a few tips for supporting his progress:

• Keep talking and reading. By introducing new sounds, syllables, and simple words, you can encourage him to repeat what he hears.
• Play peekaboo.. This simple game can provide endless entertainment and giggles, and you can take turns “finding” each other under a soft cloth.
• Give him a spoon. As his motor skills improve, try letting him play with a spoon during meal times. He'll get used to the feeling of the utensil in his hand, and it's a great step toward feeding himself.
• Get creative with toys. Remember, 8-month-old baby toys don't need to be fancy. He'll be just as entertained by a plastic container and a wooden spoon as by an expensive gadget.
• Get on his level. Quality time spent playing together on the floor is great for his development. Try rolling a ball back and forth and watch as he gets more skilled at this activity.

Feeding Your 8-Month-Old Baby

Your baby's daily menu now includes mashed or pureed solids (aka baby food), which should provide about half of your 8-month-old baby’s caloric needs. The other half should come from breast milk or formula. In total, babies need about 750 to 900 calories per day. Your little guy is starting to develop food preferences as his senses of taste and smell improve, so now is a great time to offer new flavors and textures. Try introducing him to slightly coarser foods like yogurt, oatmeal, or mashed bananas, which will also help him work on his chewing skills. Don't worry if he doesn't take to a new flavor right away. Your baby may need repeated exposure to a new food, as many as 10 to 15 attempts over a few months, before he’ll eat it.

How Much Sleep Does an 8-Month-Old Baby Need?

By now, your 8-month-old baby may be sleeping about 9 to 12 hours at night, and be taking about two naps a day. Naps can last anywhere between 30 minutes to 2 hours. This might sound like a lot of snoozing, but be prepared for some disruptions in your baby’s sleep routine around this time.

For some little ones, the onset of separation anxiety at this stage can lead to sleep regression, meaning your 8-month-old baby may sleep less than she used to, or she may wake in the night after previously being able to sleep through the night. Here are some tips to help your little one sleep more soundly:

• If your baby has her own room or nursery, put her to bed with her bedroom door open. She may feel more comfortable if she can hear you and won’t feel completely closed off.
• Allow thumb sucking as a way to comfort herself.
• Provide a transitional object like a small blanket or special toy to help her soothe herself in your absence. This blankie or lovey will be something she’s developed a particular attachment to, and it will remind her that everything is OK.
• Provide a transitional object like a small blanket or special toy to help her soothe herself in your absence. This blankie or lovey will be something she’s developed a particular attachment to, and it will remind her that everything is OK.

• Offer a pat on the back and a few consoling words if she cries for you in the middle of the night.

  If she does cry for you in the middle of the night, try not to turn on the bedroom light, rock her, or walk with her. And you’ll also want to avoid feeding her and taking her into your bed. All of these will make self-soothing more difficult in the future, because she’ll learn to associate bedtime with these acts and come to expect them as part of the bedtime routine every single night.

A Day in the Life of Your 8 Month Old Baby

Every baby is different, but here’s a glimpse of what a typical day could look like with your baby.

Your 8 Month Baby's Health: Staying Safe at Home

All that wriggling and moving your baby has been doing prepares her for some big steps, and it's important to make sure your home is as safe as it can be for your little explorer. You may have already started babyproofing your home (if not, now is a great time to do it); keep in mind that your baby furniture and equipment need just as much attention as your electrical outlets and cabinet doors.

Safe Equipment for Your 8 Month Old Baby

Falls are among the most common household accidents, so you'll want to check your baby's crib, changing table, high chair, and other equipment to make sure they meet safety standards and are assembled correctly. Here are some other tips to make sure these items are as safe as can be:

Crib

• Make sure any vertical slats are no more than 2 3/8 inches apart to prevent her head from becoming trapped between them.
• The crib's mattress should be the same size as the crib and fit tightly, with no more than a slight, two-finger gap between the mattress and the frame of the crib.
• Set the mattress to the lowest level possible before your baby is able to stand on her own.
• Don't use crib bumpers, pillows, loose sheets, blankets, or stuffed animals in the crib to avoid suffocation or strangulation.

Changing table

• Baby changing tables should have a two-inch guardrail on all four sides, and the top of the changing table pad should be concave to keep your baby from rolling off the table.
• Always use the table's safety strap, but keep a hand on your baby at all times during changes, just to be safe.
• Keep your supplies like diapers and wipes within easy reach of you, but out of your baby's grasp. To provide best comfort for your baby, choose Pampers baby diapers & wipe! We offer baby diapers & wipes of different sizes to give your little one dry days & nights.

High chair

• Choose a chair with a wide base, and never place it so close to a counter or table that your baby could kick or push hard enough to tip the chair over.
• Use all safety straps when your baby is sitting in the high chair.
• Make sure any small parts on the chair (such as caps or plugs on chair tubing) are securely attached. These could become choking hazards if your baby is able to remove them.

Playpen

• Make sure the playpen's enclosure is free of any tears, holes, or loose material.
• If your baby is able to pull herself up, remove any larger toys or objects from the playpen that she may be tempted to use to try to raise herself and climb out.
• Regularly check the playpen for damage, including loose parts or bite marks from your teething baby.

Water Safety for 8 Month Old Baby

Babies and small children can drown in only a few inches of water, so you'll want to be especially careful in the bathroom, as well as outside if your home has a pool, pond, hot tub, or other small body of water.

Never leave your baby alone in the bath, or around any open containers of water (like buckets and watering cans). Also, keep toilets closed and use a lid lock to keep your baby out of the toilet bowl.

If you do have a swimming pool, install a four-foot high, or higher, fence with a self-locking gate around the entire area, and completely remove any pool covers before swimming. Make sure you have a safety ring and rope handy in case of emergency, as well as your phone. Many little ones love the water, and you can have tons of fun splashing around, but always give your baby your complete attention when you're swimming and try to eliminate any distractions.

Your 11 Month Old Baby’s Development & Activities

Your 11-month-old baby is becoming more active and mobile every day, and her curiosity is helping her enjoy new experiences and master new skills. Read on to learn more about what she's up to and how you can encourage her development with playtime, sleep, and feeding tips.

11 Month Old Baby Development Milestones

There's a lot to look forward to this month as your 11-month-old baby's curiosity leads her to new and exciting experiences. She's exploring the world through her sense of touch, and she's probably up on her feet in full cruising mode. Make sure her surroundings are safe, and then watch as she makes her latest discoveries.

11 Month Baby Growth and Physical Development: Forging Ahead

As she approaches her first birthday, your baby will have likely tripled her birth weight. It's normal for her growth to slow a little at this time. A big reason for this is that she’s moving more than ever — crawling, scooting, playing — so she is burning more calories. If you have any concerns about your 11-month-old baby’s weight or her overall health, however, check in with your baby's healthcare provider. You can also learn more about your baby's growth charts just to get a better understanding of how your provider tracks her progress at each visit.

Your little one's first steps are an exciting milestone, but don't be surprised if you notice her feet turning outward a bit in a way that looks the opposite of pigeon toe. This is called “out-toeing,” and it’s common in little ones as they start learning to walk. Your baby hasn't spent much time on her feet yet, so the ligaments of her hips are loose, causing her legs and feet to rotate outward. At some point during the months after her first birthday, those ligaments will tighten, and you'll see her feet pointing forward.

Senses of 11 Month Old Baby: Touch and Texture

Your mobile 11-month-old engages all of her senses, including touch, to learn and grow. If you've baby-proofed your home, you can let her explore safe spaces under your supervision. She'll enjoy opening drawers and cabinets and trying to make sense of the new objects she discovers, but keep in mind that most of her finds will likely end up in her mouth as she investigates, so safety is key. You can provide interesting items for her to touch and experience by showing her some of the objects in and around your home, from a smooth countertop to soft, backyard grass. If you haven’t yet done childproofing, here is everything you need to know about babyproofing your home to ensure safety of your little one.

 Also, baby toys for your 11-month-old don't need to be expensive or complicated to capture her attention and boost her brain development. She may be delighted with any or all of the following:

• Cups, bowls, and unbreakable containers
• Cardboard books with large pictures
• Different-sized balls (but nothing small enough to go in her mouth)
• Paper tubes, egg cartons, or empty water bottles
• Building blocks or any sturdy items she can stack.

  Try creating a sensory bag filled with a variety of interesting objects that are fun and safe for your baby to see, touch, and smell.

11 Month Baby Movement: Casual Cruising

You've seen your baby's motor skills, balance, and coordination improve over the past few months; now, your 11-month-old baby may be getting ready to take her first steps. She's been building strength in her leg muscles by doing things like scooting, crawling, and pulling herself up to stand. Now or sometime soon she may be ready to take her first few steps while holding onto furniture for support. When this happens, your little one is officially cruising!

Make sure you've covered any sharp edges and properly secured any furniture that could fall on her as she holds onto it, and watch her go. You can also hold her hands for support while she works those little legs in new and exciting ways. When she gets a little more confident and her balance improves, she may let go of the furniture and see what she can do on her own.

Cognitive Development of 11 Month Baby: Bilingual Babies

If your family is bilingual, now is a great opportunity to expose your baby to a second language, if you haven't already. Little ones have a remarkable ability to learn two languages if they hear them both consistently. Of course, she may be confused from time to time (this is a normal part of language development), but in general, learning two languages from a very young age just means she'll be even more proficient in both.

Just as her speech abilities are improving, so are her listening and comprehension skills. By now, she's probably able to follow simple instructions from you, such as when you ask her to wave bye-bye or reach for a toy. She's also learning that all those objects she's been shaking, banging, and dropping have particular functions, and you may see her start to use certain objects correctly, whether it's drinking from a cup or holding a phone to her ear.

How to Support Your 11 Month Old Baby's Development

At this time, your baby is more inquisitive than ever, and she's likely driven by the confidence she gets from her increased mobility. Continue to encourage her to explore her environment and learn about the world by providing toys suitable for 11-month-old babies. You'll want to choose playthings that inspire her curiosity and help foster skills like hand-eye coordination. Blocks and soft toys are great, as well as more mundane household items like wooden spoons and containers. You can also plan an outing to a local park, library, or even a children’s museum where there will be plenty of new objects to touch, see, and experience. Let her roam, under your supervision, and you'll see her thrive as she discovers new and interesting things.

Make sure you're reading to her and spending time playing together on the floor every day. Reading helps jumpstart her language and communication skills, and playtime at ground level helps strengthen her growing body and improve her motor skills.

Feeding Your 11-Month-Old Baby

As he approaches his first birthday, you may notice that your little one's appetite isn't quite as hearty as it was in the past few months. His growth rate is slowing down, and he's distracted by a variety of fun new activities beyond eating. He's now getting more nutrients from solids and drinking less breast milk or formula, and he's starting to have definite preferences. Options for 11-month-old baby food are a bit wider these days as he can now hold onto a sippy cup and may have some success feeding himself small finger foods. Now is a good time to have your curious and sociable baby join you and your family at the dinner table for meals in his own high chair. Make sure he’s completely strapped in, and position the chair far enough away from the table so that he won’t be able to push against it and tip himself over. Here are some tips on how to feed your baby to keep the process enjoyable for both you & your little one!

How Much Sleep Does an 11-Month-Old Baby Need?

With so much new activity filling his days, your baby now needs between 9 and 12 hours of sleep each night, plus two naps per day. Naps typically last about 30 minutes to 2 hours each. It's possible that your baby may wake up and cry at night, even if he was previously able to sleep through the night. The tears may be due to separation anxiety, and can make nighttime a bit of a challenge. If you find he's doing his best to resist bedtime or is waking up during the night, keep in mind it's only his natural response to the stress of being away from you.

It's helpful to have a consistent bedtime routine, which might include a soothing bath, reading a story, or gentle massage to help him relax. If he cries at any point during the night, go in quietly to make sure he's OK without offering any rewarding cuddles or extra feedings.

What to try when your baby wakes during the night:

• Check to make sure he isn't sick
• Check his diaper — he may simply need changing. To provide best comfort for your baby at night, use Pampers Baby Dry Diapers & protect your baby’s gentle skin from rashes!
• Allow him to cry for a few minutes before offering some brief, reassuring words and a final goodnight.

It may be frustrating when your baby’s not sleeping as well as he used to, but, in time, he’ll learn to soothe himself and fall asleep on his own again.

A Day in the Life of Your 11 Month Old Baby

Every baby’s routine is different, but here’s an idea of what a typical day can look like for you and your baby.

Your 11 Month Old Baby's Health: Preventing Household Accidents

Your little one is on the go these days, and although he's likely enjoying his newfound mobility, he won't escape getting some bumps and bruises from time to time. Falls, burns, and minor cuts and scrapes are among the most common household injuries, and unfortunately they can happen despite your best babyproofing efforts. Keep an eye on him at all times and make sure he’s only exploring areas of your home that you've thoroughly babyproofed. If you have stairs in your home, make sure you’ve installed gates or fences to help prevent falls. Cover all electrical outlets, keep appliances out of reach, and be careful when carrying hot drinks or food near your baby to help prevent burns. You’ll also want to make sure you, your partner, and any other caregivers are trained in infant CPR and know how to clear your baby's airway in a choking situation, and that you have local emergency contact numbers stuck on the fridge and saved in your phone. Knowing you’re prepared will help put your mind at ease and allow you to focus on having fun with your baby.

FAQs at a Glance

Q:How much milk does an 11-month-old baby need?

A: Babies this age need at least 750 calories per day, with approximately half coming from breast milk or formula. He should have about 24 ounces or breast milk or formula per day.

Q:How much sleep does an 11-month-old baby need?

A: Your little one needs about 9 to 12 hours per night, with two additional daytime naps that can be as short as 30 minutes or as long as two hours each.

Q:What kind of food can I give my 11-month-old baby?

A: Your baby may love small, soft finger foods like steamed vegetables, bananas, pasta, bread, or even chicken. Avoid giving him chunks of peanut butter, raw vegetables, or whole grapes at this age.

Q:When should you stop giving your baby formula?

A: After his first birthday, you can transition your baby to cow’s milk, either whole or 2 percent milk. At this time, though, he still needs the nutrients that come from formula (or breast milk). If you notice any symptoms of a milk allergy, like wheezing, hives, or diarrhea, though, check with your baby's healthcare provider for further testing and advice.

Q:When can my baby eat eggs?

A: You can offer your 11-month-old scrambled eggs as finger food — they're yummy, easy to prepare, and packed with nutrients. Keep in mind some little ones may have allergic reactions to eggs. Watch for symptoms like hives, vomiting, or coughing. If you think your baby is allergic to eggs, check in with your healthcare provider.

Q:Should my baby still be sucking his thumb?

A: Many babies such their thumb or fingers at some point. Some babies outgrow the habit within six or seven months, while others continue well into the toddler years, which is nothing to worry about. If your child is still sucking his thumb when he's 5, you'll want to talk to your baby’s healthcare provider about ways to help resolve it to prevent changes to the roof of the mouth or problems with the way his teeth line up.

Your Life as a Parent: Your Social Life

Your own health and happiness are critical to being the best parent you can be, and you may find that your social life has changed (or vanished) since welcoming your baby. Your life may be different now, but it's still important to spend time with people you care about and who can offer you some much-needed support.

Try to connect with other parents in your area through playgroups or other interest groups. Local libraries and community centers are great resources for finding such groups.

Also, busy lifestyles can make it tough to carve out time for yourself. Make it a priority to do something you enjoy on a regular basis, whether that's a pursuing a hobby, exercising, or catching up with old friends. You may decide to plan a get-together with friends and bring your baby along, or get a sitter and enjoy some adult conversation without your little one. Your friends will love catching up with you, as well as seeing your baby, if that’s what you decide to plan.

Party Planning Fun

You may be getting ready for your little one's first birthday now by planning a special party for family and friends. It's wonderful to celebrate this exciting day (and your success as a parent!), but do try to minimize any stress. Try not to hold yourself to ideas of social-media-inspired party perfection. Your baby may or may not love attempting his first candle blow, and while some babies enjoy crowds and a festive atmosphere, others do not.

You may want to choose a theme for your baby's party to help get you started. This could be as simple as a color scheme, or it could include something your baby loves like trains, animals, or princesses. Establishing a theme will make choosing any decorations and refreshments a little bit easier. Whatever you choose, consider having a separate cake for your guests and one for your baby to smash for those priceless first birthday photos. Take lots of pictures, and, above all, enjoy this celebration with your baby — you've both earned it!

Checklist for 11th Month

• Get prepared for the month ahead. Learn more about what's in store for you and your little one when he is 12 months old.
• Plan a party. Throwing a party for your baby's upcoming first birthday? Here are some of the tips to make the 1st birthday of your baby a memorable one.

Weaning: Starting Solid Food for Babies

For months your baby has thrived with just breast milk or formula on the menu. Now that he's getting bigger, he seems to want more out of lunch than mere milk. When is the best time to introduce solid foods to your infant? Which foods should come first?

Solid signals

The newest recommendations are to introduce solids when your baby is about four to six months old. He may be ready for solids when he:

• Has doubled his birth weight and weighs at least 6.3 kg (13 pounds).
• Makes mouthing movements as he watches other people eat.
• Is still hungry after eating a good amount of breast milk or formula.
• Doesn't push his tongue out at a spoon when you try to feed him.
• Pulls in his lower lip for food instead of sticking it out.
• Holds his head up on his own.
• Follows food with his eyes.
• Closes his lips over food.

Reactions to food

Introduce new foods one at a time to see whether your baby has an allergic reaction or is sensitive to a particular food. Food reactions usually show up as rashes on the face or in the nappy area, by throwing up or by loose stools. Babies don't need the sugar or the salt that adults eat, so don't add them to your child's food, even though it may taste bland to you.

Feeding basics

Always start with solids on a spoon. Never put solids in a bottle.

• Hold your baby in your lap when you start off. Be sure his head and neck are upright.
• Talk quietly. He needs to concentrate when he's starting.
• Hold the filled spoon in front of your baby and wait until he opens up. Put a little food on his lip to tempt him if his mouth stays closed.
• Wait for him to pay attention to the spoon before you put it in his mouth.
• Stop when he shuts his mouth, turns away or arches.
• Let him touch his food. It's his way of finding out about it.
• Watch your own facial expression. If you frown as you present puréed peas, your baby will wonder why he's getting that green stuff.
• Breast milk and formula are still important, but give your baby solids before them to encourage him to accept new foods. Learn what to feed your baby and how to make baby food for your little one.

Get tips on healthy foods for babies and when it's best to start weaning your baby off breast feed.