Abbott A Abbott Mama Singapore Abbott: A Promise for Life
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Childhood Development

Milestones Ahead

From the first moments after the birth of your child, you know your life will never be the same. Your child will change from week to week-even from day to day-as he begins to notice the world around him, and to interact with it. Get a head start, and know what to expect as your baby matures.

"It’s so amazing to hear the first words."- Mother of 4

Time for Do-It-Myself

Your baby's newfound independence has its challenges and its rewards

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). You can help him with these new steps as you:

Smart play – engaging your 11-Month-old's growing mind

Because he's becoming so smart and inquisitive, your activities together become more interesting, engaging him cognitively and physically.

  • Help him walk with (or without) support
  • Ask him to find his favorite 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 first – tips for preventing exploration mishaps

This month, your baby's probably cruising along while gripping the furniture, in love with the novelty of standing. While he's running about,

  • Buy safety gates or other barriers that are high and sturdy, have a straight top edge (instead of V-shaped or diamond-shaped openings) and a rigid screen, and are installed at the top and bottom of stairs
  • Keep his play area clear of hard, sharp-edged furniture
  • Lower his crib mattress so he can't crawl or fall out while he's standing
  • Install easy-to-use childproof locks for drawers, screens, doors, and windows
  • Keep poisonous substances (including household cleaners and products) in high cabinets that you can lock. (If you think your baby has eaten something poisonous, immediately call the Poison Control Center, the hospital emergency room or your baby's health care professional.) Always keep these numbers by the phone
  • Stay close to your baby around water - pools, tubs, large buckets of water, even toilets
  • Avoid leaving pots containing hot foods close to the edges of tables or counters
  • Make sure you use plug protectors in any unused electrical outlets

When your baby talks back – and other signs he's getting older

After months of being talked to, your baby is starting to talk back. He may not use real words, but he can point to a favorite 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," colors and simple concepts. By the end of the first year, you'll be amazed at how much he understands and says.