Congratulations on reaching the 11-week mark with your little one! By now, both you and your baby have likely established some sort of routine. You’ve successfully navigated the 6-week growth spurt, often referred to as the sleep regression phase, and you seem to have a better understanding of their feeding and sleeping habits. If you’re uncertain about how much your baby should be consuming, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests that infants in this age range typically require about 2.5 ounces of formula or breast milk per pound of body weight each day. Remember, every baby is unique, so daily intake can vary quite a bit.
At 11 weeks, your baby will still spend a significant amount of time sleeping—around 14 to 17 hours a day—usually in intervals of 2 to 4 hours. For those of you who are feeling the effects of sleep deprivation, there’s a silver lining: this month often marks the beginning of longer nighttime sleep stretches for babies. However, they will still wake up for feedings as they adore their “Cafe Momma.”
While growth rates differ from one infant to another, the CDC provides average weights for babies. For example, a 10-week-old boy typically weighs around 12.6 pounds, while baby girls weigh slightly less, averaging at 11.5 pounds.
Physical, Social, and Cognitive Milestones at 11 Weeks
It may seem hard to believe, but soon your baby will be chatting away, astonishing you with their ability to string words together. Although they aren’t quite there yet, the groundwork for future language skills is already being laid. Engaging in conversations—even if your little one can’t respond—will help boost their verbal development. Simple phrases like, “We’re going to have some lunch,” or “Mommy is changing your diaper” can go a long way. (Maybe skip the part about how they produce so much mess, though!) Experts refer to this playful, exaggerated way of speaking to babies as “Parentese,” and it’s what they prefer.
Another wonderful way to foster language skills is by reading together. It’s not just beneficial for verbal development; it also provides quality bonding time and is a great way to wind down before bed. Plus, it gives you a chance to sit back and relax for a few moments—what a treat!
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Summary
At 11 weeks, your baby is growing and developing rapidly, establishing sleep patterns and beginning to engage in social interactions. With your support through conversation and reading, you are laying the groundwork for their future communication skills. Keep nurturing these moments, as they are essential for your baby’s development.