Standing Alone!
Your baby lets go of support and balances — first for a few seconds, then longer and longer. The first meaningful words may arrive now.
Development
- Stands alone for a few seconds — releases support and balances
- Imitates actions: Tries to use a spoon, brush their hair, talk on the phone
- Points and makes sounds to tell you what they want
- Understands sequences: Knows that shoes go on before going outside
- Understands 20–50 words even though they only say a few
Growth
- Boys: Average 20.3 lbs / 28.7 in (9.2 kg / 73 cm)
- Girls: Average 18.7 lbs / 28.3 in (8.5 kg / 72 cm)
Sleep
- 11–14 hours per day (nighttime sleep 10–12 hours + 1–2 naps)
- Sleep pattern is more predictable now
- A consistent bedtime routine provides security and better sleep
Feeding
- 3 meals + snacks — family food adapted for your baby
- Your baby wants to feed themselves. It gets messy, but it's important!
- Varied diet with fruit, vegetables, fish, meat, and grains
- Dairy products: Yogurt and small tastes of cheese are fine (limit to small portions). Cow's milk in cooking (small amounts in sauces and baking) is okay, but not as a drink until 12 months
- Breast milk or formula: approximately 16–20 oz (500 ml) per day
- Vitamin D: Continue with 400 IU (10 micrograms) daily
Good to Know
- Your baby is testing limits now, and that is normal and healthy
- Say "no" calmly and consistently, but redirect rather than punish
- Positive attention for good behavior works best
Activity Tips
Imitation play! Clap, wave, point to your nose — let your baby copy you. Expand with songs and finger rhymes. Motor skills and language in one!
Explore on Babysential
- Sleep Tracker — Sleep pattern is stabilizing
- Milestones — Log new words and skills
- Baby — All baby guides and tools
Tip: Your baby understands much more than they can say. Use simple words and short sentences: "Now we eat. Mmm, yummy!"