Congratulations, new mama! You’ve made it through the first 11 days with your beautiful baby. These first few weeks are a whirlwind, and it can be hard to know what to expect from your newborn. That’s why we’ve put together a guide to 11 days old baby development, so you know what milestones your little one might be reaching and what to look out for in terms of growth and development.
Table of Contents
The Basics
Firstly, let’s talk about the basics. Your baby will still be sleeping a lot at 11 days old, around 16-17 hours a day, with only brief periods of wakefulness. They will also be feeding regularly, with breastfed babies feeding around 8-12 times a day, and bottle-fed babies around 6-10 times a day.
Physical Development
Although your baby won’t have much control over their movements at this stage, they will be starting to develop physically. They may be able to lift their head briefly when lying on their tummy, and their grasp reflex will be getting stronger, meaning they can hold onto your finger for a few moments. You may also notice that their umbilical cord stump has fallen off, leaving a small wound that will need to be kept clean and dry until it heals.
Social and Emotional Development
Even at just 11 days old, your baby is starting to develop socially and emotionally. They may respond to your voice with coos or gurgles, and they will be able to recognize your scent and touch. You may also notice that they prefer faces to other shapes, and that they can distinguish between different voices and tones.
Milestones to Look Out For
While every baby develops differently, there are some milestones you can look out for at 11 days old. These include:
- Lifting their head briefly when lying on their tummy
- Grasping onto objects, such as your finger
- Responding to your voice with coos or gurgles
- Recognizing your scent and touch
- Being able to distinguish between different voices and tones
When to See a Doctor
While most newborns are healthy, there are some signs that you should look out for that may indicate a problem. These include:
- A fever over 100.4°F
- A change in skin color (such as yellowing)
- Breathing difficulties
- Unusual sleepiness or lethargy
- Difficulty feeding or swallowing
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to speak to your pediatrician as soon as possible. They can help you determine if there’s a problem and provide the appropriate treatment.
Conclusion
Watching your baby grow and develop is an incredible experience, and at 11 days old, there’s so much to look forward to. Keep an eye out for those milestones, but remember that every baby develops differently, so don’t worry if your little one isn’t hitting them all at the same time. As long as they’re healthy and happy, that’s all that matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What should my 11-day-old baby be doing?
- How much should an 11-day-old baby eat?
- What are the signs of a problem in an 11-day-old baby?
- Should I be worried if my 11-day-old baby isn’t hitting milestones?
- When should I see a doctor for my 11-day-old baby?
Hopefully, this guide has answered some of your questions about 11 days old baby development. Remember to enjoy this special time with your little one, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician if you have any concerns.