Week 44 old
What to expect at 44 weeks (about 11 months): feeding, sleep, wake windows, and developmental ranges anchored to the 9- and 12-month checkups.
In short
At 44 weeks, most babies (around 11 months) are eating three solid meals plus 16 to 24 oz of breast milk or formula a day, sleeping roughly 12 to 15 hours total with two naps, and cruising along furniture or taking first wobbly steps. Development varies widely at this age, so use these as ranges, not deadlines.
🍼 Feeding
Around 11 months, most babies eat 3 meals plus 1 to 2 snacks of varied solids daily, alongside about 16 to 24 oz (roughly 480 to 720 mL) of breast milk or formula spread across the day. Until the first birthday, breast milk or formula is still the main source of nutrition and calories; solids are an increasingly important complement, not yet a replacement. Keep offering iron- and protein-rich foods and a range of textures. Avoid honey (under 12 months), cow's milk as a main drink before 1, choking hazards like whole grapes, nuts, and popcorn, and added salt and sugar.
😴 Sleep
Around this age, babies typically get about 12 to 15 hours of total sleep per 24 hours: roughly 10 to 12 hours at night plus 2 naps totaling 2 to 4 hours. Wake windows are usually about 3 to 4 hours, stretching toward 4 hours before bedtime. Most babies are still on 2 naps; the drop to one nap usually comes later, often between 14 and 18 months, so resist dropping it now if night sleep is solid.
What's happening this week
- •Around this age, many babies are cruising (walking while holding furniture) and may stand alone for a few seconds; some take a first independent step, while plenty of healthy babies won't walk until well after their first birthday.
- •Pincer grasp is usually refined now, so many 11-month-olds pick up small bits of food neatly between thumb and forefinger and love feeding themselves.
- •Object permanence is strengthening, which is why separation anxiety and stranger wariness often peak around now; this is a normal sign of healthy attachment.
- •Many babies are babbling with more inflection and may use one or two consistent 'words' like mama or dada with meaning, though the range here is broad.
- •Imitation grows: lots of babies at this age wave bye-bye, clap, or copy simple gestures and household actions.
Milestones to keep in mind
- ✓By the 12-month checkup, the CDC looks for things like pulling to stand, getting into a sitting position on their own, and using simple gestures such as waving — many babies show these well before 12 months, and that's fine.
- ✓Around this age, many babies understand 'no' and respond to simple requests like 'come here'; comprehension usually runs ahead of spoken words.
- ✓Many 11-month-olds look for a hidden object and play back-and-forth games like peekaboo or rolling a ball, reflecting growing memory and social give-and-take.
- ✓Self-feeding finger foods and drinking from an open or straw cup with help are common around now, building toward the 12-month checkpoint.
Growth
💡 Tip for this week
Babyproof for a new vantage point: now that your baby may be cruising and pulling up, get down to their eye level and secure furniture, TVs, and dressers to the wall with anti-tip straps, cover outlets, and move cords and small objects out of reach. Lower the crib mattress to its lowest setting if you haven't already.
⚠️ When to call your pediatrician
Call your pediatrician if your baby has fewer wet diapers than usual (a sign of dehydration), isn't gaining weight or seems to be losing weight, has a fever that worries you (and always for any fever in a baby who seems very ill or lethargic), or refuses to eat or drink. Also flag developmental concerns: if your baby isn't babbling or making sounds, doesn't respond to their name or familiar voices, makes no eye contact, doesn't bear weight on their legs when supported, or has lost skills they previously had. Trust your gut — when in doubt, talk to your pediatrician.
Frequently asked
How many naps should an 11-month-old take?
Most babies around 44 weeks are still taking 2 naps a day, totaling about 2 to 4 hours, with wake windows of roughly 3 to 4 hours. The transition to a single nap usually happens later, often between 14 and 18 months. If your baby starts fighting one nap, it's usually temporary — hold off on dropping a nap as long as night sleep stays solid.
How much milk does a baby need at 11 months?
Around 11 months, most babies drink about 16 to 24 oz (roughly 480 to 720 mL) of breast milk or formula a day, alongside three solid meals. Until the first birthday, breast milk or formula is still the main source of calories and nutrition, while solids steadily grow in importance. Wait until 12 months before offering cow's milk as a main drink, and check with your pediatrician about weaning timing.
Is it normal that my 11-month-old isn't walking yet?
Yes. Walking has a very wide normal range, and many healthy babies don't take independent steps until well after their first birthday. At this age, cruising along furniture, pulling to stand, and standing briefly are common signs that walking is on its way. If your baby isn't bearing weight on their legs when supported or you have any concerns, mention it at the 12-month checkup.
Looking for the bigger picture? See the month 11 overview →
General guidance, not medical advice. Every baby develops at their own pace — talk to your pediatrician with any concerns.