11-Month-Old Baby

Right now, your 11-month-old baby is learning to be independent in small but significant ways.

For example, she may be able to swig milk (breast milk or formula, that is — she's still not ready for cow's milk quite yet) from a cup, and eat dinner mostly by self-feeding — with a generous allowance for the bib, the high chair tray and the floor.

When you dress baby, she may push those little arms and legs through the sleeves and leg holes if you guide them.

Some little ones respond well to a gentle "don't touch, that's dangerous," while others need to hear a firmer tone or be physically removed from the enticing object. Your goal: fair limits, lovingly enforced. You know your baby best, so follow your instincts.

Be consistent, or you'll confuse your child and she'll have a hard time understanding what rules she should follow and which ones don't matter as much. 

Remember, too, that distraction is your friend. You can't — and shouldn't — prevent your baby from ever getting into mischief, but you can usually avert a disaster (or a tantrum) by offering an appealing alternative.

Struggling to prioritize your own dinner now that you're also preparing solid meals for your baby? Instead of getting takeout burgers, try making healthier, flavor-packed patties at home on busy weeknights.

Here’s the secret to zinging up lean ground turkey or beef: Stir in a little curry powder or paste, then toss in diced red bell peppers or shredded carrots for a sweet antioxidant-packed punch.

Grill ’em up, then place your burgers on whole wheat buns and add a spoonful of bottled mango chutney.

Want a future burger feast at the ready? Freeze uncooked patties separately to pop on the BBQ or stove top.

Stand next to the slide and glide your little one gently down it, feet first. If she likes it (or doesn't!), it'll be pretty obvious.

You can also show your baby how a ball or toy car rolls speedily down the slide. And it's not too early to point out some playground safety rules that you'll enforce when she's a bit bigger, like waiting for other kids to get off before you take a turn and not climbing up from the bottom.

Feeling tired lately? You might be low on iron.

Iron is a must-have nutrient for making the hemoglobin in red blood cells that shuttles oxygen from the lungs to other cells throughout the body. When our iron levels dip, there's less hemoglobin to carry the oxygen around.

Fortunately, iron is easily replenished, especially if you're a meat eater. Find lean or extra-lean cuts that contain fewer than 10 grams of fat per 3.5-ounce serving, like top- and bottom-round roast and steak, top sirloin steak and sirloin-tip side steak. For vegetarians, look no further than quinoa. 

Whether you’re cooking steak or quinoa, serve it with a side of dark, leafy greens, like kale or Swiss chard. They're both good sources of vitamin C, which helps your body better absorb the iron.

If you have a pet or are getting one soon, remember these pet safety tips:

1. Never, ever leave a baby or toddler alone with a dog or cat, no matter how sweet and gentle the animal is.
2. Use a baby gate to keep your dog out of whatever room your child is in. Better yet, crate your canine when you need to create some distance between your dog and your child. Not only is this an effective way to separate them, but your pup will probably also appreciate it. To a dog that's stressed out from being chased around, a crate will feel like a safe haven.
3. At the very least, your dog should respond to these simple commands: “sit,” “down,” “stay,” “come” and “off” (a signal to get back on all fours after jumping on someone). Even if you didn’t take your dog to obedience school as a pup, it’s not too late to pick up the basics. Your vet can help you find a trainer or class that’s appropriate for your dog’s breed, temperament and age. It’s harder to teach a cat to behave, but cats usually run away when they feel threatened.

Want to buy your baby's first pair of shoes? For now, keep those tootsies bare. Bare feet give your toddler’s feet a closer encounter with the floor, and that will help develop balance and coordination.

If you’re concerned that it’s too cold in the house, get socks with non-skid soles.

For outdoor excursions, keep the shoes lightweight and flexible. If your child is walking, choose well-fitting, comfortable shoes like sneakers.

Stay away from tall booties or groovy high-top sneakers — too much ankle support can actually slow down your walker by constricting movement.