Older Baby · Week 45 · Around 10–11 months
Your 45-Week-Old Baby
Standing alone for a moment and early steps become possible around now, with growing understanding and busy self-feeding.
Milestones describe common patterns, not deadlines. Every baby develops at their own pace.
Week 45 of 52
7 weeks until the first birthday
This shows time in the first year, not how your baby is developing.
This week at a glance
Movement
Stands briefly; may take an early step.
Communication
Follows simple instructions; more words.
Feeding
Self-feeds; cup practice improves.
Sleep
Two naps; separation anxiety may linger.
These are common patterns for this stage, not requirements for this exact week.
Track this week
Note what you have noticed so far. “Not yet” is completely normal.
Development and milestones
Movement
- Cruises fluidly
- Stands briefly without support
- May attempt an early step
Thinking and understanding
- Follows simple instructions
- Uses objects correctly
Communication
- Uses gestures and expressive babble
- May use a meaningful word
Social and emotional development
- Imitates in play
- Shows affection; tests limits
Walking and first words occur across a broad range — not reaching them this exact week can be completely typical.
Feeding
Many babies at this stage are offered a widening range of family foods alongside breast milk or infant formula, but appetite and routines vary a lot.
- Soft finger foods your baby can self-feed
- Iron-rich foods (dal, egg, well-cooked meat or fish, ragi)
- Cup practice with water at meals
- Responsive feeding — let appetite lead the amount
- Continue breast milk or infant formula
- No honey before 12 months; cow's milk not as the main drink before 12 months
- Limit high-salt and high-sugar foods
Feeding safety
- Sit your baby upright for every meal
- Supervise every meal — never leave a baby alone with food
- Avoid whole nuts and hard, round foods; cut foods into safe shapes
- Learn the difference between gagging (normal, noisy) and choking (silent)
Sleep
Common sleep pattern
Many babies around this age take two naps with a longer night sleep, though disruptions are common.
Why sleep may change
- Practising new skills like standing
- Separation anxiety
- Teething
- Nap transitions
What may help
- A predictable bedtime routine
- A calm, low-key response to night waking
- A consistent sleep environment
- Lowering the cot mattress once your baby pulls to stand
Safe sleep reminder
- Place your baby on their back to begin sleep
- Use a firm, flat sleep surface
- Keep pillows, bumpers, toys and loose bedding out of the cot
Play and activities
Cruise course
Supports: Balance
Stable furniture a short distance apart.
Safety: Anchor; clear corners.
Bring me the ball
Supports: Understanding
Simple instructions; celebrate attempts.
Safety: Ball too big to swallow.
Stack and sort
Supports: Fine motor
Large stacking pieces.
Safety: No small parts.
Pretend play
Supports: Imitation
Offer a toy phone or cup.
Safety: Check for loose parts.
Babyproof before the next step
Mobility safety matters a lot at this stage. A quick sweep now keeps new skills safe.
- Anchor furniture and secure heavy screens
- Gate the top and bottom of stairs
- Cover electrical outlets and move cords out of reach
- Lock cupboards with medicines or chemicals
- Remove small choking hazards; pad sharp corners
- Check window and balcony safety
Growth
Growth is a pattern, not a weekly target.
What matters most
- Weight, length and head circumference tracked over time
- Whether your baby keeps following their own growth pattern
- Feeding, energy and overall wellbeing
- Any sudden change in the growth curve
Percentiles are read alongside the overall pattern — not used to diagnose on their own.
Vaccinations to check
There is no universal vaccine assigned solely to Week 45. What is due depends on several things, so check your baby's record rather than assuming a schedule.
What is due depends on:
- Previous doses already given
- The Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) schedule
- The Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) schedule
- Your state programme
- Your paediatrician's guidance
- Any catch-up requirements
If you are signed in with a baby profile, your next recorded vaccine appears on your dashboard. Always confirm timing with your paediatrician.
When to contact a doctor
Seek urgent medical care
- Breathing difficulty or blue lips/face
- A seizure or loss of consciousness
- Baby is very difficult to wake or unusually floppy
- A serious fall or head injury
- Signs of severe dehydration
- Persistent vomiting with a worsening condition
Discuss promptly with your paediatrician
- Not bearing weight through the legs
- No gestures such as pointing or waving
- No babbling
- Does not respond to their name
- Feeding or swallowing concerns
- Loss of a previously acquired skill
Loss of a previously acquired skill should be discussed promptly.
ParentVibes offers general information, not medical advice or diagnosis. If you are worried, contact your doctor.
What comes next
Coming next: Week 46
In the coming week you may notice more of the patterns below as your baby grows — every baby at their own pace.
You may notice
- Standing unsupported for longer
- A first wobbly step for some babies
- More words and clearer gestures
One safety reminder
Anchor furniture and secure heavy screens
One play idea
Stable furniture a short distance apart.
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Helpful for this stage
Frequently asked questions
Is it normal my baby isn't walking yet?
Completely — first steps arrive across a wide range and many babies walk well after the first birthday. Cruising and standing are the signs to look for now.
How can I encourage walking?
Barefoot floor time, sturdy furniture to cruise and a stable push-along toy on safe floors all help. Avoid baby walkers on safety grounds.
Why is my baby clingy again?
Separation anxiety can be strong near the first birthday and is a normal sign of secure attachment. Calm, brief goodbyes help.
Can my baby drink water from a cup?
Offering water in a soft-spouted or open cup at meals is a reasonable step, with supervision and plenty of mess expected. Milk still provides most fluids.
What should I discuss with my paediatrician?
Raise anything that worries you, and mention if your baby isn't bearing weight on the legs, uses no gestures, isn't babbling, or has lost a skill. Seek urgent care for breathing difficulty, a serious fall or severe dehydration.
When is the next vaccination?
Vaccination timing depends on your baby's record and the schedule your paediatrician follows. Check the immunisation card and confirm the next date with your clinic.
Sources & references
Formal milestone and safety guidance comes from the organisations below. Week-level framing is ParentVibes's editorial interpretation — none of these organisations publishes a specific “week 45” standard.
Learn the Signs. Act Early. — milestone checklists
Supports: Month-based milestone framework (not week-by-week)
Visit source →Improving early childhood development
Supports: Early childhood development guidance
Visit source →A parent's guide to safe sleep (HealthyChildren.org)
Supports: Safe sleep recommendations
Visit source →Baby — feeding, sleep and development
Supports: Feeding, sleep and baby-care guidance
Visit source →Indian Academy of Pediatrics — immunisation
Supports: Indian immunisation guidance
Visit source →Medically reviewed by Dr. Megha, MD, DNB (Paediatrics) · Last reviewed July 26, 2026
Reviewed for developmental, feeding, sleep and general-health accuracy. General information only — not a substitute for advice from your own paediatrician.
Read our editorial policy and medical disclaimer.