FirstWeeksYour baby at 11 weeks: reaching out
Medically-informed · Sources: CDC · Updated June 2026
Swiping, batting, grabbing at things — movement gets intentional.
What’s happening
First swipes
Baby bats at dangling toys and may briefly hold what lands in the hand.
Head control improves
Held upright, the head is steadier with less wobble.
Social memory
Familiar faces get faster smiles; new faces get long study.
What to do
- Hang a toy within batting range during floor play
- Practice supported sitting on your lap for short spells
- Keep narrating — receptive language is building fast
When to check in
Very stiff or very floppy body most of the time — bring it up with your pediatrician.
Skills to watch this week
- 10–13Faster smiles for familiar faces — Known people get instant warmth; strangers get study.
- 9–13Bats and swipes at objects — Aims at dangling toys; contact is the victory.
- 9–13Briefly holds a toy — Keeps a light rattle in the grip for a few seconds.
- 9–13Pushes up on forearms — Mini push-ups raise the chest in tummy time.
- 9–13Steadier head held upright — Less wobble when carried or held sitting.
- 9–13Squeals and gurgles — Volume experiments — the voice is a new toy.
Every baby has their own pace — ranges are typical, not deadlines.
This is exactly what FirstWeeks shows you — matched to your baby
Week 11 guidance, skills to watch, and answers that know your baby’s age and log.
