A big milestone could be upon you soon: baby’s first steps! And baby’s busy practicing by standing and holding on to things while walking—which means baby’s keeping you busy too. Here’s a closer look at what you can expect from 45-week-old baby development.

45-Week-Old Baby Milestones & Development

Growth

The average weight for baby at 45 weeks is 19 pounds for girls and 20.4 pounds for boys. The average length is 28.3 inches for girls and 29 inches for boys. Don’t worry if baby’s growth slows down—this is normal as their first birthday approaches.

Emerging skills

Baby might have become skilled at gestures like shaking their head “no” or waving bye-bye. Their hand-eye coordination is improving and they might enjoy banging blocks together, placing a bunch of toys in a box and then taking them out, and poking things with a finger. Baby’s more and more upright these days, “cruising” and practicing for their first independent steps—if they haven’t taken them already.

45-Week-Old Baby Health

Feeding

If you’re breastfeeding, you can continue to nurse baby five or so times a day, although this can vary widely. Formula-fed babies will generally drink around four or five bottles a day and no more than 32 ounces total in 24 hours. But keep in mind that baby’s unique needs might differ, and always speak with your pediatrician if you have any concerns. Baby’s likely a pro at solid foods at this point. Continue to introduce nutritious foods and avoid choking hazards such as hot dogs, whole grapes, hard candy and popcorn. Also steer clear of cow’s milk and honey until baby’s first birthday.

Sleep

Your 45-week-old is likely getting around 12 to 16 hours of sleep every 24-hour period, with nine to 12 of those hours at night and the rest spread out between a morning and afternoon nap. (At least, that’s the goal!)

Common ailments

Teething

At 45 weeks, baby likely has a few teeth already—and quite possibly a few more coming in. Teething can make baby super uncomfortable, causing crying and fussiness as well as bottle refusal. A few tricks can ease the pain, including gentle gum massages and cold, wet washcloths. Once those teeth start poking, through, don’t forget to brush them daily with a baby toothbrush and baby fluoride toothpaste.

45-Week-Old Baby FAQs

Can I add some cereal to baby’s bottle?

While your parents may have done this in hopes of getting you to sleep better as a baby, today’s experts say no. Adding cereal to baby’s bottle could cause your little one to gag or inhale the mixture into their lungs. It can also cause excessive weight gain. Feed baby cereal with a spoon instead—or let them practice feeding themselves.

How will I know if baby’s allergic to a certain food?

The three most common food allergies in babies are egg, milk and peanut. Reactions include hives, swollen lips or tongue, upset stomach, breathing problems, difficulty swallowing, persistent coughing, vomiting and pale skin. Not every allergic reaction will cause all of these symptoms; you might only see one emerge. Seek medical attention right away if you notice any signs of a reaction. Introducing common allergens early can help avoid future allergies—but that’s not the case for everyone, so pay close attention as baby eats.

Timely 45-Week Topics

Screen time

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends avoiding all screen time for children younger than 18 months. But, of course, life happens: You’re not a bad parent if baby’s in the same room as a TV from time to time. And interactive experiences like video-chatting with family members are A-okay.

Variety in baby’s diet

Toddlers are known for being picky eaters, but your child's fate is far from set in stone. The key to building baby's preferences for a wide range of healthy foods is offering variety early on. Introducing solid foods in baby's first year of life isn't about adding calories (they still get the majority of their nutrients from breast milk or formula)—it's about exposing them to new tastes and textures, because eating is a skill that has to be learned gradually. Babies have a natural preference for sweet things, but some experts believe that introducing more bitter flavors, like pureed spinach or unsweetened whole milk yogurt, may make your child more likely to accept these flavors later on. So keep switching things up and offer an array of healthy foods!

Parent Tips

• Reminisce. It’s been a long 10 months! You’ve gone through so much in under a year, so take a beat to look back and see how far you’ve gone. Create a photo album, scrapbook or memory box all about baby’s first few months of life—you won’t regret it.
• Meal plan. You’re likely tight on time these days, and meal-planning can help streamline your schedule—and save funds. Plan out your meals and do your grocery-shopping at the beginning of the week. Don’t forget to check the cupboards and use up food you already have. A meal prep delivery service can help you find quick, healthy options for the whole family.

Products You Need at 45 Weeks

• Teething toys. Teethers are likely just what baby needs to relieve their sore, sensitive gums at this stage, so it’s a good thing they come in lots of fun shapes and sizes. Make sure to avoid teething necklaces or bracelets, as they pose a risk of strangulation. Keep it cool, but not ice-cold: Teething rings that are frozen solid might be too hard for baby’s mouth.
• Portable high chair. An on-the-go high chair can be convenient when going to someone else’s home, the park or out to eat. They’re collapsible so you can store them easily in the car or toss one into a bag.

Weekly Activity for Your 45-Week-Old Baby

Time for some sensory play! Cook up a batch of spaghetti and let it cool. Dump the pasta onto a baking sheet or other container and let baby glide their hands through it, grabbing, squishing and pulling to their heart’s content. It’s a great way to stimulate their tactile senses and hone their fine motor skills.