1 Month 2 Months 3 Months 4 Months 5 Months 6 Months 7 Months 8 Months 9 Months Birth 1 Month 2 Months 3 Months 4 Months 5 Months 6 Months 7 Months 8 Months 9 Months 10 Months 11 Months 12 Months 13 thru 18 Months 19 thru 24 Months

Baby Steps: Growth & Development

This month, your baby will probably be able to lift his/her head, respond to sounds and make eye contact with you. Some babies this age can follow objects, ooh and aah, and distinguish black and white patterns. A few can smile, laugh and hold their heads at a 45-degree angle.3

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Doing Everything Right: Tips for new moms

  • Stimulate your baby's sensory development by singing lullabies or playing children's songs and music ranging from Mozart to Madonna.
  • Baby's eyes can now focus, so help him/her learn to follow motion by moving a rattle or bright toy from side to side and up and down in front of them. Don't be concerned if he/she doesn't follow motions smoothly; this could take a few months.4
  • When your baby tries to "talk" to you, coo and gurgle back at him/her, and speak to them face to face whenever possible.5
  • Be sure to drink plenty of water in the days and weeks after your give birth to help prevent bladder infections.6

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3 “Milestone Charts: What to Expect from Your Newborn to 6-Month-Old” www.babycenter.com

4 “Your 1-Month-Old's Development” www.babycenter.com

5 “Your 4-Week-Old” www.babycenter.com

6 “The New Mom: Physical Changes” www.babies.sutterhealth.org

The information on this Web site is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your pediatrician or family doctor. Please consult a doctor with any questions or concerns you might have regarding you or your child's health.

Consult your physician or dental professional if using another fluoridated product.

Helpful Tips
for Parents

Baby's First Holiday

Having a new baby in the family can bring extra special meaning to the holidays, but it can also create extra tension as everyone jostles for your little one's attention. With careful planning, lots of communication and a willingness to put your new family first, your holiday can be just the way you want it.
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Weigh In

You usually know instinctively if your baby is healthy, but comparing her growth to "normal" guidelines is a good way to help put your mind at ease. Many babies grow a half inch to an inch per month between birth and six months. In that same period, babies can gain five to seven ounces per week. Between six months and a year, she'll probably grow about three-eighths inch per month and gain three to five ounces per week. It's normal for her to double her birth height and triple her birth weight by her first birthday.

Source: "Infant and Toddler Health," www.mayoclinic.com, August 21, 2009

Shoe Knew?

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, babies don't actually need to wear shoes until they start learning to walk. Going shoeless indoors allows your infant's feet to grow normally, helps them develop strength and lets her experiment with grasping with her toes. If you want to keep her feet warm or protect them from the elements, opt for soft-soled slippers, booties or nonskid socks.