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

Your baby is now crawling, "cruising" by walking while holding onto the furniture, or some combination of both. He/she can pick things up between his/her thumb and finger and wave goodbye. He/she may be getting better at calling "mama" and "dada" by the right names, and usually responds to his/her own name. They understand "no" and use gestures to indicate what he/she wants. A few babies may already be drinking from cups, standing alone for a few seconds at a time and putting toys and other objects into containers.

As baby's self-esteem starts to develop, you'll notice him/her responding to positive recognition such as clapping. Along with it come his/her moods, which can be sad, happy or angry. He/she might also start showing signs of fear, such as being cautious of heights or having separation anxiety.7

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Doing Everything Right: Tips for new moms

  • At this age, your baby can probably pick up small items with his/her thumb and forefinger, also known as the "pincer" grasp. Most everything will go in his/her mouth first, so be sure there's nothing lying around he/she could choke on. When it comes to food, don't let him/her have anything that won't dissolve in water, like a peanut.
  • Even if it feels silly, respond to your baby's chatter with adult language as though you understand his/her every word. This will help him/her learn how to pronounce words correctly and develop good speech patterns.26
  • You may want to add safety gates and corner protectors to your shopping list, now that your baby is cruising, crawling and starting to walk. The gates will help keep her away from stairways and rooms with fireplaces or other hazards, and the corner protectors will soften the furniture's sharp edges.27
  • When you give your baby water, make it lukewarm, especially if he/she's used to breastfeeding or warmed-up formula.17

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7 “Month-by-Month Guide to Baby's Emotional Development” www.americanbaby.com

17 “Ready or Not: A Guide to Safe Development” www.babycenter.com

26 “Your 10-Month-Old's Development” www.babycenter.com

27 “Your 10-Month-Oldt” www.babycenter.com

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.

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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.