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

It's hard to believe how much your baby has grown as you watch her standing alone for a few seconds, playing pat-a-cake and calling you "mama." He/she may be able to understand simple instructions now, and he/she can probably imitate some of your activities. Babies who are more developed have added a word or two to their vocabularies and can stoop down from a standing position.

Emotionally, your baby is trying to gain your approval and avoid disapproval. In spite of these good intentions, he/she can also be uncooperative.7

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Doing Everything Right: Tips for new moms

  • Your baby's first birthday is coming, so test the camera to make sure it works, and stock up on film.
  • Even though most babies can handle common allergens, you should know the signs of an allergic or bad reaction to food. Vomiting, diarrhea, rash, swelling, abdominal pain, cough, crankiness, excessive gas, hives, itching, runny nose, shortness of breath, stomach bloating or wheezing that shows up within a few hours of eating could be a food-triggered response. Don't wait; call your doctor right away.28
  • A lot of moms stop breastfeeding after their babies' first birthdays. If that timing makes sense for you and your baby, you may want to start weaning him/her gradually now. Shorten your nursing times and try giving her a bottle or a snack instead.29
  • Getting your daily dose of drinking water can go a long way to regulate your body temperature and keep nutrients flowing to your organs. Bored with plain water? Try adding a little lemon or lime juice for a new twist.30

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

28 “Foods to Watch Out For” www.babycenter.com

29 “Your 11-Month-Old” www.babycenter.com

30 “Drinking Water to Maintain Good Health” www.nutrition.about.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.