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

You might want to watch what you do and say around your baby now, because he/she's not only imitating you, he/she's jabbering word-like sounds they hear. They use gestures to tell you what they want, and he/she may be able to understand and respond to simple instructions. A lot of babies this age are taking a few steps and learning new words. Some can scribble with crayons and walk fairly well.

Your baby's moods and emotions are becoming even more distinct, and he/she may have an occasional temper tantrum or fluctuate between being cooperative and uncooperative. The good news is that he/she's also developing a sense of humor. At this age, some babies tend to cling to their parents or to one parent in particular.7

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Doing Everything Right: Tips for new moms

  • You may be eager to take your baby out into the world, but before you pack her up for a week's vacation, it might be a good idea to take a few practice runs. Take a short day or weekend trip to see how he/she does, then work your way up to a longer trip.31
  • By now, your baby should be making word-like sounds and using one or more words that he/she understands. If he/she isn't making any sounds or making eye contact with you, call your doctor.32
  • The American Academy of Pediatrics and many pediatric dentists suggest taking your little one to a dentist by the time he/she's a year old.33
  • After your baby's first birthday, you can let him/her drink as much water as they want.

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

31 “Seven Secrets to Successful Travel with a Young Child” www.babycenter.com

32 “Developmental Milestones: Talking” www.babycenter.com

33 “Tooth Care for Toddlers” 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.