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

By now, most babies are gurgling and cooing, and holding their heads up for short periods of time. Many are also smiling and laughing, and their movements are becoming smoother. You may even see your baby lifting his/her head and shoulders in a motion that looks like a mini pushup.3

At this age, your baby probably enjoys playing with other people and he/she may cry when the playing stops. They would rather look at people than objects, and they may study faces a lot. He/she may also start to show their first signs of anger.7

Back to Top

Doing Everything Right: Tips for new moms

  • Don't worry about spoiling your baby with too much attention. Young babies aren't capable of using "negative" behavior to get what they want. All he/she wants are your love and attention, and once he/she knows you're there for them, the need for your focused attention will probably decrease, not increase.8
  • If you're nursing and want to lose weight, don't resort to a liquid diet, which may not give you the calories or nutrients you need. An occasional mealreplacement shake or bar is okay, but a eating a wellbalanced diet, drinking plenty of water and getting regular exercise are better for losing weight gradually and healthfully. Remember too, most women lose the last five pounds or so after they stop breastfeeding.9

Back to Top

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

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

8 “Ask the Experts: Am I in Danger of Spoiling My Baby?” www.babycenter.com

9 “Ask the Experts: Are Liquid Diets Safe for New Moms?” 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.

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.
More

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.