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's laughter is now a common and joyful sound. He/she can hold her head steady, and they recognize your face and scent. Some babies squeal, gurgle and coo more, recognize their moms' voices and do mini pushups. A few can turn toward loud sounds, bring their hands together or bat at toys, and roll over.3

Emotionally, baby is trying to start "conversations" by smiling at you and gurgling to get your attention. He/she often returns your smiles by opening her hands wide, lifting her arms and moving her legs. He/she may also try to imitate your movements and facial expressions.7

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Doing Everything Right: Tips for new moms

  • Even if your baby doesn't understand the words, reading to them helps him/her develop an ear for the cadence of language. Vary the pitch in your voice by using accents and singing to make it even more stimulating.
  • Talking is another way to encourage your baby's development right now. Use a variety of words and sounds, and identify objects to them as you walk, shop and play. Believe it or not, they're storing all this new information in his/her memory.10
  • If your baby resists taking medicine, add a little sugar or juice in an oral syringe or spoon to make it taste better. Don't mix medicine in a bottle of milk or a cup of juice, though. If he/she doesn't drink the whole thing, they might not get the right dose of medicine.11
  • Drinking lots of water is good for your general health, especially if you're breastfeeding, which can cause your body to shed excess fluid. Try to drink at least eight, eightounce glasses of water a day, as well as any time you feel thirsty.12

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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

10 “Your 3-Month-Old's Development” www.babycenter.com

11 “Giving Medications Safely and Effectively” www.babycenter.com

12 “Diet for a Healthy Breastfeeding Mom” 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.