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 coos back when you talk to them and holds his/her head pretty steadily. Your baby is also starting to put weight on his/her legs. Some babies this age start grasping for their toys, reaching out for other objects and rolling over. A few who are more advanced may try to imitate speech sounds, cut their first teeth and be ready for solid foods.7

Your baby may be intrigued by other children, and you may see him/her turn toward children's voices in person or on television. They laugh when tickled and when they're interacting with others, and he/she may cry when something disrupts their play.7

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Doing Everything Right: Tips for new moms

  • Your baby can probably pick things up now, and naturally, the first place he/she'll put them is in their mouth. Now's a good time to put valuables and small objects he/she could choke on out of their reach.13
  • Most babies' first teeth appear between four and seven months of age. A month or two before the first one is visible, your baby may drool heavily or have fuller cheeks from swollen gums. If he/she seems bothered by it, give them a teething ring you keep in the refrigerator or cold foods such as applesauce or yogurt.14
  • Even 10-minute bursts of exercise can rev up your energy level, which is good for you and your baby. Trying walking or hiking with your baby in a carrier or backpack, or put him/her in the stroller and walk around the neighborhood. Enlist your partner to watch him/her for a half hour so you can go to the gym or for a walk to get some welldeserved time to yourself. Don't forget to drink extra water before. During and after exercise to make up for the fluid you may lose by sweating.15

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

13 “Developmental Milestones: Grasping” www.babycenter.com

14 “Developmental Milestones: Teething” www.babycenter.com

15 “Water: How Much Should You Drink Every Day?” www.cnn.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.