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're enjoying your baby more than ever as they amuse themselves by playing with his/her hands and feet and rolling over. He/she can distinguish between some bold colors now, and he/she may often turn toward new sounds. About half the babies this age recognize their own names, and if he/she's really progressing, they may be able to sit up by themselves for a short time.3

Changes are taking place in your baby's behavior too. He/she's becoming more and more assertive, and they seem to be able to tell the difference between family members and strangers. He/she may also like to play during meals.7

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Doing Everything Right: Tips for new moms

  • Even if your baby can hold his/her own bottle, keep using mealtime to cuddle, hold and nurture him/her. The day will come all too soon when he/she'll be too independent for your snuggles.
  • Your baby is catching on to where sounds come from. Use your keys or wind chimes to get his/her attention, and notice how he/she tries to imitate your inflections and sounds when you talk.
  • If your baby was premature, he/she may need more time to do the things other babies their age are doing. Don't be concerned, though. Your doctor is probably assessing his/her development based on the time he/she should have been born so you'll know if there are any reasons to worry.16
  • It's fine to give your baby a little water at this age if he/she seems to want it, but don't let them get so full that they will not want to nurse or take a bottle. Try giving him/her an ounce or two at a time, ideally after meals.17

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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

16 “Your 5-Month-Old's Development” www.babycenter.com

17 “Ready or Not: A Guide to Safe Development” 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.