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

If he/she isn't already, your baby is now turning toward sounds and voices, and may be trying to imitate the sounds he/she hears. They're blowing bubbles and can roll in both directions. A lot of babies this age can reach for objects and mouth them, and sit up without support. Many are also ready to try solid foods. More mature babies may start lunging forward or actually crawling, jabbering and combining syllables.3

You're now starting to see more visible signs of your baby's temperament, or whether he/she tends to be easygoing or easily upset, gentle or active, etc. He/she may get tired of a toy or other object, but they never get tired of your attention.7

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Doing Everything Right: Tips for new moms

  • The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends reading aloud to your baby every day starting this month. Reading not only lets you cuddle and socialize with him/her, it helps improve their language skills and introduces him/her to the joy of books.
  • Give baby lots of safe things that will stimulate him/her senses, such as a chilled teething ring, a furry stuffed animal with a bell or rattle inside, or a soft rubber ball.
  • Your baby's probably able to roll in both directions now, so always keep a hand on her when you're changing her diapers, and never leave her alone on a bed, changing table or other elevated surface.18
  • You know how important it is to drink plenty of water every day. If you drink from a water bottle, be sure to clean or replace it often to reduce bacteria. If your bottle is reusable, wash it in hot, soapy water or run it through the dishwasher before you refill it each day.15

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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

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

18 “Your 6-Month-Old's 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.

Helpful Tips
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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.