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

More and more, your baby is able to sit without support and imitate speech sounds with his/her own distinctive babble. He/she may also be reaching for things with a sweeping motion. He/she's still trying to combine syllables into word-like sounds and may be lunging forward and crawling. Babies who are more advanced physically can stand while holding onto something, wave bye-bye and bang objects together.19

Thankfully, baby is starting to understand the meaning of the word, "no," although he/she's also able to express their anger more strongly too. He/she's getting more sociable, and enjoys interacting with others.7

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Doing Everything Right: Tips for new moms

  • The quality of breast milk depends on the mother's diet, so if you're breast-feeding, you may want to take a multivitamin-mineral supplement. Talk to your doctor to be sure.
  • Fluoride is a mineral that helps strengthen teeth, and it's recommended for all babies six months and older who drink only bottled or filtered water that doesn't contain additional fluoride; or whose tap water contains less than 0.3 parts per million of fluoride. Contact your local water department to find out the fluoride content in your area, and consider giving your baby a supplement or fluoridated water if necessary.20 Consult your physician if using other fluoridated products, and consult your dental professional for appropriate oral hygiene practices.
  • To make sure your house is safe for baby to explore, get down on her level to see what he/she might grab, such as dangling electrical cords, tablecloths, pull cords for window blinds, garbage cans, house plants and unsteady furniture. Either put them out of their reach or get rid of them entirely.21

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

19 “Milestone Charts: What to Expect from Your 7-to-12-Month-Old” www.babycenter.com

20 “Ask the Experts: Should I Give My Baby Vitamin Supplements?” www.babycenter.com

21 “Keeping a Cruising Baby Safe” 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.
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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.