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 now hearing your baby say those magic words, "mama" and "dada," although he/she might not yet be able to tell which one goes with who. He/she's beginning to crawl more and can pass toys and other objects from one hand to the other. About half of babies this age can stand while holding onto something, and many do a lot of pointing. A few can pull themselves up to standing, pick up things between the thumb and finger, and use gestures to indicate what they want.19

Some babies at this stage become shy or anxious with strangers, and cry out of frustration when they can't do something they want to do.7

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Doing Everything Right: Tips for new moms

  • Your baby may be showing signs of separation anxiety by getting upset when you're out of sight. When you leave him/her, give them a hug and a kiss and tell them you'll be back. Try to not get upset if he/she cries; just stay calm and reassuring.
  • As baby starts crawling and pulling themself up, resist the urge to put him/her in a walker. A walker can be unsafe if he/she stands on it to get to something out of reach, and it can discourage the floor play he/she needs.22
  • Now that your baby is more mobile, you must put things that could be poisonous out of their reach. A tube of bright lipstick or a bottle of coated pills might look like candy to him/her, so stash your purse in the closet and lock up medications.23
  • You need all the energy you can get right now, so be careful not to get dehydrated, which can make you feel tired. Try to drink an eight-ounce glass of water with each meal and between meals, drink water instead of coffee or tea, and replace alcoholic drinks with sparkling water.15

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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

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

22 “Your 8-Month-Old's Development” www.babycenter.com

23 “Poison-Proofing Your Home” 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.