Your 8-month-old's development: Week 4

Almost walking

Your baby's getting closer and closer to full-fledged walking. She can probably crawl up stairs and cruise, moving around upright while holding onto furniture. A baby this age may even take a couple of steps. (A few actually do walk now — and some don't walk until well into their second year. There's a wide range of ages at which children meet this milestone.)

Your baby's also learning how to bend her knees and how to sit after standing, which is harder to master than you might think! She might get "stuck" standing up in her crib. If this happens, gently show her how she can get back down.

There are ways to help your baby with her walking efforts. Stand or kneel in front of her, and help her walk toward you by holding both of her hands. Eventually just hold your hands out to her in encouragement. Some babies enjoy pushing a toddle truck, which provides both support and mobility. Look for one with a wide, stable base.

Babyproofing your home is a necessity now. One good place to start is to put latches on the doors of off-limits cabinets — babies inevitably make a beeline for such things. (You could also move all cleaning supplies or potential poison hazards to higher cabinets.) Also, your baby's crib mattress should be at the lowest mattress setting.

Shoes? Not yet

Once your baby starts standing and cruising, you may wonder if shoes are necessary. Until your baby is walking around outdoors regularly, most pediatricians and developmental experts don't think so. It's normal for your baby to walk a little bowlegged or with her feet turned out, and her feet may look flat. Going barefoot can help strengthen your baby's arches and leg muscles, and feeling the textures of what she's walking on can help her balance.

Remember, your baby is an individual

All babies are unique and meet milestones at their own pace. Developmental guidelines simply show what your baby has the potential to accomplish — if not right now, then soon. If your baby was premature, keep in mind that kids born early usually need a bit more time to meet their milestones. If you have any questions at all about your baby's development, ask your healthcare provider.

source: babycenter

Your 8-month-old: Week 4

How your baby's growing:

Once your baby starts standing and cruising, you may wonder whether real shoes are necessary. Until your baby is walking around outdoors regularly, most doctors and developmental experts don't think so. It's normal for your baby to walk a bit bowlegged or with feet turned out, and those little tootsies may look flat. Going barefoot can help strengthen your baby's arches and leg muscles, and feeling the textures of what's underfoot can help with balance.

• Learn more fascinating facts about your 8-month-old's development.

Your life: Get moving

Moving your body actually creates energy, rather than sapping it. The trick is to choose exercise that fits your schedule.

Head outside. Go for a walk, a jog, or a hike during the regular time you spend with your baby. Consider a jogging stroller or one with all-terrain wheels. While you get exercise, you'll also be stimulating your baby's senses and helping her development.

Take a class with your baby. Some health clubs and yoga or Pilates studios offer classes for parents with babies. Others supply childcare for infants.

Create an "exercise studio" at home. Look into home exercise equipment or DVDs and videos that you can use while your baby is napping or otherwise occupied.

Dance with your baby. Twirl around the room together — your baby will enjoy the music and the movement.

Resist shortcuts. Park farther away from your destinations than usual so you have to walk more. Take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator. It's counterintuitive when you're trying to make time to work out, but it's good exercise.

3 questions about: Scary head bumps

What should I do if my baby gets a bump?
Comfort your baby, but try not to overreact — bumps are common for babies learning to get around, and most of them are minor and don't cause any serious injury. Apply an ice pack for 20 minutes to bring down any swelling. Try feeding or distracting your baby so she doesn't react too much to the cold of the ice pack.

If your baby loses consciousness, call 911. If she's not breathing, give her two minutes of rescue breathing or CPR first, and then call 911. (Click here for more details.)

In general, call the doctor after a bump if your baby is not her usual self — you know your baby best, so follow your instincts and talk to a healthcare professional if you have any doubts.

More specifically, call the doctor if your baby vomits, appears unusually irritable or confused, appears drowsy or dizzy, cries or screams for an extended period of time, or has a significant bump, a deep or persistently bleeding cut, a bruise behind the ear, a soft area on the scalp, unexplained black-and-blue spots, blood in the whites of her eyes, or clear or pinkish fluid or blood coming from the mouth, nose, or ears. (Click here to read about concussions.)

How can I prevent serious head injuries?
You simply can't prevent every tumble and bump your baby is likely to suffer, but here are some effective precautions:
• Secure unstable furniture to the wall and remove shaky lamps from within your baby's reach.
• Supervise your baby carefully if she climbs furniture.
• Consider applying pads to furniture corners and placing skidproof pads under rugs.
• Keep a close eye on your baby when she's on her changing table or in the grocery store cart. Use straps to keep her in place whenever possible, but remember that you can't rely on them entirely.
• Lower your baby's mattress as soon as she stands in her crib.

source: babycenter

Your 8-month-old: Week 4

How your baby's growing:

Once your baby starts standing and cruising, you may wonder whether real shoes are necessary. Until your baby is walking around outdoors regularly, most doctors and developmental experts don't think so. It's normal for your baby to walk a bit bowlegged or with feet turned out, and those little tootsies may look flat. Going barefoot can help strengthen your baby's arches and leg muscles, and feeling the textures of what's underfoot can help with balance.

• Learn more fascinating facts about your 8-month-old's development.

Your life: Get moving

Moving your body actually creates energy, rather than sapping it. The trick is to choose exercise that fits your schedule.

Head outside. Go for a walk, a jog, or a hike during the regular time you spend with your baby. Consider a jogging stroller or one with all-terrain wheels. While you get exercise, you'll also be stimulating your baby's senses and helping her development.

Take a class with your baby. Some health clubs and yoga or Pilates studios offer classes for parents with babies. Others supply childcare for infants.

Create an "exercise studio" at home. Look into home exercise equipment or DVDs and videos that you can use while your baby is napping or otherwise occupied.

Dance with your baby. Twirl around the room together — your baby will enjoy the music and the movement.

Resist shortcuts. Park farther away from your destinations than usual so you have to walk more. Take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator. It's counterintuitive when you're trying to make time to work out, but it's good exercise.

3 questions about: Scary head bumps

What should I do if my baby gets a bump?
Comfort your baby, but try not to overreact — bumps are common for babies learning to get around, and most of them are minor and don't cause any serious injury. Apply an ice pack for 20 minutes to bring down any swelling. Try feeding or distracting your baby so she doesn't react too much to the cold of the ice pack.

If your baby loses consciousness, call 911. If she's not breathing, give her two minutes of rescue breathing or CPR first, and then call 911. (Click here for more details.)

In general, call the doctor after a bump if your baby is not her usual self — you know your baby best, so follow your instincts and talk to a healthcare professional if you have any doubts.

More specifically, call the doctor if your baby vomits, appears unusually irritable or confused, appears drowsy or dizzy, cries or screams for an extended period of time, or has a significant bump, a deep or persistently bleeding cut, a bruise behind the ear, a soft area on the scalp, unexplained black-and-blue spots, blood in the whites of her eyes, or clear or pinkish fluid or blood coming from the mouth, nose, or ears. (Click here to read about concussions.)

How can I prevent serious head injuries?
You simply can't prevent every tumble and bump your baby is likely to suffer, but here are some effective precautions:
• Secure unstable furniture to the wall and remove shaky lamps from within your baby's reach.
• Supervise your baby carefully if she climbs furniture.
• Consider applying pads to furniture corners and placing skidproof pads under rugs.
• Keep a close eye on your baby when she's on her changing table or in the grocery store cart. Use straps to keep her in place whenever possible, but remember that you can't rely on them entirely.
• Lower your baby's mattress as soon as she stands in her crib.

source: babycenter

Your 8-month-old: Week 4

How your baby's growing:

Once your baby starts standing and cruising, you may wonder whether real shoes are necessary. Until your baby is walking around outdoors regularly, most doctors and developmental experts don't think so. It's normal for your baby to walk a bit bowlegged or with feet turned out, and those little tootsies may look flat. Going barefoot can help strengthen your baby's arches and leg muscles, and feeling the textures of what's underfoot can help with balance.

• Learn more fascinating facts about your 8-month-old's development.

Your life: Get moving

Moving your body actually creates energy, rather than sapping it. The trick is to choose exercise that fits your schedule.

Head outside. Go for a walk, a jog, or a hike during the regular time you spend with your baby. Consider a jogging stroller or one with all-terrain wheels. While you get exercise, you'll also be stimulating your baby's senses and helping her development.

Take a class with your baby. Some health clubs and yoga or Pilates studios offer classes for parents with babies. Others supply childcare for infants.

Create an "exercise studio" at home. Look into home exercise equipment or DVDs and videos that you can use while your baby is napping or otherwise occupied.

Dance with your baby. Twirl around the room together — your baby will enjoy the music and the movement.

Resist shortcuts. Park farther away from your destinations than usual so you have to walk more. Take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator. It's counterintuitive when you're trying to make time to work out, but it's good exercise.

3 questions about: Scary head bumps

What should I do if my baby gets a bump?
Comfort your baby, but try not to overreact — bumps are common for babies learning to get around, and most of them are minor and don't cause any serious injury. Apply an ice pack for 20 minutes to bring down any swelling. Try feeding or distracting your baby so she doesn't react too much to the cold of the ice pack.

If your baby loses consciousness, call 911. If she's not breathing, give her two minutes of rescue breathing or CPR first, and then call 911. (Click here for more details.)

In general, call the doctor after a bump if your baby is not her usual self — you know your baby best, so follow your instincts and talk to a healthcare professional if you have any doubts.

More specifically, call the doctor if your baby vomits, appears unusually irritable or confused, appears drowsy or dizzy, cries or screams for an extended period of time, or has a significant bump, a deep or persistently bleeding cut, a bruise behind the ear, a soft area on the scalp, unexplained black-and-blue spots, blood in the whites of her eyes, or clear or pinkish fluid or blood coming from the mouth, nose, or ears. (Click here to read about concussions.)

How can I prevent serious head injuries?
You simply can't prevent every tumble and bump your baby is likely to suffer, but here are some effective precautions:
• Secure unstable furniture to the wall and remove shaky lamps from within your baby's reach.
• Supervise your baby carefully if she climbs furniture.
• Consider applying pads to furniture corners and placing skidproof pads under rugs.
• Keep a close eye on your baby when she's on her changing table or in the grocery store cart. Use straps to keep her in place whenever possible, but remember that you can't rely on them entirely.
• Lower your baby's mattress as soon as she stands in her crib.

source: babycenter

Your 8-month-old's development: Week 3

I can see clearly now

Your baby's vision — previously about 20/40 at best — is now almost adult-like in its clarity and depth perception. Though your baby's short-range sight is still best, his long-range vision is good enough to recognize people and objects across a room. He may see a toy on the other side of the room and try to crawl toward it. His eyes are also probably close to their final color, though you may see subtle changes later.

Using his hands

Your baby may start looking for dropped objects and may use his index finger to point at them. He can easily use his fingers to rake up a piece of food and hold it with his fist closed, and he's learned to open his hand to drop and throw objects with greater precision. He's probably beginning to master the pincer grasp, too — the delicate maneuver that lets him pick up small objects with his thumb and first finger.

Your baby's also a fan of poking things and getting his little fingers into holes, making this a great time to cover outlets around the house.

Handling your baby's fears

There'll be times when your baby is afraid of things he can't understand. Even things that didn't bother him before, like a ringing doorbell or a whistling teakettle, may frighten him. When this happens, the most important thing you can do as a parent is comfort and reassure him. Tell him that you're there and he's fine — a hug or a snuggle may be all he needs.

Remember, your baby is an individual

All babies are unique and meet milestones at their own pace. Developmental guidelines simply show what your baby has the potential to accomplish — if not right now, then soon. If your baby was premature, keep in mind that kids born early usually need a bit more time to meet their milestones. If you have any questions at all about your baby's development, ask your healthcare provider.

source: babycenter

Your 8-month-old: Week 3

How your baby's growing:

Your baby's vision — previously about 20/40 at best — is now almost adult-like in its clarity and depth perception. Though your baby's short-range sight is still best, his long-range vision is good enough to recognize people and objects across a room. He may see a toy on the other side of the room and try to crawl toward it. His eyes are also probably close to their final color, although you may see subtle changes later.

• Learn more fascinating facts about your 8-month-old's development.

Your life: When baby care is tough

The time-out is a time-honored discipline technique that parents of older children sometimes use to correct behavior by withholding positive attention. A mommy or daddy time-out is a way for you to change your own behavior — by decompressing.

Once your baby is mobile, keeping up can be an exhausting proposition. A self-enforced breather when you're feeling frustrated can help you stay on an even keel.

Put your baby in a play yard for short periods of time when you're feeling overwhelmed. This is also a good idea if persistent, unexplained crying in a healthy baby is getting to you — your baby will be safe while you collect yourself. If he's crying at night, compose yourself for a few minutes before going in to see what's the matter. Taking a few deep breaths or counting to ten before responding to a mishap are other ways you can maintain equilibrium on bad days. Also borrow a page from the newborn days: Once in a while, sleep when your baby sleeps. And of course, call on your partner to take over if you can — not just when the going gets tough, but at regular intervals.

3 questions about: Coughs

How can I tell whether my baby's cough is a symptom of an illness more serious than a cold?
Even healthy babies cough every day, and a cough can actually help your baby breathe better by clearing secretions from the airway. Coughs often linger after other symptoms of a virus have passed, but not all of them sound alike. Some examples:
• If your baby wheezes or gasps for air, he may have bronchiolitis, which is caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
• If his cough is deep and sounds like a bark, he may have croup.
• If your baby seems to have a long-lasting cold and a chronic nighttime cough, he may actually have allergies or sinusitis.
• If it's a sudden, persistent cough without other cold symptoms, it could mean your baby has asthma or has inhaled an object.
• If a persistent cough is accompanied by difficulty breathing, fever, and chills, he may have pneumonia.
• If your baby has 20- to 30-second spells of nonstop coughing, and between spells makes an unusual, bird-like "whooping" sound as he tries to take a deep breath, it's likely whooping cough (also called pertussis).
• If your baby coughs constantly with a thick mucus that causes difficulty breathing, have him checked for cystic fibrosis.

Can I give my baby cough syrup or other medicine or do anything else to help?
Don't give an over-the-counter cough suppressant, decongestant, or antihistamine without consulting your baby's doctor first. You might first try to thin any secretions by giving your baby extra fluids and using a vaporizer in his room at night. Holding your baby in a steamy bathroom can also be calming and help him breathe better. If you suspect that allergens in his room might be the cause of a chronic cough, remove stuffed animals and other fluffy bedding, keep the room as dust-free as possible, and keep any pets out of the room. Make sure your baby isn't exposed to cigarette smoke in the house or car.

When should I call my baby's doctor?
If a cough is keeping your baby from eating or sleeping well, then it deserves attention. Call the doctor immediately if your baby is coughing up blood, having trouble breathing, or showing other symptoms of a serious illness, such as fever, increased heart rate, lethargy, or vomiting. Also call if your baby swallowed or inhaled an object but seems otherwise okay. If your baby can't breathe or loses consciousness, begin rescue breathing or CPR and have someone dial 911 right away. Because allergies, foreign bodies, or asthma can cause a chronic cough, call the doctor if a standard cough persists for more than a week.

source: babycenter

Your 8-month-old's development: Week 2

Exploring objects

Your baby's now exploring objects by shaking them, banging them, dropping them, and throwing them before falling back on the tried-and-true method of gumming them. The idea that you do something to an object is beginning to emerge (using a comb to tidy her hair), so an activity center with lots of things your baby can bang, poke, twist, squeeze, shake, drop, and open will fascinate her.

Your baby will also be fascinated with toys that have specific functions, such as phones. If she can't hold it up to her ear herself, do it for her and pretend to have a conversation. Over the next few months, she'll start to use objects for their intended purposes — brushing her hair, drinking from a cup, and babbling on her play phone.

Watch for her to start pointing or looking at the correct picture when you name an object — especially if it's something familiar (such as eyes, nose, or mouth) or beloved (like a dog or a rubber ducky).

Also, at this stage, your baby likes to see things fall down, get picked up (by you, of course), and then get thrown down again. She's not trying to drive you mad. She just finds the spectacle interesting and naturally wants to see it again and again.

Remember, your baby is an individual

All babies are unique and meet milestones at their own pace. Developmental guidelines simply show what your baby has the potential to accomplish — if not right now, then soon. If your baby was premature, keep in mind that kids born early usually need a bit more time to meet their milestones. If you have any questions at all about your baby's development, ask your healthcare provider

source: babycenter

Your 8-month-old: Week 2

How your baby's growing:

Your baby's now exploring objects by shaking them, banging them, dropping them, and throwing them before falling back on the tried-and-true method of gumming them. The idea that you do something with an object is beginning to emerge (using a comb to tidy hair), so an activity center with lots of things your baby can bang, poke, twist, squeeze, shake, drop, and open will fascinate.

Your baby will also be mesmerized by toys that have specific functions, such as phones. If she can't hold it up to her ear herself, do it for her and pretend to have a conversation. Over the next few months, she'll start to use objects for their intended purposes — brushing her hair, drinking from a cup, and babbling on her play phone.

• Learn more fascinating facts about your 8-month-old's development.

Your life: Coping with separation anxiety

It's natural for your baby to start showing signs of separation anxiety when you leave her in the care of others. In fact, it's a sign of normal, healthy development. Not that knowing this makes it any easier on you to see your baby in distress.

To help the two of you weather the goodbye blues:
• Say goodbye in an affectionate but matter-of-fact way. Try not to draw out farewells or let yourself get emotional in response to your baby's crying.
• Stay away once you say goodbye. Resist the temptation to turn back and check to see that she's okay, which will only make things more difficult for you both.
• Call when you get where you're going. For peace of mind, phone to ask the caregiver how your baby's doing. Odds are she stopped crying almost right after you left and got diverted by an activity.
• Reconnect by spending some special time with your baby after you get home.
• Some babies react differently when different parents leave. If your baby is most upset when you're the one heading out, consider having your partner do the leave-taking when possible.

3 questions about: Accidental poisoning

How can I prevent poisonings?
Learn which substances are poisonous, and poison-proof your home:
• Check labels and call the American Association of Poison Control Centers at (800) 222-1222 with any questions.
• Keep cosmetics, personal care products, medicines, vitamin and mineral supplements, cleaning supplies, pesticides, and all other household substances locked away and out of your baby's reach.
• Whenever possible, buy medicines that have child-resistant or childproof caps and look for the least toxic household products available.
• Keep dangerous substances in original containers to prevent mix-ups.
• Don't call medicine "candy" or take it within view of your baby. (Toddlers, especially, are prone to imitative behaviors.)
• Keep household plants out of your baby's reach.

What should I do if my baby swallows something poisonous?
A poison is any substance that harms the body. While swallowing some poisons causes only temporary stomach upset, swallowing others can severely damage the lungs or intestines, and a few are fatal. If your baby can't breathe, start CPR and call 911. Also call 911 immediately if your baby loses consciousness, becomes extremely sleepy, has burns, seems to have severe throat pain, or is having a seizure. Even if you don't see such symptoms, call your local poison control center or the American Association of Poison Control Centers and ask for advice — sometimes symptoms can be delayed. Try removing any substance left in your baby's mouth (keep a sample if possible). Don't try to make her vomit or give her ipecac or activated charcoal — get professional instructions first. When you call, you'll probably be asked for the name of the substance ingested, the time and amount taken, the age and weight of your baby, the symptoms she's having, and your telephone number.

What should I do if my baby touches something poisonous?
If it got on her clothes, take them off. Rinse your baby's skin with lukewarm water and continue for at least 15 minutes if there's a burn. Don't rub oil or grease on a burn, since that can worsen it. If the poison is in your baby's eye, flush the eye (pour water in the inner corner) for 15 minutes and try to get your baby to blink. Call the poison control center to find out what else is recommended for that specific substance.

source: babycenter

Your 8-month-old's development: Week 1

Crawling

Your baby may be creeping (pushing himself around on his belly), crawling, or moving about by bottom shuffling — scooting around on his posterior using a hand behind him and a foot in front of him to propel himself.

Creeping is your baby's first method of getting around efficiently on his own. Usually, he'll first learn to pull himself with his hands and then get up on his hands and knees. Then he'll figure out how to move forward and backward by pushing off with his knees. (A "combat crawl" is a variation in which one leg is the pusher and the opposite arm the lead puller.)

All of these variations on crawling strengthen the muscles that will soon enable him to walk. Whichever mode of mobility your baby's using, it's fascinating to see how he solves the problem of getting around.

Stand and deliver

Your baby may be able to pull himself up to a standing position while holding on to furniture. In fact, if you stand your baby next to the sofa, he may be able to hold himself up, although he may be hanging on for dear life.

At this stage some parents put their children in baby walkers, but that's not a good idea. Walkers are unsafe: Your baby can use a walker as a stepladder to reach things he couldn't normally get to, such as a hot stove or bottle of bleach. What's more, they discourage floor play, which helps him learn to walk by giving him opportunities to crawl, pull up, and cruise while holding on to furniture — all activities that lead to walking.

Safety first

Your baby's newfound mobility means that he's now entering the land of bumps and falls. These are an inevitable part of childhood, and although your heart may occasionally skip a beat or two, try to enjoy watching your baby explore his surroundings and discover his limits.

Restraining your innate desire to protect your baby allows him to grow and learn for himself. However, do make every effort to make your home baby-safe. A good way to do this is to get down to his level to find the possible danger zones. Secure fragile objects so they won't topple, for example, and keep rickety furniture in rooms that don't get much baby traffic.

Now's a good time to move drapery and blind cords out of reach, pad sharp coffee-table corners, install toilet-seat locks, relocate hazardous houseplants to higher ground, lock away poisonous cleaning supplies and medications, cover electric outlets, and secure safety gates at the top and bottom of each staircase.

Remember, your baby is an individual

All babies are unique and meet milestones at their own pace. Developmental guidelines simply show what your baby has the potential to accomplish — if not right now, then soon. If your baby was premature, keep in mind that kids born early usually need a bit more time to meet their milestones. If you have any questions at all about your baby's development, ask your healthcare provider.

source: babycenter

Your 8-month-old: Week 1

How your baby's growing:

Your baby's newfound mobility means that he's now entering the land of bumps and falls. These are an inevitable part of childhood, and although your heart may occasionally skip a beat or two, try to enjoy watching your baby explore his surroundings and discover his limits.

Restraining your innate desire to protect your baby allows him to grow and learn for himself. However, do make every effort to make your home baby-safe. A good way to do this is to get down to his level to find the possible danger zones. Secure fragile objects so they won't topple, for example, and keep rickety furniture in rooms that are off-limits.

• Learn more fascinating facts about your 8-month-old's development.

Your life: Couple time

Many new parents report that after the novelty of life with a baby wears off, they find they've drifted away from their partner and lost the closeness they once felt. Having a baby is a seismic event in a couple's life together. Because the brunt of the day-to-day adjustment often falls more on one partner, it's all too easy to start feeling estranged.

Acknowledging these feelings — first to yourself and then to your partner — is the first step toward doing something about it. Let your partner know that you miss him or her. If you're feeling this way, odds are good that your mate is, too, and will be relieved that you're bringing it up.

Make a specific plan to spend more time together. Figure out what you miss most about being together and make reclaiming those experiences a priority. Schedule time to spend together, whether it's a weekly date night or another special ritual. Come up with a special code phrase that either of you can use when the talk is revolving too much around the baby or what you have to get done at home.

Re-evaluate ways to divvy up infant care and housework. Not only will this reduce your workload, it will create more time for you and your partner to spend together doing something fun. You'll also see yourselves working as a team.

3 questions about: Developmental delay

What is developmental delay?
Developmental delay is a slower-than-usual progression toward childhood milestones such as sitting up, crawling, walking, and talking. Apparent developmental delays may or may not indicate a permanent or long-term developmental disorder. Most children, in fact, recover from delays. Preemies, for example, routinely fall behind on reaching milestones, achieving them on a timeline based not on actual birth date but on due date.

Every baby's pattern of development is unique, although babies tend to acquire skills in a sequential pattern. Some infants develop gross motor skills (like sitting up) earlier, while others are faster to acquire fine motor skills (such as picking up small objects). Some are slow to move but quick to verbalize sounds. What's most important is that over time your child continues to develop increasingly complex mental and physical skills.

What could cause a delay?
Your baby may simply be focusing on (and practicing) particular skills at the temporary expense of others. However, language delays (which may not yet be obvious) should be closely followed. They could stem from lack of enough communication with adults or from a hearing problem. Less common reasons for delays include disorders such as spina bifida and autism.

What should I do if I think my baby has a delay?
Learn about the normal timeline for language acquisition and physical development and the warning signs of a delay. Have someone evaluate your baby's development, hearing, and vision. (Your baby's doctor should be monitoring these things regularly.)

Write down any worrisome observations you've made and tell your baby's doctor about your concerns. You may also want to consult with a pediatric doctor who specializes in developmental issues or a speech pathologist. Trust your instincts. Your baby may just need some extra time (serious delays are rare), but it doesn't hurt to be attentive to potential problems.

source: babycenter

Your 7-month-old's development: Week 4

Getting more emotional

By now your baby's emotions are becoming more obvious. She may throw a kiss to familiar people, and even repeat it if you clap in appreciation.

Over the next few months, your baby may learn to assess and imitate moods and might show the first stirrings of empathy. For instance, if she hears someone crying, she may start crying, too. And even though your baby's just beginning to learn about her emotions, she's picking things up from you. Over the many months (and years) to come, your baby will likely copy the way she sees you treat people.

Nighttime separation

If your baby sleeps in a separate room and gets anxious about nighttime separations, spend some extra cuddle time reading, snuggling, and playing mellow music with her before you put her to bed. Having a regular bedtime routine she can count on will give her the security she needs to make falling asleep easier.

Your baby will appreciate the consistency and predictability of a set pattern every night, and even better, she'll be more relaxed and more likely to go to bed easily. Just make sure you choose something that helps calm your baby instead of riling her up.

While you can certainly start your ritual in the bathroom or the living room, it should end in your baby's bedroom or wherever she sleeps. It's important to teach your baby that her sleeping area is a nice place to be, not just where she's "banished" at bedtime.

If your baby gets upset as she sees you walk out the door after you tuck her in, tell her you'll be back to check on her in a few minutes. In all likelihood, she'll be fast asleep by the time you return.

Even when you're away from home, stick to your routine as much as possible. It can make it easier for your baby to settle down in an unfamiliar environment.

Remember, your baby is an individual

All babies are unique and meet milestones at their own pace. Developmental guidelines simply show what your baby has the potential to accomplish — if not right now, then soon. If your baby was premature, keep in mind that kids born early usually need a bit more time to meet their milestones. If you have any questions at all about your baby's development, ask your healthcare provider.

source: babycenter

Your 7-month-old: Week 4

How your baby's growing:

Your baby's emotions are becoming more obvious. Over the next few months, she may learn to assess and imitate moods and might show the first stirrings of empathy. For instance, if she hears someone crying, she may start crying too. And even though your baby's just beginning to learn about her emotions, she's picking things up from you. Over the many months (and years) to come, your child will likely copy the way she sees you treat people.

• Learn more fascinating facts about your 7-month-old's development.

Your life: Making things easier

Everybody loves a shortcut. Here are a few to make your life easier:

Prep your food. Some parents swear by preparing servings of formula, baby food, snacks, and a set number of family meals ahead of time and then drawing from the supply (and replenishing it) as needed. Whenever possible, put together meals (yours and your baby's) in advance.

Organize supplies. Keep things you use regularly in fixed locations so they're there when you need them. Establishing a diaper-changing station on each floor of your home is one great trick. (You can use an ottoman in the living room, for example.) Have a diaper bag stocked at all times so you can just grab it and go — or keep a backup in your car. Store all your baby's bathing and feeding supplies in special plastic baskets that you put in the same place every time, so you don't have to go hunting for what you want.

Involve your baby. Taking a bath with your baby saves time and can be fun. Making a game of some household chores — such as folding laundry (babies love to crawl in the pile) or tidying up your baby's room — allows you to take care of her, have fun, and get work done at the same time.

3 questions about: Diarrhea

How can I tell whether my baby has diarrhea?
Diarrhea refers to liquid stools (the term comes from a Greek word meaning "to flow through"). Your baby has diarrhea if she poops more often than normal and the stool is watery or streaked with mucus or blood. It may be clear, yellow, green, or dark and will probably smell worse than usual.

What causes diarrhea?
The most common causes of diarrhea in babies are gastrointestinal infections, viral respiratory infections (colds), food intolerances or food allergies, and antibiotic treatment. Too much fruit juice or fruit in your baby's diet can also cause diarrhea.

What should I do if my baby has diarrhea?
Some tips:
• Call your doctor if your baby appears to be dehydrated, if she vomits or rejects food or drink, if you see blood in her stool, if her abdomen is distended (swollen and protruding), or if she has a fever lasting more than 24 hours. Infrequent urination (less than one wet diaper every eight hours), dark urine, sunken eyes, a sunken fontanel (the soft spot at the top of her skull), a dry mouth, crying without tears, and irritability or lethargy are symptoms of moderate to severe dehydration.

• Give your baby plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration, but avoid fruit juices and fluids that are high in sugar. Water, breast milk, and formula are better choices. You might also have her drink a pediatric rehydration solution.

• Make your baby as comfortable as possible. Keep her bottom dry and use diaper cream.

• Try to determine the cause. Does your baby have other viral symptoms? Did you introduce any new foods recently? Has she been given any antibiotics lately?

• Help prevent future episodes of diarrhea by thoroughly washing your hands (and your baby's hands) regularly and by washing the fruits and vegetables you feed her.

source: babycenter

Your 7-month-old's development: Week 3

The beginnings of separation anxiety

If your baby is like most at this age, he's showing signs of separation anxiety. Far from being a cause for concern, stranger anxiety is a sign of your baby's growing understanding of the world around him.

Earlier, when you left the room, your baby was hardly phased. Now he knows that you're gone — and he's able to picture you and miss you — and may begin to cry as soon as you're out of his sight.

Your baby's reluctance to be separated from you may delight you or just plain frustrate you at times. If you head out to do an errand and your baby's staying home, shower him with loads of hugs and kisses before you head out the door and tell him you'll be back shortly. He won't understand that you'll be returning in an hour, but the love and affection might comfort him and tide him over until he sees you again.

Also, try to have a ritual of leaving that he can rely on each time you go and leave him with someone he's familiar with. That way, if he can't have Mom or Dad, at least he'll feel happy with his temporary caretaker.

Note: Even if your baby has been sleeping soundly through the night, he may now wake up periodically if he's experiencing separation anxiety — the two seem to be connected.

Teething

Teething can start as early as 3 months or as late as 12 months, but most babies sprout their first white caps (typically the two middle teeth on the bottom) between 4 and 7 months of age. Don't be alarmed if your baby has gaps between his pearly whites. Teeth often come up through the gums at odd angles, and spaces commonly disappear by age 3, after all 20 baby teeth have broken through.

Once your baby starts teething, you can expect more drooling and experimenting with sounds as he adjusts to having these strange new things in his mouth.

To ease your baby's discomfort, give him something to chew on, such as a firm rubber teething ring or a cold washcloth. He may also get some relief from eating cold foods such as applesauce or yogurt (if he's eating solids) as the cold may temporarily numb the pain. Giving a baby a hard, unsweetened teething cracker to gnaw on is another time-honored trick. You can also try rubbing your finger over his sore gums or applying an oral pain relief gel.

Remember, your baby is an individual

All babies are unique and meet milestones at their own pace. Developmental guidelines simply show what your baby has the potential to accomplish — if not right now, then soon. If your baby was premature, keep in mind that kids born early usually need a bit more time to meet their milestones. If you have any questions at all about your baby's development, ask your healthcare provider.

source: babycenter

Your 7-month-old's development: Week 2

Testing, testing...

By now, you may have already told your baby that the telephone is not a toy, or that rattles are not for throwing, or that her sister's hair is not for pulling. At this age your baby may begin testing your authority by refusing to follow your simple directions. She's not really being disobedient or willful — just curious.

Keep in mind that she also simply can't remember things you tell her for more than a couple of seconds at a time. The best tactic is to use a simple "no" and then distract her.

Figuring out how objects relate

Your baby's beginning to understand how objects relate to one another in three-dimensional space. She may be able to sort toys, grouping smaller items by size. Babies instinctively combine objects by stacking them and, as they get older, trying to fit them inside one another.

If your baby admires her reflection in a mirror and you suddenly appear behind her image, she's likely to turn and look for you instead of believing that you're in the mirror itself.

A simple game of peek-a-boo might be absolutely fascinating to your baby. That's because she's starting to understand object permanence (that an object she can't see can still exist) and loves games in which people or things appear and disappear.

Your baby can now straighten her back and twist her trunk as she sits. This ability enables her to sit for longer periods of play.

Remember, your baby is an individual

All babies are unique and meet milestones at their own pace. Developmental guidelines simply show what your baby has the potential to accomplish — if not right now, then soon. If your baby was premature, keep in mind that kids born early usually need a bit more time to meet their milestones. If you have any questions at all about your baby's development, ask your healthcare provider.

source: babycenter

Your 7-month-old: Week 3

How your baby's growing:

Teething can start as early as 3 months or as late as 12 months, but most babies sprout their first white caps (typically the two middle teeth on the bottom) between 4 and 7 months of age. Don't be alarmed if your baby has gaps between those pearly whites. Teeth often come up through the gums at odd angles, and spaces commonly disappear by age 3, after all 20 baby teeth have broken through.

Once your baby starts teething, you can expect more drooling and experimenting with sounds — you'd do it too, if you had to adjust to having strange new things in your mouth.

• Learn more fascinating facts about your 7-month-old's development.

Your life: Taking time away from your child

If you have yet to hire a babysitter or spend much time away from your baby, you're not alone. That said, there are good reasons to get away from your baby every once in a while — if not for your sake, then for his. Short separations help him adjust to other people and become more socialized — and may even help "inoculate" him against full-blown separation anxiety before it hits.

You don't have to go out for very long. An hour of errands, a movie — any short separation when your baby is awake and aware that you're away will do the trick. And you, in turn, will realize that the sky won't fall if you're not there to hold it up over him.

4 questions about: Choking

Will I know it when I see it?
Yes. Choking means that your baby is trying to get air or dislodge something that's partially obstructing his airway. Your baby may be choking if he has trouble breathing, is making unusual sounds, or is gagging, coughing, or wheezing. His skin may turn red or blue, and he may lose consciousness.

What should I do if my baby starts choking?
If your baby can cough, cry, or speak and appears to be breathing adequately, then his airway isn't fully blocked. He'll probably be able to clear the obstruction on his own, and the best thing a parent can do is stay calm and reassuring. But if your baby is gasping for breath, turning from red to blue, looks panicked (wide eyes, open mouth), or appears unconscious, then yell for help and ask someone to call 911 immediately while you try to clear his airway:

1. If (and only if) you see the obstructing object, do a finger sweep to clear it. If you don't see the object, don't put your finger in your baby's mouth, as it may push the object further back in his throat.
2. Hold your baby facedown over your forearm, supporting his chin in your hand. Keep his head lower than the rest of his body.
3. Give him five back blows: quick, firm-but-gentle thumps with the heel of your hand between his shoulder blades — remembering that a baby's internal organs are fragile.
4. If your baby starts coughing, let him try to expel whatever is making him choke rather than inserting your fingers in his mouth to remove it. If he doesn't cough up the item, carefully turn him over and apply two or four of your fingers to the middle of his breastbone and give five chest thrusts (about one-half to one inch deep).
5. If the item causing the choking doesn't come out, check again for visible obstruction. Lay your baby flat on his back, hold his tongue down with your thumb, and lift his jaw up to look at the back of his throat. If you still can't see the object and have been instructed in rescue breathing or CPR for infants, start the process. Otherwise repeat steps 2 and 3. Continue to do the best you can and get help as quickly as possible.

What are good ways to prevent choking?
Give your baby age-appropriate food (mashed or strained foods and safe finger foods such as teething biscuits and O-shaped cereal), supervise him during feedings (don't feed in a rush or in the car), and always have him sit upright when fed. Don't let him play with small objects, toys that have small parts, or containers of baby powder. Follow the age guidelines on toys — they're based on safety, not just educational value or developmental skill. Also use caution giving teething medication, as it could interfere with your baby's gag reflex. Choking is one of the most common causes of death in children, so every parent and caregiver should take a class in infant CPR.

What if I suspect that my baby has swallowed something?
It's common for babies to swallow small objects (such as coins), which usually pass through the intestines without causing harm. But if you notice excessive drooling or an inability to swallow, a dramatic decrease in appetite, or if your baby indicates he's feeling pain where an object may be stuck, call your baby's doctor or go to the emergency room immediately.

source:babycenter

Your 7-month-old: Week 2

How your baby's growing:

By now, you may have already told your baby that the telephone isn't a toy, or that rattles aren't for throwing, or that her sister's hair isn't for pulling. At this age, your baby may begin testing your authority by refusing to follow your simple directions. She's not really being disobedient or willful — just curious.

Keep in mind that she simply can't remember things you tell her for more than a couple of seconds at a time. The best tactic is to use a simple "no" and then distract her.

• Learn more fascinating facts about your 7-month-old's development.

Your life: Treating yourself well

Being responsible for a tiny creature 24/7 or rushing from work to baby can be rattling. A few midway-through-the-first-year reminders:

Stay healthy. Don't skimp on your own nutrition — whether or not you've lost your pregnancy weight. Avoid caffeine and alcohol: Their stimulating and calming effects are only temporary and wind up making you feel worse later. Do some moderate exercise several times a week, even if it's just walking after parking your car a little farther from work. Allow yourself plenty of sleep, including naps if possible. And wash your hands a lot and avoid touching your eyes to prevent catching a cold, especially if your baby has much contact with other children.

Get out. Enjoy some fresh air by taking a walk or gardening. Your baby is still small and portable, so take advantage of this before she's a toddler on the go. Venture out on your own, too: Arrange an excursion with a friend or your partner for a little adult conversation, or treat yourself to another activity you miss.

Pamper yourself. Splurge on a massage, a facial, a manicure, or whatever makes you feel special. A nice long bath can do wonders, too.

Get centered. Consider yoga, a stretching class, deep breathing, or other relaxation exercises.

3 questions about: Anemia

What is anemia?
Anemia is a condition that occurs when the body's red blood cells contain a decreased amount of hemoglobin (a red pigment that delivers oxygen to the tissues and carts away the waste material, carbon dioxide).

Anemia has many causes, including nutritional deficiencies, genetic disorders, medications, infections, and chronic diseases. The most common cause of anemia in babies is iron deficiency, due to insufficient iron in your baby's diet, an inability to properly absorb iron from food, or ongoing blood loss (in the intestinal tract, for instance).

Some kinds of anemia are inherited, such as the serious disorder sickle cell anemia, which is caused by abnormal hemoglobin. Sickle cell anemia is most common in African Americans.

Although premature babies are often anemic from birth, full-term babies are born with extra iron stores. Over the first six months of life, their iron levels decrease and must be replaced. Sometime between 9 and 13 months, your child's hemoglobin level will be checked during a well-baby visit to screen for anemia.

What are the symptoms of anemia?
Symptoms include fatigue, irritability, loss of appetite, and paleness of the lips, skin, and membranes of the eyes and mouth, and under the fingernails. More serious effects include breathing difficulties, heart problems, permanent physical and mental problems, and an increased susceptibility to lead poisoning.

If a blood test confirms that your baby's iron levels are too low, her doctor may recommend dietary changes or an iron supplement. Store iron supplements safely and follow directions for giving them carefully, as an iron overdose is very dangerous.

How can I prevent anemia in my baby?
You can prevent or treat the type of anemia caused by iron deficiency by making sure that your baby gets enough iron. What to do:
• Determine whether your baby is at high risk for anemia. Risk factors include premature birth or low birth weight, inadequate iron in your own diet if you're breastfeeding, or a lack of iron-fortified formula in a formula-fed baby's diet. If you're concerned, ask your baby's doctor whether it would be a good idea to adjust her diet or add a supplement.

• Breastfeed your baby for as long as you can. Breast milk contains a special form of iron that's more easily absorbed than the iron in other foods.

• Don't feed your baby cow's milk before age 1. Cow's milk is low in iron and can irritate the lining of your baby's intestines, causing tiny losses of iron over time.

• Feed your baby iron-fortified cereal, and starting around 8 months, introduce other foods rich in iron like beans, spinach, egg yolks, and lean meats, poultry, and fish.

• Give your baby foods rich in vitamin C to help iron absorption. Some good choices: red bell peppers, papaya, cantaloupe, broccoli, strawberries, and oranges.

source: babycenter

Your 7-month-old's development: Week 1

Recognition skills

Your baby now actively engages in hiding games. Place one of his favorite toys on the floor and cover it with a napkin. Pull the napkin off and say, "There it is!" Cover it again and repeat.

For more fun, hide an object under something and wait for him to discover it. It's one of the easiest ways to keep your baby occupied!

Your baby can remember that the jack-in-the-box pops up at the end of the song — yet he'll still laugh every time. He's also able to recognize different tones and inflections and may burst into tears if you speak harshly.

Stimulating toys and games

Because he likes predictability, your baby enjoys playing the same game or reading the same book over and over. In addition to patty-cake, try adding classics such as "If You're Happy and You Know It" and "This Little Piggy" to your repertoire.

Sippy time

Your baby may have already started feeding himself finger foods, although this can begin as late as 10 months. Once he reaches this stage, you can introduce a sippy cup.

Try giving him a cup with a spout and two handles. If your baby's getting frustrated that he can't get more liquid out of the sippy cup, remove the valve in the top of the cup. If your baby's having trouble figuring out how to suck through the spout, take the lid off the sippy cup and let him first drink straight from the cup (show him how to tip it back so the drink flows into his mouth).

Switching your baby to a cup sooner rather than later might make it easier for him to give up the bottle. If you're breastfeeding, you can even bypass the bottle altogether and go straight to a cup.

Remember, your baby is an individual

All babies are unique and meet milestones at their own pace. Developmental guidelines simply show what your baby has the potential to accomplish — if not right now, then soon. If your baby was premature, keep in mind that kids born early usually need a bit more time to meet their milestones. If you have any questions at all about your baby's development, ask your healthcare provider.

source: babycenter

Your 7-month-old: Week 1

How your baby's growing:

Your baby may have already started feeding himself finger foods, although this can begin as late as 10 months. Once he reaches this stage, you can introduce a sippy cup.

Try giving your baby a cup with a spout and two handles. If he's getting frustrated that he can't get more liquid out of the sippy cup, remove the valve in the lid. If he has trouble figuring out how to suck through the spout, take the lid off and let him drink straight from the cup. (Show him how to tip it back so the liquid flows into his mouth.)

• Learn more fascinating facts about your 7-month-old's development.

Your life: Trusting your intuition

"Mother's intuition" is more than a cliché. It's a powerful tool that can help you raise your baby. You know your baby best, so you can be an especially astute judge when it comes to changes in your baby's condition.

As Benjamin Spock famously wrote in the first line of his classic 1946 book Baby and Child Care, "Trust yourself. You know more than you think you do." If you feel something's not quite right about your baby's health, development, or general well-being, don't be too quick to dismiss such feelings. Many a parent has been ahead of the medical community in detecting the first signs of a problem, whether it's the beginnings of an illness even before fever appears or the presence of an undiagnosed disorder that's causing behavioral changes or a developmental delay.

So what should you do? Heed your instincts. Write down your observations. Don't hesitate to consult with your baby's doctor. And if you still don't feel convinced, persist until you get an answer that satisfies you.

Don't worry if you make mistakes or suspect a problem when there isn't one once in a while — everyone does. Between recognizing gut feelings and learning from experience, you'll figure out how to do what's right for your baby.

3 questions about: Fever

How can I identify a fever?
At 7 months, you know your baby pretty well and will probably be able to tell if something's amiss. If he feels warmer than usual, use a thermometer to measure his temperature. Although you often hear that a normal temperature is 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit (37 degrees Celsius), the reading for a healthy baby may fall anywhere between 97 and 100.4 degrees F (36 and 38 degrees C), taken rectally.

When should I worry?
Hard as it is to believe, a fever is your baby's friend — it means his body is heating up to fight off an infection. Infants tend to have higher average temperatures than older children, so "fever" in a baby is considered to be any of the following:
• a rectal or forehead temperature above 100.4 degrees F (38 degrees C)
• an ear temperature above 100 degrees F (37.8 degrees C)
• an armpit temperature above 99 degrees F (37.2 degrees C)

Because older children can tell us where it hurts, we tend to worry less about their low-grade fevers. But when your child is 3 to 6 months old, he can't do that, so you should call the doctor if your baby hits or exceeds the temperatures above. At 7 months of age and older, it's okay to wait until the temperature reaches 103 (taken rectally) to call the doctor. Regardless, it's always appropriate to call your baby's doctor if you're worried.

Also call if the fever is accompanied by any of the following: difficulty breathing, appearance of small purple-red spots or large purple blotches on the skin, loss of appetite, inability to swallow, excessive drooling, lethargy, a glossy-eyed or otherwise unusual appearance, or delirious, irritable, or otherwise unusual behavior. In children between 6 months and 5 years of age, fever can also trigger febrile seizures — a benign though frightening experience. Mention these and any other symptoms to your doctor when you call.

What should I do to bring my baby's fever down?
Try removing layers of clothing, giving him a lukewarm tub or sponge bath, or letting him rest in a cool (not cold) room. Prevent dehydration by breast- or bottle-feeding frequently.

If these steps don't bring relief, call your baby's doctor to see whether medication is in order. If it is, be sure to ask what dosage is appropriate at your baby's age — the safe amount is based on your baby's weight, which changes frequently. Make sure never to give more than the recommended dosage at the appropriate intervals. If high doses are required to keep your baby's fever down, you might want to alternate ibuprofen and acetaminophen (which lets you give medicine more often without risking an overdose). Keep both in your medicine cabinet, just in case. Remind the doctor if your baby is on any other medication, and never give a baby aspirin, which can cause Reye's syndrome in a child with a fever.

More important than the fever itself is how your child feels overall. If he's eating, sleeping, and playing well, then he probably doesn't need treatment or medical attention. When it comes to fever, trust your intuition as much as your thermometer.

source: babycenter

Your 7-month-old: Week 2

How your baby's growing:
By now, you may have already told your baby that the telephone isn't a toy, or that rattles aren't for throwing, or that her sister's hair isn't for pulling. At this age, your baby may begin testing your authority by refusing to follow your simple directions. She's not really being disobedient or willful — just curious.

Keep in mind that she simply can't remember things you tell her for more than a couple of seconds at a time. The best tactic is to use a simple "no" and then distract her.

• Learn more fascinating facts about your 7-month-old's development.

Your life: Treating yourself well

Being responsible for a tiny creature 24/7 or rushing from work to baby can be rattling. A few midway-through-the-first-year reminders:

Stay healthy. Don't skimp on your own nutrition — whether or not you've lost your pregnancy weight. Avoid caffeine and alcohol: Their stimulating and calming effects are only temporary and wind up making you feel worse later. Do some moderate exercise several times a week, even if it's just walking after parking your car a little farther from work. Allow yourself plenty of sleep, including naps if possible. And wash your hands a lot and avoid touching your eyes to prevent catching a cold, especially if your baby has much contact with other children.

Get out. Enjoy some fresh air by taking a walk or gardening. Your baby is still small and portable, so take advantage of this before she's a toddler on the go. Venture out on your own, too: Arrange an excursion with a friend or your partner for a little adult conversation, or treat yourself to another activity you miss.

Pamper yourself. Splurge on a massage, a facial, a manicure, or whatever makes you feel special. A nice long bath can do wonders, too.

Get centered. Consider yoga, a stretching class, deep breathing, or other relaxation exercises.

3 questions about: Anemia

What is anemia?
Anemia is a condition that occurs when the body's red blood cells contain a decreased amount of hemoglobin (a red pigment that delivers oxygen to the tissues and carts away the waste material, carbon dioxide).

Anemia has many causes, including nutritional deficiencies, genetic disorders, medications, infections, and chronic diseases. The most common cause of anemia in babies is iron deficiency, due to insufficient iron in your baby's diet, an inability to properly absorb iron from food, or ongoing blood loss (in the intestinal tract, for instance).

Some kinds of anemia are inherited, such as the serious disorder sickle cell anemia, which is caused by abnormal hemoglobin. Sickle cell anemia is most common in African Americans.

Although premature babies are often anemic from birth, full-term babies are born with extra iron stores. Over the first six months of life, their iron levels decrease and must be replaced. Sometime between 9 and 13 months, your child's hemoglobin level will be checked during a well-baby visit to screen for anemia.

What are the symptoms of anemia?
Symptoms include fatigue, irritability, loss of appetite, and paleness of the lips, skin, and membranes of the eyes and mouth, and under the fingernails. More serious effects include breathing difficulties, heart problems, permanent physical and mental problems, and an increased susceptibility to lead poisoning.

If a blood test confirms that your baby's iron levels are too low, her doctor may recommend dietary changes or an iron supplement. Store iron supplements safely and follow directions for giving them carefully, as an iron overdose is very dangerous.

How can I prevent anemia in my baby?
You can prevent or treat the type of anemia caused by iron deficiency by making sure that your baby gets enough iron. What to do:
• Determine whether your baby is at high risk for anemia. Risk factors include premature birth or low birth weight, inadequate iron in your own diet if you're breastfeeding, or a lack of iron-fortified formula in a formula-fed baby's diet. If you're concerned, ask your baby's doctor whether it would be a good idea to adjust her diet or add a supplement.

• Breastfeed your baby for as long as you can. Breast milk contains a special form of iron that's more easily absorbed than the iron in other foods.

• Don't feed your baby cow's milk before age 1. Cow's milk is low in iron and can irritate the lining of your baby's intestines, causing tiny losses of iron over time.

• Feed your baby iron-fortified cereal, and starting around 8 months, introduce other foods rich in iron like beans, spinach, egg yolks, and lean meats, poultry, and fish.

• Give your baby foods rich in vitamin C to help iron absorption. Some good choices: red bell peppers, papaya, cantaloupe, broccoli, strawberries, and oranges.

source: babycenter

Your 6-month-old's development: Week 4

Bouncing baby

Your baby can now support some of her weight on her legs, and she loves to bounce — something that can strengthen her muscles for walking later on. Hold her under her arms and help her stand up on the floor or on your lap.

You may need to help her start moving by lifting her off the ground (or your lap) but once she starts, just watch her go! Be ready for lots of giggles.

Handy skills

Your baby's fine motor skills are coming along. By now she can probably scoop things up with one hand and transfer an object from one hand to the other fairly easily. Fine motor skills involve small, precise thumb, finger, hand, and wrist movements and are used for actions like picking up things between the thumb and finger.

Gross motor skills are required for activities like crawling, which use large muscles such as those in the arm, leg, or feet or the entire body. To encourage your baby's development of these skills, place a toy just out of your baby's reach and watch her try to get it. If she cries because she can't quite reach it, give her encouragement — but not the toy. She's just venting frustration and will become more physically confident more quickly if you don't make everything easy for her.

After a few tries, she'll be able to lean forward to grab the toy and then straighten herself again. Before long, she'll be rocking back and forth on her hands and knees or maybe creeping (pushing herself around on her belly) or even repeatedly rolling over to move about the room. Help her move around easily by dressing her in loose, comfortable clothes.

Your baby's also showing an interest in small parts and the details of the objects around her. Her ways of exploring are growing beyond banging and gumming, although those are still part of every toy interaction. As she explores, be sure to keep buttons, coins, safety pins, balloons, rocks, and other choking hazards out of reach.

Fun friends

At this age, babies tend to gravitate toward stuffed animals, big and small. One might even become your baby's favorite security object. If so, it'll soon be covered in drool and accompanying you everywhere. Don't worry: A "transitional object" like this can be a sign of emerging independence as your little one learns to separate herself from you and depend on herself — slowly but surely.

When adding new members to your plush family, look for soft, well-stitched toys. Other good playthings include balls, nesting cylinders, pop-up toys, and large dolls.

One way to tell if your baby has a favorite plaything or two is by trying to remove it from her. You may now find her protesting loudly when you take something away.

If your baby insists on sleeping with a favorite friend, make sure it's small — your baby could use a larger one as a stepping stool to climb out of her crib or it could impair her breathing if it's too close to her face.

Remember, your baby is an individual

All babies are unique and meet milestones at their own pace. Developmental guidelines simply show what your baby has the potential to accomplish — if not right now, then soon. If your baby was premature, keep in mind that kids born early usually need a bit more time to meet their milestones. If you have any questions at all about your baby's development, ask your healthcare provider.

source: babycenter

Your 6-month-old: Week 4

How your baby's growing:

At this age, babies tend to gravitate toward stuffed animals, big and small. One might even become your baby's favorite security object. If so, it'll soon be covered in drool and accompanying you everywhere. Don't worry: A "lovey" like this can be a sign of emerging independence as your little one learns to separate from you and slowly but surely becomes more independent.

When adding new members to your plush family, look for soft, well-stitched toys. Other good playthings include balls (nothing small enough to fit in the mouth), nesting cylinders, pop-up toys, and large dolls.

One way to tell if your baby has a favorite plaything or two is by trying to take it away. You may now hear a loud protest when you remove anything your baby really wants.

• Learn more fascinating facts about your 6-month-old's development.

Your life: Handling grandparents with grace

New grandparents mean well. They really do. They just tend to mean well a little too much sometimes.

Try not to react too defensively or judgmentally if your parents or in-laws criticize your parenting style, dispense unwanted advice, or otherwise try to influence your choices for raising your baby. Being confident in your own parenting skills will make these unsolicited opinions easier to handle. They may have more years of parenting experience than you do, but you and only you are the parent of this particular child, a fact you can (and may need to) gently remind them of.

By the same token, the wisdom of their experience can be useful. Thank them for their input even as you graciously and clearly stick to your position, if it works better for you right now.

As for spoiling, that's just the job of a grandparent. Your baby won't suffer from being held and loved, unless the extra attention routinely interferes with feeding and sleeping practices you've set up. Excessive gift-giving is sometimes a source of consternation for parents, but grandparents usually do this out of genuine love and generosity. If there are strings attached, they're only as manipulating as you let them be. When you really object to something, remember to start your response on a positive note. Thank the grandparents for their largesse and, if you feel you need to, kindly explain what you'd prefer for your baby.

3 questions about: Vegetarian diets for babies

Is it okay to feed my baby a vegetarian diet?
Yes. Your baby can get all the vitamins, minerals, and protein she needs from a nutritious, balanced vegetarian diet. In fact, feeding her that way comes fairly naturally at this stage: A 6-month-old still derives most of her nutrients from breast milk or formula, and the first solid foods you should introduce, after cereal, are mashed or strained fruits and vegetables.

Anything I should watch out for?
A balanced diet is critical for any baby, but particularly if she's skipping a meal here and there. She'll need protein, which fuels the ability grow and heal, so with a meatless diet you'll need to make an effort to include alternative sources. Let your baby's doctor know whether you plan to further limit your baby's diet to a vegan one — that is, one that doesn't include eggs or dairy products — because you'll need to take special care that she gets enough of certain nutrients, including vitamins B12 and D, riboflavin, calcium, and zinc. A vegan diet is especially low in iron, so you should make sure she gets iron-rich foods like whole grains, fortified cereals, and leafy greens such as spinach.

What are some good vegetarian sources of protein and other nutrients?
Alternatives to meat and poultry that are appropriate for a baby eating solid foods are cottage cheese, tofu, beans (well cooked and mashed), enriched whole grains (bread, pasta, rice, and cereal), yogurt, and cheese. Make sure to offer foods in bite-size pieces.

source: babycenter

Your 6-month-old's development: Week 3

Stimulating his senses

Your baby uses all of his senses to explore and learn about his world. Make sure he has lots of safe things around to touch, mouth, and manipulate. He'll love squishing a soft rubber ball, patting a piece of fake fur, gnawing a chilled teething ring, and hearing a bell jingle inside a stuffed animal.

An interesting thing to do: Gather different fabrics and place them next to each other on the floor. Watch your baby's expression as he moves over the varying textures.

Getting a kick out of story hour

Looking at books together will improve your baby's language skills and prime him for a lifelong love of reading. It doesn't matter what type of book you choose. Board books are colorful and sturdy, and books that have pop-up pictures or textured illustrations are also very popular.

Your baby won't have the dexterity to open a book or even flip pages until he's between about 9 and 12 months, and he might not yet have the patience to sit still while you read him a story, but don't give up. No matter what your child's age, reading provides a great opportunity for cuddling and socializing.

Finger foods

Starting now, your baby will probably let you know that he's ready to try eating finger foods by grabbing the spoon you're feeding him with or snatching food off your plate. Scatter four or five pieces of finger food onto your baby's highchair tray or an unbreakable plate. (A highchair — not reclined in a car seat or stroller — is the place to eat to reduce choking hazards.)

Your baby may have a good appetite but not many teeth, so start with foods that he can gum or that will dissolve easily in his mouth. As he grows you'll be able to give him bite-size pieces of whatever you're eating.

Remember that your baby's also learning about texture, color, and smell, so try to offer a variety of foods. Some finger food favorites: O-shaped toasted oat cereal; small chunks of banana or other very ripe, peeled fruit like mango, plum, pear, peach, cantaloupe, or seedless watermelon; small cubes of tofu; well-cooked pasta spirals, cut into pieces; thin cheese strips or very small chunks of cheese; cut-up seedless grapes or cherries (pits removed); blueberries; and small soft pieces of cooked vegetables, like carrots, peas, zucchini, potato, or sweet potato.

Remember, your baby is an individual

All babies are unique and meet milestones at their own pace. Developmental guidelines simply show what your baby has the potential to accomplish — if not right now, then soon. If your baby was premature, keep in mind that kids born early usually need a bit more time to meet their milestones. If you have any questions at all about your baby's development, ask your healthcare provider.

source: babycenter