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
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