Your 9-month-old: Week 1

How your baby's growing:

Because of separation anxiety, this can be a tough time to be away from your baby for any length of time. But it may also be hard to travel with your baby right now. He's become used to his surroundings and familiar faces, and he likes predictability. So being on the road can disrupt his sense of security and routine, especially when visiting a new place or meeting lots of strangers.

At this age he doesn't grasp the concept of travel, but he'll realize he's in an unfamiliar place. Be ready for some cranky, clingy behavior and prepare plenty of distractions — picture books, noise-making toys, nesting blocks, hand puppets, and definitely his lovey, if he has one. Schedule plenty of downtime away from all the strangers to let him decompress.

• Learn more fascinating facts about your 9-month-old's development.

Your life: Healthy snacking

Snacking can be as critical for busy parents as it is for growing babies. Some ideas for keeping it healthy:

Have 'em on hand. When you organize the diaper bag for an outing, consider packing nutritious, easy-to-carry snacks for yourself so they're right within reach. Always have your kitchen stocked with healthy, portable foods: That way you won't have to stop and reinvent the wheel before every nibble or, worse, resort to the vending machine or fast food.

Chew on these. Some great choices: low-fat granola bars, energy bars, fresh fruit, whole-grain cereal or crackers with cheese, raw vegetables (plain or with a hummus dip), cups of yogurt, baked chips and salsa. Blend fresh or frozen fruit, milk, and yogurt together for a nutrient-packed, satisfying shake.

Limit caffeine. This is particularly important if you're breastfeeding. Drink plenty of water — plain, fizzy, or fortified — to keep hydrated, or make your own "designer water" by adding a splash of fruit juice or a twist of lemon or orange. Herbal teas, hot or iced, come in countless refreshing flavors.

3 questions about: The common cold

What should I do if my baby catches a cold?
A common cold really is common: Most children have eight to ten colds in their first two years of life. A cold is generally more of a nuisance than a serious hazard for an older baby. Your chief job is to keep him comfortable so his body can fight the virus and recover. To help your baby feel better:
• Allow him plenty of rest. He may need to nap longer than usual or take an extra nap.
• Place a few towels or a crib wedge under the end of his mattress to elevate his head a little and make breathing easier.
• Give him a warm bath.
• Keep him hydrated with breast milk, formula, or water.
• Use over-the-counter saline drops and a rubber bulb syringe to loosen and remove mucus from his nose.
• Put a humidifier or cool-mist vaporizer in his room, or bring him with you into a steamy bathroom or shower for about 15 minutes to help clear his breathing passages.

Consult with your baby's doctor before giving cold medicine or using nasal sprays. Never give your baby aspirin, ephedra, or ephedrine, or any medicines containing these ingredients. You can give infant acetaminophen or ibuprofen for a fever, but it's important to determine the appropriate dosage first. If you're not sure how much to give, call your doctor, and always be sure to read the label to make sure you know what form of the medicine you're giving. Our acetaminophen dosage chart can help.

When should I call the doctor?
Call if symptoms worsen after five days or if they last more than ten to 14 days. Call if your baby starts wheezing, has trouble breathing, persistently cries during feedings or when being put down to sleep, constantly tugs at his ear, or has a rectal temperature over 101 degrees Fahrenheit (38.3 degrees Celsius).

How can I prevent colds?
Wash your hands and your baby's hands regularly, and ask others to wash their hands before holding your baby. Keep him away from sick people and smokers. If you breastfeed, continuing to do so for as long as possible can reduce the odds of colds.

source: babycenter