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