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DEVELOPMENT

Daily Activities

Adores playing with balls, rattles, and squeaky toys
Sleeping longer stretches
Usually begins teething
May enjoy playing with food
Loves games like “peek-a-boo,” and “patty cake”
Your baby should be able to sit up with some support of the back

Language Development

Babbles and squeals using single syllables
Loves to jabber
May recognize own name

Emotional Development

Displays strong attachment for mother
May show sharp mood changes
Smiles at other children
Intrigued with mirrors

Sleep

Your baby may not want to be put to bed
A favorite blanket or stuffed animal may make it easier
Be calm and consistent

FEEDING

Your baby still needs breast milk or infant formula to continue healthy growth. Continue to explore new foods. Remember to strive for three meals a day as this will help you later. Also, we encourage introducing meats twice a day. Do not introduce eggs until 12 months of age.

SAFETY TIPS

Never leave your child alone, except in a crib.
Avoid using walkers as they may cause injuries.
Be cautious of staircases.
Avoid choking hazards and suffocation.
Never allow smoke near your baby.
Use an approved infant car safety seat. Follow instructions for proper installation. Parents should wear seat belts to set good example.
Now is a safe time to begin applying sunscreen (avoids the eyes!).
Never eat, drink, or carry anything hot while you are holding the baby.
Consider installing baby gates as needed.

NO WORRIES

Each child is unique. It is therefore difficult to describe exactly what should be expected at each stage of a child’s development. While certain behaviors and physical milestones tend to occur at certain ages, a wide spectrum of growth and behavior for each age is normal. These guidelines are offered as a way of showing a general progression through the developmental stages rather than as fixed requirements for normal development at specific ages. It is perfectly natural for a child to attain some milestones earlier and others later as they continue to grow and learn.