SAFETY ISSUES

Continue safe car seat use. Read instructions for proper installation. Here are some general guidelines:
Place seat in the middle of the back seat, rear facing (until at least 12 months of age, regardless of weight).
Use the "H" or "I" clip if you have a retractable shoulder harness.
Place, baby on his or her BACK for sleeping.
Always keep a hand on your baby when lying on a changing table, bed or sofa.
Install and test your smoke detector in or near your baby’s room
Childproof your home (poisons, medicines, guns, plastic bags, sharp objects, cords, outlets, cigarettes, hot liquids, latches on cabinets).
Obtain your local Poison Control Center’s phone number and keep it on hand
Do not use baby walkers. They are associated with serious injuries. The only acceptable substitute is a non-moving play station that baby can sit in.
Do not keep 5 gallon buckets in your home (to prevent drowning).
Avoid choke hazards (peanuts, popcorn, hard candy, whole grapes, raisins, carrot sticks, small toy pieces).

YOUR BABY SHOULD…

Respond to his or her name.
Continue to babble and understand the meaning of a few words.
Crawl or scoot, sit up, and possibly start cruising or walking (9-15 months).
Shake and throw objects, often putting objects in mouth.
Pick up small objects in palm of hand, starting to oppose thumb with index finger.
Get his or her first tooth within next 3 months (if not already).
Have bowel movements at least once every 3 days if formula fed, once every week if breast-fed.

Hold, cuddle and rock baby.
Talk (in adult manner) and sing regularly to baby.
Continue to read books to baby.
Play pat a cake and peek-a-boo with baby.
Use distraction as a discipline tool.
Limit the number of rules, but be consistent with them.
Have a bedtime routine and put baby to bed awake.
Offer comfort objects (stuffed animals, blanket).
Spend time alone with your partner - one of the best things you can do for your baby is to maintain a quality relationship with your partner.

GO TO 6-9 MONTHS GO TO 12 MONTHS