Continue breast milk (or iron-fortified formula) for first year.

 

     Serve finger foods and soft table foods, letting child feed self.

 

     Begin to serve water or juice from a cup. Limit juice to 2-4 ounces per day.

 

     Allow time for baby to touch and play with food.

 

     Make mealtime happy and calm. Smile and talk to baby.

 

     Do not put baby to bed with bottle.

 

     No egg whites or honey during the first year.

 

     Do not give nuts, peanut butter, popcorn, hot dogs, celery or carrot sticks, whole grapes or raisins until age 3-4 years.

 

     Do not add salt or sugar to baby’s foods.

 

     Avoid “mixed” baby dinners.

 

     Do not use a microwave to heat bottle or food as “hot spots” might develop.

 

 

 

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      Properly secure car seat (rear facing) in back seat.

 

      Safety-proof home: Cover outlets; keep cords out of reach; and keep medicines, vitamins, cleaning products, bleaches, detergents and gasoline out of reach.

 

      Never leave a child alone in a car — not even for a minute.

 

      Do not leave baby alone with young sibling or pet.

 

      Keep plastic bags, balloons, marbles and sharp objects away from baby.

 

      Always use the safety straps on a high chair. Never leave baby alone while in high chair.

 

      Use safety gates at top/bottom of stairs. Be sure screens are secure on windows.

 

      Do not leave baby unattended in bath.

 

      Do not use infant walker at any age.

 

      Avoid direct sun exposure – use sun screen and a broad-brimmed hat.

 

      Empty buckets, tubs and kiddie pools immediately after use.

 

 

 

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      Transfer objects from hand to hand

 

      Have difficulty separating from mom/dad

 

      Sit and crawl

 

      Bang objects together

 

      Say syllables

 

      May show fear of strangers

 

      Pull to stand

 

      Feed self

 

      Watch objects fall

 

 

Please remember: All children grow and develop differently.

Contact your health care provider if you have concerns about your infant.

 

 

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      Eating with the family at least once a day

 

      Doing things with family (zoo, park, walks, etc.)

 

      Space to explore (Get down on their level to see if the area is safe.)

 

      Pots and pans     

 

      Objects to drop

 

      Playing peek-a-boo

 

      Music — listening to soft music and being sung to

 

      Putting objects in containers

 

      Water toys

 

      Voices — being read and talked to

 

 

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      A well-child exam is due at 9 months of age.

      Learn how to take your baby’s temperature correctly — rectally or under the arm.  Temperature should not be taken by mouth until 4 years of age.

      Reinforce/reward good behavior. Praise more than criticize.

      Establish simple rules and set limits by using distraction or separating baby from the object.

      NEVER hit or spank.

 

      Establish and maintain a regular sleep schedule that includes a bedtime routine.

 

      Teach comforting techniques by giving an object that soothes baby, such as a blanket or special toy.

 

      Avoid circumstances in which baby has too many restrictions. Place breakable items out of reach.

 

      Teething: expect discomfort, chewing on fingers/toys with increased drooling; thumb sucking is common.

 

      Clean baby’s gums with a clean, wet washcloth.

 

      Do not give any medications or herbal remedies without health care provider’s advice.

 

      Know CPR and first aid.

 

      Wash adult’s and baby’s hands after diapering.

 

 

 

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    Learn ways to express anger appropriately. Know when and where to ask for help. Remember that asking for help is a sign of strength.

 

    Set time aside for older siblings to decrease any resentment toward baby.  Include them in baby’s care and entertainment.

 

    Take some time for yourself and spend some one-on-one time with your partner.

 

    Show baby, in a loving way what is okay and what is not okay to do.

 

    If choosing child care, know and look for signs of high quality (www.qualistar.org).

 

    Look for child care that supports breastfeeding.

 

    Talk with employer about having a private place to use breast pump.

 

 

 

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      NEVER shake a baby or young child.

 

      Asking for help when you are stressed is a sign of strength. Know when and where to call for support.

 

      All family members should use seatbelts.

 

      Keep a smoke free environment; never smoke in the home or car or allow anyone else to.

 

      Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors monthly; change batteries yearly.

 

 

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