Routine vaccine(s):
- Hepatitis B #3
Download: CDC Recommended Immunizations for Children from Birth Through 6 Years Old
Health
Do not put a bottle of breast milk or formula in the crib with your baby. All of these contain sugar and will cause cavities if they are in contact with the teeth while sleeping. If you must put a bottle in the crib, fill it with water only.
Feeding
You may introduce small bites of soft, easily chewed foods, such as cooked vegetables, noodles, crackers, fruits or lunchmeats. Some babies are ready for this and some are not. If your baby spits these foods out or starts to gag on them, try again in a week or two.
Avoid foods that may cause an allergic reaction if given to your child before 12 months of age. These include eggs, nuts and nut products, milk and dairy products, strawberries, shellfish, wheat and soy.
Avoid foods that may be easily choked on. These include hot dogs, raw apples, raw carrots, grapes, nuts, stringy foods, large chunks, popcorn, raisins and hard candy.
Do not give honey until after 12 months.
Continue giving your baby breast milk or iron-fortified formula until 12 months.
Continue letting your baby practice with a sippy cup.
Safety
This is the age where most babies are mobile through crawling, scooting, rolling, cruising or walking. BABY PROOF YOUR HOUSE! Get on your hands and knees and crawl around to see what is at their eye-level.
Keep doors closed. Put locks on cabinets and drawers that contain cleaners, beauty products, sharp objects or breakable objects. Secure furniture so it cannot tip over onto your infant. Use electric outlet covers.
If you haven’t done so already, adjust your hot water heater to 120 degrees. Put locks on your toilets or keep your bathroom doors closed.
Your baby will soon be moving around the house. Use gates at stairways and doors. Cover sharp-edged corners on furniture. Do not let cords or tablecloths hang off of furniture. Keep small chokable objects picked up.
Do not drink hot beverages while holding your child, or leave them on the table or counter edges, where they can spill onto an infant below.
Remove crib bumpers and mobiles from the crib and lower the crib mattress as your infant will soon be crawling around and pulling up to stand.
Even if your infant has reached 20 pounds, he or she must remain in a rear-facing car seat until 2 years of age.
Never leave your infant alone in the bathtub or sink.
Development
Babies at this age are learning to crawl, scoot, roll, cruise or walk. They are starting to learn social games, such as pat-a-cake, peek-a-boo and bye-bye. They enjoy exploring toys, hearing music and looking at picture books.
May prefer eating with their hands rather than being fed. This allows them to discover the texture, smell and consistency of food. It’s natural for them to be messy and drop food-spread newspapers under the high chair or just plan on cleaning the floor afterwards.
Common words are ma-ma, da-da, hi, no, ba-ba, or something similar.
Infants at this age are starting to show a range of emotions, including frustration and anger. This is normal and is their only way to express themselves since they cannot talk yet. If your infant is upset or having a tantrum, try to remedy the problem or distract them with a toy or other object. They are too young to comprehend discipline at this age.
