Baby Fact Sheet 13-18 months

When I was pregnant I read everything I could get my hands on about a) being pregnant, b) the birth process, and c) the early stages of infancy, so that I would be prepared.  After giving birth I read (and still read) everything I can get my hands on about a) what to expect at various stages, b) "how to" books (for raising happy/well-adjusted/green children), c) nutrition books for babies/toddlers, and d) various parenting magazines I've received, mostly for free.

I started jotting down important tidbits, tearing sheets from the magazines, compiling all of the information I thought pertinent to raising a wee one.  And being a list-maker and an organizer, I made these "fact sheets" by age, so that when my baby reached the target age I could pull it out and re-read all the information that I had collected relevant to that age.

By no means am I an expert on parenting, but much of this came from experts through my reading/research.  Take it or leave it, but I thought since I'd compiled it I'd share it.  On that note - if anyone has information they feel is important, I'd love for you to share it in the comments section!

I am copying this from a word document - if you decide to use it, you could simply paste it back into one and print it (this is the last in the series).  I have continued to collect information beyond this age, but what I've done is create a series of file folders labeled by age (1, 2, 3 year olds, etc.) and when I jot something down or tear out a magazine article I want to remember, I tuck it into the age-appropriate folder to pull out when she reaches that age.  I have found, as I parent, that I do not always take the advice in these sheets, as will you.  Modify and learn and practice as you go, but this was a good starting point for me.

INTERACTION

• If baby isn’t pointing by 16 months, talk to pediatrician.


• Dropping/throwing objects is part of learning cause and effect.  Teach baby what he can/cannot throw, and where it’s okay (outside, not from high chair).


• Engage in back and forth conversation instead of just talking to baby (ex. That’s a leaf.  Want to touch it?)


• Use positive reinforcement to encourage good behavior.


• Don’t scold baby when she makes a mess, or label (ex. Little troublemaker) – this squelches her confidence.


• Point out objects constantly – talk to baby as much as possible.


• Point, wave and gesture a lot.


• When read to baby, ask him questions about the story.


• Don’t rush to correct baby when she makes verbal mistakes.


• Start doing much less for baby to encourage independence; let him experience some frustration while he figures things out.


• Encourage baby to help you dress him.


•  “Help” clean – give spray bottle with water and a rag and let clean floor while you clean house.


• When toddler is upset, talk about it (label his feelings and give them a reason) – “I know you are upset that I have to change your diaper, but if we don’t you will get a rash and it will hurt.”

PLAY

• Let baby play by self independently while you do household chores.


• Needs exposure to other kids/play groups.


• Transport house into maze with pillows, chairs with blankets draped over, etc.


• Play dress-up.


• Give yogurt/pudding and a silicone basting brush to “paint” with on high chair tray.


• Tape paper to table/floor and give chunky crayons or finger paint.


• Play outside (or inside!) and ask questions that engage senses – “What does the soil feel like?  What does the flower smell like?  Is the pebble smooth?  Does it make a sound if you drop it on the driveway?”  The more she uses her senses, the more she’ll become a trained observer.


• Play in the tub and learn about buoyancy, volume, gravity, cause and effect, etc.


• Pretend play – let kiddo take the lead in whatever he’s interested in.  Don’t always guide play, but be a willing participant and do what interests your child, to help him feel that he’s important.


• Songs/games:


•                 If you’re happy and you know it


•                 Itsy-Bitsy Spider


•                 Pop Goes the Weasel


•                 Pat-a-cake


•                 This Little Piggy


•                 Which hand is it in?


•                 Hide objects under blankets


•                 Peek-a-boo


•                 Sort by size/color and explain


•                 Blow bubbles (outside, in bath tub)

FEEDING

• Encourage baby to use a spoon with sticky foods – rice cereal, yogurt, applesauce, mac and cheese, mashed potatoes.  Have them practice at beginning of meal when most hungry.  Don’t worry about the mess.


• Can start weaning from breast IF want – no longer the primary source of nutrition now.


• Start to incorporate 2 snacks into diet (amount may vary depending on whether still breastfeeding).

SLEEPING

• Continue with the EASY routine (Eat, Activity, Sleep, You time) – probably go through three times/day (wake in am, breakfast, activity, nap; wake, lunch, activity, nap; wake, supper, activity, bed).

• If baby is only taking 1 nap, encourage a second “rest period” in the crib, even if baby doesn’t sleep (can attach toys to crib).


• Should sleep 12-14 hours/day.


• If haven’t already, introduce a lovey to sleep with.

OTHER

• Don’t leave the TV on – this decreases baby’s attention span and inhibits interaction.


• Defiancecorrelates with increased test scores later – don’t get discouraged!


• Don’t give into temper tantrums.

HEALTH

• If not already, should be brushing regularly with water or fluoride-free paste.


• Ask doc – should take liquid omega-3 supplement (500-700 mg)?


• Don’t medicate a cold in babies/kids under 4 years old – keep the nose clear with a bulb syringe/nasal suction, steam, saline solution, honey (once 1 year old), and vapor rub.


• Schedule a dentist’s appointment.

AGE SPECIFIC INFORMATION

By 18 months should walk well and run, and should be able to name some objects.

Baby Fact Sheet 9-12 months

When I was pregnant I read everything I could get my hands on about a) being pregnant, b) the birth process, and c) the early stages of infancy, so that I would be prepared.  After giving birth I read (and still read) everything I can get my hands on about a) what to expect at various stages, b) "how to" books (for raising happy/well-adjusted/green children), c) nutrition books for babies/toddlers, and d) various parenting magazines I've received, mostly for free.

I started jotting down important tidbits, tearing sheets from the magazines, compiling all of the information I thought pertinent to raising a wee one.  And being a list-maker and an organizer, I made these "fact sheets" by age, so that when my baby reached the target age I could pull it out and re-read all the information that I had collected relevant to that age.

By no means am I an expert on parenting, but much of this came from experts through my reading/research.  Take it or leave it, but I thought since I'd compiled it I'd share it.  On that note - if anyone has information they feel is important, I'd love for you to share it in the comments section!

I am copying this from a word document - if you decide to use it, you could simply paste it back into one and print it (plus the following sheets for various ages).

INTERACTION

• Once baby can pull up, he’s ready for a sturdy push toy.


• Encourage pointing – do it yourself, and hold up objects asking baby which one she wants.  When does point, encourage it.  Point to pictures in books.


• Start adding “please” and “thank you” to your vocabulary with baby.


• Don’t always do for baby – teach her to think/act for herself.


• Needs interactions with variety of other people.  Can be adults or other kids.  Play groups are good.


• Starts to understand spoken words – narrate everything!

Ideas for play-

• Play peek-a-boo, and hide objects beneath things.


• Collect many objects and group them by color, size, shape, etc., explaining what you are doing.


• Have a treasure box – cardboard box with 4-5 toys inside, baby learns to look inside for toys.  Change toys out periodically.


• Rotate toys to keep them interesting, never have too many out at once or loses interest.


• Tie object to string – baby must pull string to bring toy closer.


• Put object on blanket – baby must pull blanket to get toy.


• Tell baby to go get a particular object – when does, praise.


• Play “which hand is it in?”


• Songs: Hickory Dickory Dock, Row Your Boat, Itsy Bitsy Spider, POP Goes the Weasel (pull up by hands on POP until begins to anticipate and jump), Ring Around the Rosy


• Roll balls back and forth


• Scatter musical toys about and have a band


• Finger paint on high chair tray with yogurt, etc.


• Bubble bath


• Blow bubbles in tub


• Stash a toy that plays music out of sight, have him find it


• Construct a block tower for baby to knock down


• Encourage to bang blocks together, clap etc.


• Act very happy/excited when baby does something to encourage it

SLEEPING

• Until 9 months, may go 3 hours between naps.  By 9 months may only need 2 naps (but may then need to go to bed earlier at night).


• Should sleep 14-15 hours/day


• May start to test you – “If I pop up in crib, they’ll come get me.”  Consistently give a quick hug and put back down so baby learns to soothe self.


• Introduce a lovey, to help with separation from you.  Use it when cuddling, reading, nursing, then put in bed with baby (something not too plush can smother on).


• Continue with the EASY routine (Eat, Activity, Sleep, You time) – may go through 3-4 times/day.

FEEDING

• Allow baby to try to feed self/hold food.


• Introduce a spoon – let baby feed self first few bites- guide spoon to food and fill, then let baby find his own mouth.  Give an extra spoon to hold while you feed with other spoon.  (Closer to 12 months)


• Make some meals out of finger foods as gets better with feeding self.


• Should be nursing 3-5 times/day and giving 3 meals/day.


• DurhamUniversityinUKshowed the longer a mammal nurses, the bigger its baby’s brain grows.  Ideal to nurse beyond year 1.

HEALTH

• Once can brush teeth, use a soft toddler brush with water or a pea-sized drop of non-flouridated toothpaste.


• Can use a soft toothbrush as a teether – helps clean teeth!


• Keep floors clean (vacuum/sweep).  Dust regularly, allow to settle, then vacuum.


• Keep choking hazards off floor.


• Air out house regularly.


• Ask doctor – need to add any vitamins?


• Have an eye exam by age 1 (between 6-12 months) by an InfantSEE doc.


• Visit dentist by age 1.


• If haven’t already – ditch pacifier.  Sooner is better, but at least by age 1.


• Don’t medicate a cold in babies/kids under 4 years old – keep the nose clear with a bulb syringe/nasal suction, steam, saline solution, honey (once 1 year old), and vapor rub.


• Should be screened for anemia by 12 months of age.

OTHER

• Don’t put on shoes until walking outside.


• Will probably show a close attachment to only 1 parent at a time.


• Discipline – “training which corrects, molds, strengthens or perfects”; it is not punishment, or control gained by forcing obedience or order

MONTH SPECIFIC INFORMATION

By 9 months, baby may sit without support and crawl on hands and knees.  Will begin to imitate sounds such as mama and bye-bye.

By 10 months learns the meaning of the word “no”, but don’t overuse.  May learn to wave goodbye.

By 11 months, start daily baths – good pre-bed ritual if want to add to that routine.

By 12 months baby may pull up to a standing position, and finger-feed himself solid foods.  Temper tantrums may begin.  Remain calm and in control.  Save forceful discipline for behavior that’s potentially dangerous or interferes with other people.  Never reward bad behavior.

Many grocery stores offer a free “smash cake” for 1 year birthday.  (Albertson’s does)

Baby Fact Sheet 5-8 months

When I was pregnant I read everything I could get my hands on about a) being pregnant, b) the birth process, and c) the early stages of infancy, so that I would be prepared.  After giving birth I read (and still read) everything I can get my hands on about a) what to expect at various stages, b) "how to" books (for raising happy/well-adjusted/green children), c) nutrition books for babies/toddlers, and d) various parenting magazines I've received, mostly for free.

I started jotting down important tidbits, tearing sheets from the magazines, compiling all of the information I thought pertinent to raising a wee one.  And being a list-maker and an organizer, I made these "fact sheets" by age, so that when my baby reached the target age I could pull it out and re-read all the information that I had collected relevant to that age.

By no means am I an expert on parenting, but much of this came from experts through my reading/research.  Take it or leave it, but I thought since I'd compiled it I'd share it.  On that note - if anyone has information they feel is important, I'd love for you to share it in the comments section!

I am copying this from a word document - if you decide to use it, you could simply paste it back into one and print it (plus the following sheets for various ages).

BABYPROOFING – should do now or soon!

• Cover all outlets.


• Move dangerous items from low cabinets up high.  Lock any cabinets don’t want baby to access.


• Secure heavy furniture over 3 feet tall.


• Cover exposed cords.


• Implement baby gates where needed.


• Move potted plants out of baby’s reach.


• Careful with stove – cover burners/knobs, careful with pot handles and knives.


• Store trashcan out of reach.


• Keep dishwasher securely closed.


• Make a baby safe zone in kitchen where he can play while you work.


• Keep floors clean (vacuum/sweep) and debris-free (from choking hazards).


• Once baby can push up on all fours, remove mobile from crib.


• If baby starts chewing on crib rail, turn it into a teether (phthalate-free Prince Lionheart Crib Rail Teether).


• Once bathing in tub, make sure it has a faucet cover.  Lower your water temperature to 120 degrees.


• Once walking, lock all doors leading outside (knob covers).  Put knob covers on bathroom doors to keep baby out.  Lock toilet lids.

INTERACTION

• Stroller rides are enjoyable for baby – she can be propped up in a seated position by now.  Should face you in stroller.


• Once can sit up on own, can implement exersaucer/walker (though many do not recommend walkers).


• Don’t hover – let baby explore independently (but keep an eye on once baby is mobile!).


• When baby “talks”, imitate her.


• Baby will put everything in her mouth – this is how he learns!  Just make sure hazardous items (can fit through toilet paper tube) are out of reach.


• Your house is baby’s laboratory in which to learn and experiment – enrich it!


• It is important that baby interacts with other people besides mom and dad – can be adults.


• Should have several hours/day outside of crib, playpen and high chair to explore – give lots of floor time.


• Needs ordinary, unstructured play for healthy brain development, confidence and self-reliance.


• A routine is comforting to baby.  Try to implement a daily schedule, such as “eat – activity – sleep”, repeat.


• Always go to baby when she cries, up through 6 months old.

Ideas for play-

• Show baby an object, have it disappear into your closed hand then reappear


• Hide toys under blankets/containers and ask “Where did it go?”


• Make a block tower and knock it down


• Sort blocks by color/size and explain what you’re doing


• Play with balls – throw them, roll them back and forth


• Sit face-to-face and name sounds: “What does a bird say?  How does a car sound?”


• If baby makes a noise, reward him by repeating it


• Pretend to go to sleep (announce it first) then wake up


• In the bath tub, give baby cups, spoons, sponges, etc to play with


• Shine a flashlight on the floor a few inches away – encourage baby to move towards


• Play outside!  Gather leaves, pinecones, etc.


• Sit baby in front of a pail/container and several toys – encourage to put toys in pails


• Give plenty of tummy time – lay on your belly across from baby a few inches apart, get his attention, do a push-up, encouraging baby to lift her head to watch you – builds neck/upper body strength


• Attach bells/rattles to a stuffed animal and use a string to attach it across the top of crib so it dangles – make it too high for baby to reach with hands but low enough to reach with feet – when baby kicks it it makes noise.  Move slightly to left or right to encourage use of both feet


• Play “peek-a-boo”, “pat-a-cake”, and “this little piggy”


• Let experiment with objects of different shapes, sizes, colors and textures – balls, blocks, cups, wooden spoons, pots and pans, etc.


• Tickle, give zerberts – make her laugh!


• Pay music and dance or bounce on knee to the beat – encourage baby to move to music


• Encourage to play with drums, xylophones, etc.

SLEEPING

• Should be napping every 2 hours, 3-4/day for first 6 months.


• From 6-8 months, may begin to go 3 hours between naps; may take 2-3 naps, 45 mins to 2 hours each.


• Should not always be napping on the go, but in crib.


• If haven’t already implemented, read to baby every night before bed as part of sleep routine.


• Should sleep 14-15 hours/day.


• ONLY give pacifier when lay down for nap/at night.  Take away when up and active/during the day.


• Continue striving for this pattern in each day: EASY – Eat, Activity, Sleep, You time (may go through this routine 4-5 times/day).

FEEDING

• Introduce solid foods at 6 months (see “feeding” handout).  Aim for 1 – 3 meals a day (by 8 mos.).


• Should be nursing 5-8 times/day (every 2-4 hours).


• Until 6 mos. May not be able to go all night without eating.  At 6 mos., gradually decrease the amount/frequency of night feedings to encourage to eat more during the day.

OTHER

• Don’t put shoes on baby until walking outside.


• Try to wean off pacifier by 4-5 months.


• Good teethers: clean wet washcloth/terrycloth toy in fridge/freezer, hard wood item, soft plastic teething ring (free of BPA, phthalates, or DBT), carrot (before have teeth and can bit pieces off)

HEALTH

• When teeth appear – wipe over them with damp cloth before bed until baby can brush.


• Keep floors clean (vacuum/sweep).  Dust regularly, allow to settle, then vacuum.


• Keep choking hazards off floor.


• Air out house regularly.


• Ask doc – need to introduce iron into diet?


• If no fluoride in our water, may need supplement at 6 months.


• Don’t medicate a cold in babies/kids under 4 years old – keep the nose clear with a bulb syringe/nasal suction, steam, saline solution, honey (once 1 year old), and vapor rub.


• Breastfed babies should be given 1 mg or iron/day for every 2 pounds baby weighs.


• Get more serious about tummy time – aim for 30 minutes/day.

MONTH-SPECIFIC INFORMATION

By end of month 5 should be twice her birth weight and gain 1 pound/month from here on until 1 year old.

By month 6 may begin to creep/crawl around on the floor.  By the end of the month may be able to sit on own.  Start to use mirrors in play – baby becomes self-aware.  Starts to develop independence – let struggle a little, while trying to reach a toy for example.  Don’t be too quick to do everything for her, let learn on own.  Starts to pick up on your tone, gestures, friendly vs. unfriendly, etc. – be careful what you say and what interactions he sees!  Baby should babble when alone, and should be reaching for objects.

At 7 months, introduce water in a sippy cup.  Use cups with straws instead of spouts (for better oral development).

At 8 months baby may start trying to pull up/stand – allow him to practice.  Starts to get into things, have accidents.  Punishment is not effective (baby is too young).  Reward positive but not negative behavior (if screams, ignore and don’t pick up until he stops).

Baby Fact Sheet 0-4 months

When I was pregnant I read everything I could get my hands on about a) being pregnant, b) the birth process, and c) the early stages of infancy, so that I would be prepared.  After giving birth I read (and still read) everything I can get my hands on about a) what to expect at various stages, b) "how to" books (for raising happy/well-adjusted/green children), c) nutrition books for babies/toddlers, and d) various parenting magazines I've received, mostly for free.

I started jotting down important tidbits, tearing sheets from the magazines, compiling all of the information I thought pertinent to raising a wee one.  And being a list-maker and an organizer, I made these "fact sheets" by age, so that when my baby reached the target age I could pull it out and re-read all the information that I had collected relevant to that age.

By no means am I an expert on parenting, but much of this came from experts through my reading/research.  Take it or leave it, but I thought since I'd compiled it I'd share it.  On that note - if anyone has information they feel is important, I'd love for you to share it in the comments section!

I am copying this from a word document - if you decide to use it, you could simply paste it back into one and print it (plus the following sheets for various ages).

SLEEPING

• Babies can sleep through noise – it helps them sleep more soundly later.


• Should nap about every 2 hours.  Naps are VERY important!


• Avoid prolonged, animated eye contact when trying to put baby down.


• Keep the bedroom between 65-70 degrees (decreases SIDS).


• Keep the room dark whenever it is sleep time (nap or night) and open windows/light it up when it’s time to wake up – this will help baby distinguish nights and days.


• Give a 15 minute bedtime massage to relax.


• Snuggle before bedtime.


• Use a fan – circulating air reduces SIDS, and provides background noise.


• Teach baby to fall asleep on his/her own.  Don’t rock or nurse all the way to sleep – put in bed sleepy but allow baby to fall asleep on own.


• Don’t allow baby to get overtired before putting to bed.


• In the morning when baby wakes, stimulate with eye contact and steady conversation – signal “the day has begun!”


• Don’t leave baby in the crib too long in morning when wide awake – want baby to associate crib with sleep, not play.


• If baby is sleeping for a longer period during the day than night, start waking from long daytime nap sooner and sooner in an attempt to reverse baby’s schedule.


• Turn baby 180 degrees in crib regularly and use mobiles and hanging objects to try to get baby to lay on all sides of head so not consistently sleeping on 1 side.


• Make a minimum of 1 nap/day a quiet nap in the crib – the others can be while out and about if needed.


• Strive for this pattern in each day: EASY – Eat, Activity, Sleep, You time (may go through this routine several times within a day when this age).

Notes on baby massage-

• Find a warm quiet room.  Make sure your hands are warm.  Optional – oil and background music.


• Start with baby lying on stomach.  Gently rub your hands back and forth on each of the following areas for 1 minute/area:

1) top of head to neck

2) neck across shoulders

3) upper back to waist

4) thigh to foot on each leg

5) shoulder to hand on each arm

• Turn baby over onto back.  Gently flex and straighten each arm and each leg while rubbing each.


• Turn baby back over to stomach and repeat first sequence.


• Only do as long as baby is enjoying – once baby seems irritable or frustrated, stop.

BONDING

• Practice “kangaroo care” – naked skin-on-skin snuggles a minimum of 1 hour/day, multiple times/week:

1) remove bra and wear a shirt that opens in front

2) put baby in a diaper only

3) place baby on your bare chest in an upright position, cover with shirt

4) lay back and relax! (don’t engage baby – this is rest time)

5) Dad should do too!

• Carry baby for 3 hours/day in your arms or a sling/carrier.

FUSSINESS

• Respond consistently and warmly to baby when he/she cries – this helps build a strong, secure attachment and independence and social skills.


• The first 3 months of life have been referred to as “the 4^th trimester” (Dr. Karp).  To soothe baby, recreate the sensations, rhythms and sounds of the uterus with the 5 S’s:

1) swaddling

2) sucking (breastfeeding or pacifier) – try to wean off pacifier by 4-5 months

3) side-lying – hold baby so laying on his/her side, with their belly/back to your belly

4) “shushing” noise

5) swinging/movement

FEEDING (FOCUS ON BREASTFEEDING)

• Put baby to the breast ASAP.


• Nurse every 2-3 hours, or 10-12 times in 24 hours.


• Milk comes in at 3-5 days, then every 24 hours baby should have about 6-8 wet and 3-5 dirty diapers.


• Allow to drain a breast – the foremilk satisfies thirst but the hindmilk is dense with calories.


• It is best to breastfeed exclusively for 6 months.  Starting solids too early has been linked to increased weight gain.


• Once breastfeeding is established (if you are), giving baby a pacifier when he/she sleeps can reduce SIDS.

INTERACTION

• Newborns can only see 8-15” in front of them – make lots of eye contact and arch your eyebrows.


• Use bright primary colors to get baby’s interest, or contrasting black and white.


• Chit-chat to baby!  ALOT!  It builds language skills.  Think out loud, and involve baby in every topic/thought.


• Begin reading to baby right away!  Read books slowly, be animated, and reread favorites often.  Choose simple books with word repetition.


• Turn conversations into “songs” (melodic, sing-song talk)- make them up as you go.


• Carry baby in your arms and walk around the house/yard, pointing out objects, sounds, smells, textures, etc.


• Sing to baby – lullabies, melodies, your favorite song off the radio – whatever!


• Speak another language to baby if you know it – this helps cognitive skills.


• Playtime is very important to baby’s development.


• Hold baby upright, your chest and belly touching with baby’s head over your shoulder, and dance to music!  Or dance with baby while you sing/hum.


• Allow playtime in nothing but the diaper, with gentle roughhousing.


• Give baby some tummy-time each day – be involved for some of it, and let baby play independently (under your supervision) for others.

OTHER

• Playing Mozart/classical music to baby (even for 10 minutes/day) is relaxing.


• Children under 2 years of age should not watch TV according to the AAP – it significantly decreases language skills and negatively affects brain development.


• The first year is THE MOST IMPORTANT for brain development.


• Give baby a daily wipedown with a wet cloth, but only needs a bath twice/week.


• Keep kids out of the pool until after first birthday to decrease the risk of ear/respiratory infections and diarrhea.  A rare swim is okay, but not regularly – keep from swallowing/inhaling water).


• Don’t put shoes on baby until walking outside.


• Use a stroller in which baby faces towards you rather than away from you – reduces anxiety.

HEALTH

• Up until 3 months of age, if baby has a temperature of 100.4 or more, call the doctor.


• From 3-6 months, call if fever is 101 or more.


• Once over 6 months, call if fever is 103 or more.


• Treat the baby, not the fever.  If baby is acting okay, let the fever run its course.  At 3 months of age, can treat with acetamenophin/ibuprofen.  Push fluids and use cool cloths if it doesn’t make baby cold/shiver.  Do not bundle baby, as this traps heat.


• Don’t medicate a cold in babies/kids under 4 years old – keep the nose clear with a bulb syringe/nasal suction, steam, saline solution, honey (once 1 year old), and vapor rub.


• Keep baby updated on vaccinations!  Much more harmful to avoid.


• Ask your pediatrician about giving baby vitamin D drops (the AAP recommends 400 IU/day; start at 2 months) and omega-3s.


• Wash your hands often.


• Dust and vacuum the house often (dust, then once it settles vacuum with a HEPA vacuum).


• Air out house regularly.


• House plants help clean/filter the air indoors.


• Be obsessive about germs for the first 2 months (have people wash their hands before holding, use hand sanitizers and sanitize public objects baby contacts), then relax!  Beware of sick people, but otherwise around the house no need to sanitize everything!


• At 4 mo. well-baby visit, ask: Breastfed babies should be given 1 mg or iron/day for every 2 pounds baby weighs.


• Move baby’s limbs through a gentle, passive workout each day – beneficial for their bones.  Once the cord falls off, start doing tummy time (may not tolerate for long at first, just do as baby will allow).

Note on vaccines-

• Do not medicate after gets vaccinations – it has been found that babies produce fewer antibodies post-vaccine when taking acetaminophen.


• Avoid thimerosal – still used in some flu shots.


• Some vaccines contain preservative aluminum – may want to limit these vaccines to 1/month and delay a bit after birth.


• If you use a delayed schedule, get the most important ones on schedule (whooping cough, meningitis, rotavirus) and delay others (hepatitis A/B, chicken pox, polio, flu).


• Parents make sure you’re updated on your vaccines!  Get the Dtap vaccine before baby is born or soon after.


• Avoid ProQuad (4-in-1 for MMR and varicella) and instead get them separate: 1 MMR and 1 pox.

Note on doctor visits-

• Avoid Monday appointments (or the first day of the week the office is open) and choose the first appointment of the day or after lunch for the shortest wait times.


• If need more than a quick in-and-out with doc, schedule a consult or extra time.


• If there are lots of sick kids in the waiting room, wait in the hall/outside.


• Bring your own toys and antiseptic wipes to avoid germy ones in the office.

MONTH-SPECIFIC INFO

By 2 months may follow a brightly colored object.  Should give you a fully alert, happy smile.  By the end of month 2 baby may lift head while lying on stomach.  By 6^th week may sleep 6 straight hours.  Start working on introducing a nighttime routine in 7^th week.  Gets a well-baby exam this month.  Should get a hearing screening if hasn’t already had one.

By 3 months may swipe at objects.  The head is less wobbly, baby can maintain a semi-seated position with help, and if you stand baby up he/she may start pushing their feet out like they are trying to bounce.  Baby can push up on his/her arms and hold her head up, and should be able to follow a moving object with his eyes.  A loud noise should startle baby.  By the end of month 3 may sleep up to 10 hours at night with occasional periods of waking.  Don’t rush in every time baby wakes – let baby learn to put self back to sleep.  Start teaching body parts and playing “This little piggy” and “Peekaboo”.  Will start chewing/biting – get teething toys!  Should have established a consistent nighttime routine by 3 months – perform it in the room where baby will sleep, and put to bed by 6:30-7:30 pm.  This should be a fixed, established bedtime until baby is 1 year of age.  If a bath is part of the bedtime routine, make it warm and soothing, and keep voices and activity low.  Should take 3-4 naps/day, 2 hours apart.  When put down for a nap, shoot for a minimum of an hour nap – if wakes before then, try to leave in crib for at least 1 hour before retrieve.  If won’t go to sleep, still try to leave for 1 hour in crib.  Can comfort during this hour, but keep activity/contact to a minimum in the hopes baby will go to sleep.  If doesn’t sleep after 1 hour, try again 2 hours later.

By 4 months may grasp objects.  By the end of the month, baby’s head may be completely under control and he/she can hold it steady.  On his/her stomach can hold the head up at a 90 degree angle, and can lift the head when lying on her/his back.  Baby is starting to roll over in one direction, can almost pull him/herself to a seated position by holding onto your fingers, and loves to be propped up in a seated position.  Baby may sleep through the night (10-11 hours) with 2-3 naps/day.  Gets a well-baby exam this month.