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Childhood Development

Milestones Ahead

From the first moments after the birth of your child, you know your life will never be the same. Your child will change from week to week-even from day to day-as he begins to notice the world around him, and to interact with it. Get a head start, and know what to expect as your baby matures.

"Teething is difficult for everybody in the family."- Mother of a 7 month old

Starting Solid Foods

Starting Solid Foods

During month seven, your baby starts moving more independently, scooting around on his belly like a tadpole, and even, perhaps, eating his first cracker. This month, find out how to:

At the end of month seven, you're baby will probably be getting his first tooth, and hitting other key milestones.

Sounds like fun – healthy play for minds and bodies

Your baby's language, recognition, and social skills are at an important stage of development.

  • Chat with your baby every time you're together
  • Expose him to a variety of sounds, and help him try to locate them
  • Imitate the sounds your baby makes, and try to get him to make those sounds back to you
  • Provide some quiet time when the radio and TV are not on
  • Read children?s books or make your own with bright pictures from magazines (Be sure to point to and name objects and people as your baby looks at them)

You may also want to make a photo album of familiar family members, and point to and name objects and people so your baby absorbs new words. He may stay interested only a few minutes at a time, but try to do this every day.

Getting his hands on "grown up" food

Once your baby can sit on her own in a high chair, mealtime becomes a party. She wants to grab the spoon, put it in her mouth, and bang it on the tray, creating her own special baby song.

Sometime in the sixth or seventh month, she may be ready to eat a cracker or dry cereal by herself. Not only does this introduce her to "grown-up" food, but it also lets her practice her fine-motor skills.
Keep in mind that even though she is eating solid foods, breast milk or formula is still her primary source of nutrition.

And remember, while it is difficult to never leave the room while your baby eats, it is important to stay with her to prevent choking or tumbles from the high chair.

Signs of discomfort – a word about teething

The average age for babies to begin teething is seven months. But each baby is different.

He may start drooling more heavily and biting on his hands. He may also develop a rash on his chin from saliva, and he may get irritable from the discomfort and inflammation of his gums. It can also keep him up at night.

You could try giving him a frozen teething ring or other teething toy, or even a frozen wet washcloth to chew on to help relieve the discomfort. You may also want to replenish your stock of bibs, and try to keep cloth diapers close by to help keep his clothes and face dry.

Kids and germs – the more they play the more they share

As your baby plays more with other babies and children, he's more likely to pick up colds and viruses.

While every baby gets these illnesses, talk with your baby's health care professional if you notice any of the following symptoms:

  • Runny nose or congestion that interferes with eating or sleeping or lasts longer than a week to 10 days
  • Cough that is associated with vomiting or that interferes with sleep
  • Wheezing
  • Unusual fatigue and crankiness
  • Diarrhea or vomiting
  • Decreased appetite
  • Fever
  • Pulling at his ears

Regular "well-baby appointments" during this time will also put your mind at ease, reassuring you that your baby is reaching developmental milestones and getting the recommended vaccinations that protect him from serious childhood illnesses.

Titration Methods

Help your child graduate to formula

Here are two recommended titration methods that will help your child switch with greater ease and enjoyment.