Archives for November 2007

Physical skills: Your baby is probably crawling or scooting around the floor. Help him build strong muscles and improve his balance. Build a mountain for him to climb by piling pillows on the floor. Encourage him to crawl over the mountain. Sit on the floor with your baby so you can help steady him as he climbs. Social skills: Sing songs with your baby. Borrow … [Read more...] about Games for Skill Building

Your baby depends on you to teach him about his world. He needs to learn about things that hurt him and about those that hurt other people. He learns by exploring his world—with all his senses. He touches, tastes, smells, hears and sees. This exploring sometimes leads to trouble. For example, Jarvis wants to touch and taste the coat button he sees under … [Read more...] about Guiding Your Baby

Babies need to go to the doctor often, even when they are well. They get shots to keep them from catching diseases. They get a physical exam to see how they are growing. If a problem is found, your doctor will suggest what to do. Taking care of small problems now will often keep them from becoming big problems later. Doctor visits are also a good time to learn … [Read more...] about Your Baby’s Nine-Month Checkup

Children learn through play, and your nine-month-old is ready to learn. Try some of these activities to help him learn about his world while you both have fun. Read pictures. Share pictures, magazines and the newspaper with your baby. Point to and name things, actions, colors and people. You might, for example, look at a colorful ad. Point to the girl, boy, stove, radio, lawn … [Read more...] about Games for Learning

Electrical cords: Cords invite pulling and tripping. Secure the cords along the base of the wall with clips or tape. Electrical outlets: Cover outlets with plastic plug inserts available at the grocery or hardware store. Blind cords: Mini blinds and drapes often have long cords. Tie these up, out of your baby’s reach. Lead paint: Wooden trim in older buildings is … [Read more...] about Other Possible Hazards Need Special Attention