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Away We Go!
Walking!
Baby is walking with the help of a coffee table, couch, wall, or even your two fingers. It's all part of beginning to walk independently, like you do. In fact, around this age your baby is probably imitating all kinds of grown-up actions. Even his first words are ones he's picked up from others around him: "Done!" "No!" "Mine!" "More!". He's probably eating by chewing and mashing with his gums, so he's ready for chunkier foods and finger foods.
Mimics parents' mealtime behavior, Uses words or sounds to express the desire for specific foods, Develops "stranger shyness", Enjoys playing next to other children, Good mobility, Walks with assistance, Stands alone, Uses fingertips to pick up small objects, Reaches out with arms to receive an object from someone else, Can put things together and take them apart
Next time you put your baby in the highchair, watch his hands. Does he pick up little bites in-between his thumb and forefinger? Or does he play with his spoon, waving or banging it. Or does he place a bite on the spoon before the spoon goes in his mouth? These are all important feeding milestones in your child's development.
Letting your little one feed himself gives him a sense of control over what he eats and when. And because he's in control, he may enjoy mealtime more and be more willing to try a variety of foods.
Just as it's natural for your baby to progress through these feeding phases, it's natural for him to become more independent. To encourage that independence, watch for these cues and be ready with the right foods—like Gerber Graduates. They're sized, shaped and made especially for little ones just beginning to feed themselves.
By the end of her first year, your baby will begin to communicate what she wants by pointing, crawling or gesturing toward her target. She'll also imitate many of the gestures she sees adults make as they talk. This nonverbal communication is only temporary until she learns how to phrase her questions in words. Coos, gurgles and screeches of earlier months are now giving way to recognizable syllables, like "ba," "da," "ga" and "ma." Don't be surprised if your child accidentally stumbles on words such as "mama" and "bye-bye." It often happens. And when you get excited, she'll realize she's said something meaningful. Before long she'll start using those words to attract your attention.
Now that your baby understands more, conversations can take on a new significance. Talk to your child as much as possible. Tell her what's happening around her, especially as you bathe, change, or feed her. Make your language simple, consistent, and specific. Baby may not always understand what you're telling her, but she's learning that communication is two-way and that she's welcome to join in.
Nutrition
Toys
Teething
Baby Foods
Bottles
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