Physical Development

When the moment comes to introduce your baby to solid food, put a drop cloth under the high chair and have the camera ready--it's a priceless moment. Most pediatricians recommend starting with iron-fortified rice cereal, or another whole-grain cereal such as barley or oatmeal (avoid wheat products, which can trigger allergic reactions). Dilute cereal to a thin paste with formula or breast milk, and feed your little one with a rubber-coated spoon. The first time out, don't expect him to ingest more than half a teaspoon or so--the rest will end up coating his face, hair, and hands. After he's had cereal for three to five days, you can slowly start adding additional first foods, such as mashed bananas, applesauce, and pureed carrots. Wait at least three days before introducing each new food to pinpoint allergic reactions.

Social Development

Music hath charms to soothe the savage beast, and there's no beast more savage than a cranky baby. Children of all ages are quieted by music, and studies show that babies who are sung to early in their lives tend to speak and read slightly earlier than others. In addition to singing, musical mobiles and music boxes provide endless fascination for babies at this stage.

For a wonderful game, combine listening to musical sounds--such as a ringing bell, piano, or chiming clock--with trying to imitate them. Show baby how to turn the bell or hit different keys to produce different tones. Some babies are acoustically sensitive, and can imitate sounds with nearly perfect pitch. This combination of sensitivity and tone production is the foundation of good musicianship, so be sure to encourage your little Mozart if he has it.

Intellectual Development

As your child spends more time playing on his own, he may start getting attached to one or more of his toys. He will cry when it is taken away, preferring to carry it around and even sleep with it. This early attachment is the precursor of the blanket, pillow, stuffed animal, or other security blanket that he may drag around starting at 9 or 10 months. These objects, each a substitute for you, help in the transition to independence and make separations easier.

Note: The information above offers general guidelines, but all babies develop differently, and few hit their milestones precisely when the conventional wisdom says they should. If your child was born prematurely, you may want to use your due date as a baseline for following baby's development.