Physical Development

Who knew sitting up was such a challenge? While your little one has been sitting with support for several months, around now he'll finally stop using his arms (or yours) for balance. Once his hands are free, he'll be able to twist around, reach over, and pick things up. He'll also learn to sit himself up by rolling over and pushing on one side. Don't be surprised if he carefully maneuvers himself to a sitting position, then drops back down and repeats the whole process just for fun.

Social Development

Sometime in the next month, your baby may choose his first, very special friend--a blanket, teddy, or other toy that he will favor for years to come. These items are called transitional objects because they help children make the transition between dependence and autonomy. Contrary to popular belief, baby's "blankie" or bear is not a sign of insecurity or weakness. In fact, it can provide the emotional support he needs to become truly secure. It will help him sleep, reassure him when he's alone, and provide comfort when he's afraid.

You may want to help baby choose a special object--preferably something soft and cuddly that smells like home. If you can, buy two identical versions so that you can wash one without depriving him of his friend. Then make the object part of his bedtime ritual by putting it to sleep along with him.

Intellectual Development

Your child's high chair is a classroom where he learns about his environment. Examining, tasting, crumbling, squeezing, and throwing food is his favorite scientific experiment, and it teaches him valuable lessons about his world. He's learning that slippery foods (such as ripe bananas) may feel worse--but taste better--than crumbly ones; that if he throws his cup over the side, someone will inevitably pick it up; and that spoons can be used for scratching his head, banging, and even feeding himself.

No matter how much the noise and mess of baby mealtimes gets on your nerves, it's important to let him play. Don't pressure him to eat, or grab the spoon away and try to feed him. He needs the practice, as well as the reassurance that you have confidence in his ability to feed himself. So spread a shower curtain or plastic tablecloth on the floor under the high chair; enforce some common-sense rules (no hitting people, no standing in the chair), and let the games begin.

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.