Physical Development

Around this time, your baby will be experimenting with junior foods, which are coarser and require more chewing. He'll also enjoy an increasing number of table foods, including pudding, yogurt, and eggs (give him the yolk only, since whites can set off an allergic reaction). His chewing skills are minimal at this point, so never give him foods that can cause choking. Musts to avoid: spoonfuls of peanut butter, large pieces of raw vegetables, nuts, grapes, popcorn, hard candies, and any other hard, round food. Hot dogs are best left for later, but if you choose to give them to him, cut them in small pieces first.

A word on choking: When liquids "go down the wrong way," they enter baby's windpipe and may cause wheezing, gasping, and coughing until cleared out. This kind of choking is scary (to parents, in particular), but not usually harmful. Dangerous choking occurs when an object is swallowed or inhaled, blocking the passage of oxygen to the lungs. Baby won't gasp or cough, but will turn bright red and then blue. This form of choking is rare, but serious, so call 911 immediately if it happens. Don't try the Heimlich maneuver on an infant under a year old.

Social Development

Separation anxiety may be increasing as your baby becomes increasingly aware of your comings and goings. Although it's difficult to treat clinginess and screaming with warmth and good humor, do your best--it will help the phase pass more quickly. Other ways to help:

• Like the rest of us, babies are more likely to be anxious when they're tired, hungry, or sick. Try to leave after your child has napped and eaten, and stay with him as much as possible if he's ill.

 

• Don't make a fuss about leaving, but don't sneak out the back door, either. Kiss him good-bye, tell him you'll be back soon (he'll find your tone reassuring even if he doesn't understand the words), and then make your getaway. Assuming you've left him with a loving caretaker, the screams will fade shortly after you're out of sight.

 

• When you're at home, let baby initiate short periods of separation from you, such as crawling into another (baby-proofed) room. This will show him that it's possible to be happy without you--at least for a few moments.

Intellectual Development

Your child's memory is developing quickly at this point, although he still may not remember tomorrow the things you tell him today (especially if they involve the word "no"). He can recall a past event, such as Daddy's return from work, and will crawl to the front door in anticipation of it happening again. He'll also notice if you change something in his bedroom or playroom, and will go immediately to the new object. Some children resist these changes, while others welcome them. Your baby's response will give you another clue to his developing personality.

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.