Physical Development

What goes up, must come down--somehow. Your baby may be learning to stand up, but she doesn't have the faintest idea how to get down again. It may take several painful weeks for her to pick up this trick. Some babies fall straight backward with their arms outstretched--bonk! Infant skulls are still flexible enough that there's less risk of concussion than with adults, but you'll want to pad or carpet areas where baby practices her standing skills. This is also a good time to practice falling techniques: Stand baby between your knees, bend her in the middle, and gently push her down. She'll enjoy the game, and with enough repetition she'll acquire the skill as well.

Social Development

Most babies adore mirrors, whether because the play of light fascinates them or because they think there's another baby inside. Now, however, your little one has a new reason to love reflections: She recognizes her own. She'll smile at the image, pat it and try to kiss it, then look at the image of her hand and compare it to the real thing. Watching herself (and learning from her mistakes) can also help hone her motor skills.

Intellectual Development

Intellectual breakthroughs are coming thick and fast around now--if baby could talk, she'd be saying "Eureka!" You can help stimulate her development in a number of ways:

• Give her a running commentary of your daily activities, from dressing to bathing, feeding, playing, shopping--you name it. Use simple, adult words (not baby talk).



• Be affectionate; it gives her a sense of security and well-being.



• Provide a stimulating, safe environment for her to explore, including age- and developmentally appropriate toys.



• Read to her every day.



• Get down on the floor and play with her.



• Most of all, take time to enjoy the things that make her unique!

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.