Physical Development

Time for a little shoe shopping -- for your baby, that is. Once she starts walking, they'll help protect her feet if she wants to give it a go in public places or potentially unsafe surfaces, like a concrete driveway or splintery deck. But while you're indoors, it's best to let your baby practice walking barefoot (this actually helps her balance better).

Choose shoes with a hard-ish sole and breathable fabric (because those little feet sweat!). And remember: Fit is key. If they're too big they'll make her trip and fall -- and if they're too snug, well, ouch! A little wiggle room in the toe is fine. Your best bet is to head to a children's shoe store and have a pro measure her foot and show you how to gauge a good fit.

Social Development

Your baby is developing a sense of his own identity, and he's beginning to understand that his room and his toys are distinct from all others. He may be able to find his own toys in the playroom or nursery, and prefer them to others. He's also learning that his voice, face, and body parts are different from anyone else's. Reinforce this knowledge by pointing to a favorite doll and naming each of its body parts, then pointing to yourself and doing the same. After a few repetitions, ask the baby where his head, eyes, toes, etc., are, and he may be able to point to them.

Intellectual Development

Baby see, baby do. You may notice that your child is starting to imitate you. He may try to pat you with a washcloth when you're washing him, offer you a spoonful of whatever he's eating, or bang on the computer keyboard if you hold him in your lap while you're sending email. Imitation is a wonderful way to learn, and it'll come in handy later when baby learns to brush his own teeth and use the potty. Be careful, though: Babies imitate negative as well as positive behaviors. If you shout at your spouse or the other children, chances are he'll start shouting, too. And if you're compulsively neat, he may conclude that his natural messiness is unacceptable.

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.