3-Month-Old: Week 2

Your baby's goos and gurgles are probably going strong, but now she's also making consonant sounds, sputtering p's and b's and m's and l's. That's where the first "ma ma" and "da da" come from. At first, she doesn't associate these sounds with any particular meaning (though you certainly will) — they're just easiest for her to make. (Interesting fact: "Mama" and "Dada" and their variations are common first words in any language.) But the big response you give her to these "words" encourages her to repeat them.

She also knows how to use her voice to get your attention. It's more important than ever to continue having conversations with your baby. When she babbles a string of p-p-p-p's, imitate those sounds back to her. Also use lots of real language. Call her by name when you're talking to her. Sing to her, too. Babies love to be cuddled and held close when their parents sing softly to them. (Don't know any lullabies? Your favorite rock tunes or holiday songs will do just fine.)

How your baby's growing
Babies simply love to be touched. In fact, they thrive on it — it's a critical part of growth and development. All that skin-to-skin contact not only helps you and your baby bond, but is comforting when she's upset and soothing when she's irritable.

Nurture your baby's sense of touch with a variety of materials — such as fake fur, felt, and terrycloth. Your baby will likely try to eat everything, so choose carefully and don't leave her alone with anything that could come apart in her mouth. And look for books like Pat the Bunny that make reading a tactile experience.

• Learn more fascinating facts about your 3-month-old's development.

Your life: Making peace with your post-baby body

If ever there were a time in your life for realism, it's now. Remember that childbirth is a life- and body-changing experience: Your hips and waist may now be slightly wider and your belly may be softer. Give yourself at least the nine months it took to grow your baby to return to your pre-pregnancy shape. Many women find that they simply can't return to their pre-pregnancy weight. As long as your weight is in a healthy range, this is perfectly okay.

If you're breastfeeding, it's particularly important not to go on a highly restrictive diet. Instead of focusing on rapid weight loss through a diet or exercise program that may be impossible to live with the rest of your life, think more carefully about what you eat and how you eat. Here are some guidelines:

Take smaller portions, and eat each bite more slowly. You'll find that you can feel satisfied with less. Stop before you feel filled up or bloated.

Drink water. Carry around ice water in an athletic bottle and sip it throughout the day. Not only is it smart to stay hydrated if you're nursing, downing liquids also fills your stomach and curbs hunger pangs. Herbal tea, decaf coffee, flavored or vitamin water, or low-calorie sodas are also okay in moderation.

Eat more "good" calories, fewer "bad" ones. Don't abandon the emphasis on nutrition that you developed while you were pregnant.

Snack smart. Keep low-calorie munchables around, such as popcorn (unbuttered), fruits, and raw vegetables.

Start exercising again. Remember to start slowly and ease back into your pre-pregnancy workout routine.

3 questions about: Missed immunizations

What if my baby doesn't get shots when she should?
If your baby has missed a shot in a series (such as the DTaP vaccine) because of illness or another reason, don't worry. Your doctor will continue to administer the series by picking up where you left off, usually at the next well-child checkup. (The doctor's office keeps careful records, but it's also a good idea for you to do the same.) Be sure to remind your doctor of any missed shots.

Are there times when my baby shouldn't get a shot?
Yes. Get your doctor's advice in the following circumstances:
• If your baby has a fever.
• If your baby has an immune disorder or deficiency or takes medicine that interferes with her immune system.
• If your baby has epilepsy.
• If your baby has had nonfebrile convulsions.
• If your child had a severe reaction to a prior DTaP shot, such as a temperature of 105 degrees Fahrenheit (40.5 degrees Celsius) or higher, convulsions, or inconsolable crying.

What if my baby was born prematurely?
Premature babies should follow the same schedule for immunizations as full-term infants, unless your doctor suggests otherwise.