6-Month-Old: Week 1

Independent sitting is itself an important skill, but it's also a big step toward learning to crawl. Once your baby can sit up, it's only a matter of a time, strength, and coordination before he lunges forward onto his hands and knees. A few babies start crawling (or getting around via some other form of early locomotion, like scooting) by 6 months, although most take off between 7 and 9 months.

How your baby's growing

As your baby starts becoming more active, he'll appreciate wearing comfy clothes. Opt for soft fabrics that won't chafe him as he's moving around. Loose, stretchy, and breathable clothing is also smart as it provides your energetic little one plenty of wiggle room.Avoid clothes with rough or scratchy seams; long ties, buttons, or bows (could be a choking hazard); and anything else that gets in the way of your baby's sleeping, crawling, playing, or other regular activities.• Learn more fascinating facts about your 6-month-old's development.

Your life: Eating well

Taking care of a baby is, simply put, tiring. Heavy food can make you sleepy afterward, so try to keep meals and snacks light and nutritious.

Don't skip breakfast.
Tempting though it can be when you're rushed, your body needs to refuel after a night's sleep (or especially a night of nonsleep!). Proteins such as eggs or slow-burning carbs like oatmeal will give you energy to last all morning.

Climb the food pyramid.
Aim for those daily 2 1/2 cups of vegetables and 1 1/2 to 2 cups of fruits recommended for women of childbearing age. Keep crudités (cut up raw veggies) on hand in your refrigerator. Add diced vegetables to quesadillas, roll-ups, and casseroles. Fruits can be dried, frozen, or canned — all are healthy for you. Make smoothies from fresh or frozen fruit, fruit juice, and yogurt.

Look beyond junk food for pick-me-ups.
After giving you a quick burst of energy, chips and candy can leave you feeling more sluggish than before. Find more nutritious high-energy alternatives such as baked potato chips, light popcorn, almonds or peanuts, and granola bars. Buy a premade trail mix or concoct your own with chopped or dried fruit, raisins, sunflower or pumpkin seeds, nuts, and coconut flakes or chocolate chips.

Count carbs in.
Carbohydrates are a great source of energy, so think twice about cutting them out entirely in an effort to lose weight. Consider pasta in moderate servings without heavy sauces, for example, or crackers with cheese.

Drink healthy.
Remember to keep hydrated with lots of water. Also try 100 percent fruit juices and energy
drinks, but be aware of their sugar content and remember that caffeinated drinks can cause you to be dehydrated.

3 questions about: Asthma

What is asthma?
Asthma, the most common, serious chronic disease among children, is an inflammation of the lungs' lining and airways that causes difficulty breathing. Allergens, irritants (including cigarette smoke), and viral respiratory infections can cause an asthmatic attack, which can be fatal if not treated appropriately in time. Although it's a serious health situation, with careful management most children with asthma are able to live normal lives.

What are some signs that my baby may have asthma?
Your baby may have asthma if he coughs often, has allergies, eczema, or a family history of these symptoms. Possible signs of an attack include rapid breathing, coughing, wheezing, whistling, sucking in of the skin around the ribs, flaring of the nostrils with each breath, and skin turning blue.If you think your baby is having an asthma attack or any trouble breathing, immediately call 911 or take him to the emergency room.

What should I do if my baby has asthma?
If the diagnosis is asthma, your baby's doctor will discuss the many ways this problem can be managed. Together you can figure out which situations are likely to trigger asthmatic attacks, such as respiratory ailments or something environmental, such as dust. Treatment usually includes a controller medication for prevention and a quick reliever drug, administered via inhaler or a nebulizer machine, for stopping attacks. You'll also need to educate your baby's caregivers about his asthma and its treatment.

5-month-old: Week 4

Your baby's development is now working in your favor when she's fussy: She's increasingly distractible. Intensely interested in the world around her, her rapidly evolving brain zeroes in on things that are new and different. So when your baby is a little cranky, use her growing interest in novelty to your advantage by making a funny noise, singing a song, gently banging a pot — any change from the norm may snap her out of her grumpy mood.
How your baby's growing

Your baby now sees and hears the world almost as well as you do. Her communication skills are expanding rapidly, too, as evidenced by her squeals, bubbling sounds, and operatic octave changes. Her sounds can demonstrate her attitude or response to objects — such as happiness, eagerness, or even satisfaction — with a problem well solved.

At this age, about half of babies babble, repeating one syllable — such as "ba," "ma," "ga," or other consonant-vowel combinations — over and over. A few will even add another syllable or two, making their sounds more complex.

You can encourage your baby by babbling right back at her and by making a game of it ("The sheep says, 'baaa,'" or "The goat says, 'maaa'"). Or, when you hear a syllable you can't identify, just respond enthusiastically with, "Yes, that is a car! See how shiny the red paint is?" Your baby will appreciate your encouraging her by keeping the conversation going.

• Learn more fascinating facts about your 5-month-old's development.

Your life: Coping with not enough sleep

When sleep deprivation is a way of life, it can be hard to function by day. Co-workers who aren't baby wrangling may have little idea of what you're up against. You need a three-pronged approach:
1. More sleep for your baby. At this age, most babies are able to sleep through the night. If yours can't, look into sleep-training methods. Browse our collection of baby sleep articles for ideas.
2. More sleep for you. Try a few of these tricks:
• Take a short nap during your break time at work, if you can.
• Simplify and/or delegate some daily chores so you can get a break.
• Go to bed early and let your partner put the baby down for the evening.
• Establish a consistent sleep-wake cycle. Try to wake up and get to sleep at the same times every day.
3. Good-quality sleep when you do rest. Some ideas for getting the most out of your zzz's:
• Talk to your doctor about herbal remedies and over-the-counter sleep aids if you have trouble getting to sleep. Sometimes getting help in order to induce a few nights' rest is all you need to reset your body clock.
• Make your bedroom sleep-friendly. Keep work and chores off the bed (and, ideally, out of the room). Make sure your mattress is comfortable — if you've had it for eight to ten years, it may be time for a newer, firmer one. Adjust the light, temperature, and noise in your bedroom to your liking. In general, the darker, cooler, and quieter it is, the better. Keep the TV out of the bedroom and turn the radio off.
• Relax before bedtime so you can nod off faster and sleep more soundly. Ways to unwind include drinking warm milk, practicing yoga, stretching, progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing, and getting a massage.
• Take care of yourself in other ways. Eat nutritious meals and light snacks, avoid caffeine (at least after noon), and exercise regularly. Try to get the most difficult or tiring work you have to do done early in the day, and wind down as the day goes on.

3 questions about: Immunizations

What vaccines should I expect at the 6-month checkup?
The doctor will probably give your baby the HepB, DTaP, and Hib vaccines. The HepB vaccine protects against the hepatitis B virus; the DTaP vaccine against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough); and the Hib vaccine against Haemophilus influenzae type b bacteria (which can cause bacterial meningitis, pneumonia, or epiglottitis).

How can I make getting shots less traumatic for my baby?
Ask if you can hold your baby in your lap, rather than having him lie on the examining table. Stay calm and distract him by speaking to him in an engaging, soothing voice. Your baby will pick up on your body language. Offer your baby a bottle, breast, or pacifier afterward to soothe crying via sucking. There's some evidence that breastfeeding a baby during an immunization, if feasible, results in less crying and distress. Generally, though, shots are more traumatic for the mother than the baby, who tends to get over the pinch quickly.

My baby is big and healthy now — does he really need vaccines?
In a word, absolutely. The shots your baby has received so far don't offer complete protection. Many vaccines are given in a series over time in order to provide full immunity. Immunizations protect against many diseases that once killed or maimed thousands of children. These serious diseases, including pertussis (whooping cough) and diphtheria, are still common in some places. The risks of not being immunized far outweigh the relatively slight risks, which can include irritability, fever, redness at the site, and crying. More serious reactions, such as seizures and allergic reactions, are very rare. Watch your baby carefully after she's been immunized and report anything more unusual than minor reactions to the doctor.

5-Month-Old: Week 3

You've got to hand it to your baby — his hand control is definitely improving. You may see him rake objects toward himself and try to pick them up. Most 5-month-olds grasp an object for just a short while and then drop it. Yours will spend a long time doing this over and over if you play along by picking up objects and handing them back. Your indulging him in this game is also teaching a basic lesson in cause-and-effect — one he'll learn well, to uproarious giggles, before long.

How your baby's growingYour baby's getting better at spotting very small objects and tracking moving things. At this point, he may be able to recognize an object after seeing only part of it — like his favorite toy peeking out from under the couch. This will be the basis of little hide-and-seek games you'll be playing in the coming months.

He can also follow an object out of his view. Your baby will reach for a block (or another object) on a table if you hold him close to it, and once he's got one, he may just go after a second.

• Learn more fascinating facts about your 5-month-old's development.

Your life: Using a babysitter
Starting to use a babysitter is a big decision. Perhaps the hardest part is finding and choosing someone you like and trust, especially if family members or close friends are unavailable. Asking friends, neighbors, and others who are young parents for references is a great way to locate candidates. Some areas have babysitting agencies through which you can hire a prescreened candidate. Or try the student employment office at a local school or college.

Another option is to swap babysitting time with another parent or couple. Babysitting co-ops are larger, more formalized swapping groups in which a group of friends take turns sitting for one another's kids.

There are a number of important factors to consider when choosing a babysitter, including age, experience, and knowledge of infant CPR and first aid. Asking for references is a good start, as is a thorough interview to help you gauge the sitter's character, personality, and qualifications. Watch the babysitter interact with your baby, too. A preteen or teen who may be too young to stay alone with your baby could be hired as a "mother's helper" — someone to help watch the baby while you work or do jobs around the house.

Once you choose a babysitter, it's wise to ask her to come a little early so you can spend time together. Let her hold your baby while you prepare her by going over your baby's routines. Give her important information, too: contact numbers for getting in touch with you and the doctor, as well as the emergency room in the rare case it might be needed, an escape route from your home, the location of first-aid and emergency supplies, your baby's medical information, and healthcare authorization in case you're unavailable. In terms of compensation, it's a good idea to ask other local parents what the going rate is.

3 questions about: Growth charts

Why do doctors monitor babies' growth?
Your baby's doctor looks for an overall growth pattern by measuring your baby's weight, length (or height), and head circumference and comparing it with both national averages and previous measurements. Sudden changes from this pattern or extreme measurements may indicate a problem with feeding or absorbing nutrients, an illness, or a developmental problem.

What do "percentiles" mean?
Your baby's doctor will tell you that your baby ranks at a specific percentile on a growth chart. It's a way of comparing your baby with the full spectrum of babies. So if your baby is in the 25th percentile for weight, for example, this means that 25 percent of babies the same age and gender in the United States weigh less and 75 percent weigh more.

What if my baby seems ahead or behind?
Don't worry too much if your baby isn't close to average size. Your baby grows at an individual pace. Growth spurts may have him speeding up the chart one month or one year and then leveling back the next. Some babies are naturally larger or smaller because of their genetics. Another reason not to fixate on a number on a growth chart is that your baby's well-being involves a variety of factors, including development, temperament, and activity level, not just growth. If you have concerns, talk to your baby's doctor and she'll be able to tell you whether there's anything to worry about.

5-Month-Old: Week 2

Have you noticed how your baby turns to you when she hears your voice? Her expressions of attentiveness to you are really gratifying after the many hours of hard work you've logged in taking care of her. What seemed rather one-sided for so long is beginning to blossom into a truly interactive relationship. Don't be surprised if, more and more often, you feel like dropping everything just to get down on the floor and have fun with your baby.

How your baby's growing

Your baby may start showing signs of one of her first major emotional milestones — stranger anxiety. She may become clingy and anxious around new (and even familiar!) people and may cry if a stranger suddenly approaches her.

Keep this in mind when you're around people she doesn't know, and try not to be embarrassed when she cries in someone else's arms — just take her back and calm her down by holding her yourself. Tell your friends and family to approach your little one with slow gentle movements.

A case of stranger anxiety doesn't mean you have to avoid new faces. Your baby will benefit from getting used to being around people other than you and your partner. Just remember that she needs your patience and understanding to get through this very important stage of development.

• Learn more fascinating facts about your 5-month-old's development.

Your life: Getting your baby used to other people

When you were pregnant, you may have worried about whether your baby would bond with you. And now you find that the two of you are so tight, your baby howls with protest if anybody else comes near — even your partner, to his chagrin. When your baby rejects anyone else, it can be hard on that person, and it means more work for you. That's why getting used to other people is an important part of your baby's socialization.

A strong, lasting bond grows through regular day-to-day interactions, so encourage Dad to get involved in even the most basic baby care tasks, like changing diapers, bathing, and feeding. Have him carry your baby around when he's going about his day, and fit in playtime, too. Keep your distance at first so your baby can't hear or smell you. One idea: Divide baby care chores so your partner handles the daily bath or the bedtime routine every evening.

Expose your baby to friends and family, too. Try holding your baby while the other person talks and plays with him. Then hand him over to the other person and stay close. Eventually, leave briefly and come back. Repeat this step, making the interval you're away longer and longer.

3 questions about: Constipation

How will I know if my baby's constipated?T
here's no such thing as a normal number of bowel movements a day. When — and how often — your baby moves his bowels can depend on when and what he eats, his level of activity, and how rapidly his body digests food. However, your baby may be constipated if any of the following are the case:
• His stools are hard and dry.
• Three days have passed since his last bowel movement.
• He shows discomfort moving his bowels.

What causes it?
If your baby is being fed only breast milk, constipation is rare. See your pediatrician if his stools are hard and dry: When combined with other symptoms such as vomiting or a swollen tummy, this could indicate a blocked intestine.If your baby takes only formula, the particular brand he's drinking may not agree with him. Ask your doctor about switching brands.If you've introduced rice cereal to your baby's diet as a first step toward solid foods, the cereal could be the culprit — it's quite low in fiber. Try adding pureed fruits or vegetables to the cereal, or switching to oat or barley cereal instead.Constipation can also be caused by dehydration, so giving your baby more fluids can help. If he's already been introduced to juice, try giving him one ounce of prune juice diluted with one ounce of water.

How can I help?Aside from changes to your baby's diet, here are a few more tricks for getting bowels back on track:
• Wiggle your baby's legs in a gentle bicycle-type fashion while he's lying on his back.
• Gently but firmly massage his belly below his navel. If you feel a firm area, keep a steady pressure there for a few minutes.
• Use a glycerin suppository, but only with your pediatrician's approval.

5-Month-Old: Week 1

Your baby will soon master the art of sitting up unsupported. Give her the opportunity to sit up in different places, and take her on outings in a stroller. The time your baby spends sitting up helps her develop and maintain balance, a key part of her physical development. What's more, making use of the new perspective helps her cognitive development, too.

How your baby's growing

Your baby can't express his emotions in the same complex way that you can. Although he can let you know in clear ways when he's angry, bored, or happy, his ability to show love and humor are just developing.

Your baby also shows a strong attachment to you by raising his arms when he wants to be picked up and by crying when you leave the room. He may also give you hugs and kisses.And he's beginning to get the joke — he'll laugh at funny expressions and try to make you laugh, too. Keep the laughter flowing with your silly faces!

• Learn more fascinating facts about your 5-month-old's development.

Your life: Sex as new parents

Finding the time and energy for sex as new parents is challenging enough. And then there's the small matter of the third party in your room or down the hall, ready to wail at the least opportune moment. But with a little planning and effort, anything is possible!

Flirt. Flirting isn't the same as foreplay. It's sexual play without the intention of immediate sexual activity. Flirting with your partner (in person, on the phone, or by e-mail, for example) helps both of you get in the mood.

Time it right. You don't always have to "sleep when the baby sleeps." At nap time or bedtime after your baby's had a busy session of play or outside activity, you can feel pretty assured of your baby's sleeping for at least an hour.

Make a "date." You don't have to dress up and go out — simply plan ahead to stay in. When you're parents, sharing massages or taking a shower together while the baby sleeps counts as a date.

Keep a sense of humor. Be ready for things not to go as usual. If you're breastfeeding, for instance, you may see some milk leak or spray (so have a towel handy). If your baby does start to cry, don't rush to her rescue; wait a few minutes to see if she settles back to sleep. If she does settle down, you may find that the mood has been broken anyway. Don't call the whole thing off. Start back with slow, gentle foreplay and see what happens.

3 questions about: Your baby's noggin

Should I do anything if my baby's head looks flat?
A flattish head is usually the result of sleeping too much in one position and isn't a cause for concern. Mention it to your doctor, who can evaluate it. In rare cases, a specialist may advise treatment such as cranial orthotic therapy involving headgear. Flattish skulls have become more commonplace since babies began to be placed on their backs to sleep to prevent SIDS. Although the condition is harmless, some parents look into pricey helmets to prevent or correct flatness. You can do the same by giving your baby "tummy time" during the day to play and alternating at which end of the crib you place your baby's head. (Even when lying on their backs, babies tend to turn their head away from the wall to look around.) Flatness usually goes away as your baby grows.

What should I do if my baby is losing hair or has a bald spot?
Again, it's the situation your baby finds himself in, not a serious health problem, that causes most baby baldness. Keeping his head in the same position, rubbing it against his mattress, or banging it against the sides of his crib may cause some hair loss. This stops when he eventually changes his behavior. Babies born with lots of hair often lose it as hormone levels drop. It's very rare for a baby younger than 6 months to have other causes of hair loss, such as the autoimmune disorder alopecia areata or ringworm.

When will my baby's hair grow in?
This is hard to predict. Some babies grow in new hair soon after the old is lost, while for others it seems to take longer. The color and texture of this new hair may be significantly different from the hair your baby was born with.

4-Month-Old: Week 4

Hearing your baby laugh is not only a joy — it's a sign he's developing emotionally and socially. Have fun triggering a giggle by gently tickling his toes or chubby thighs. Or develop a pint-size comedy routine by making exaggerated facial expressions and funny animal sounds, snorts, and whistles. Don't be surprised if your baby tries to join in with an ecstatic squeal designed to catch your attention and make you laugh back.

How your baby's growing

Following a well-established nighttime routine, which might include a bath or a bedtime story, for example, may help settle your baby to sleep. It's a good idea to consistently "sequence" your baby toward slumber: Feed her, give her a bath, put her in her pajamas, play a game, read her a book, sing songs or play some music, then put her down.

A beloved routine gives you and your baby plenty of time to connect and wind down. You may decide to alternate going-to-bed activities with your partner (you do the bath, he reads the story, and so on). Or, to give both of you a regular break, try taking turns, with one person responsible for putting your baby to bed each night.

• Learn more fascinating facts about your 4-month-old's development.

Your life: Taking care of you

After the intensity of adjusting to life with a new baby, many parents reach a point where they find they're like ostriches lifting their heads out of the sand to discover a wider world out there — the one they took leave of, temporarily, after the birth. The redundancy and endlessness of baby care can also be very different from the pace at work if you're used to a goal-oriented job or lots of adult interaction.

Six ways to restore a little balance:
1. Join a parenting group. Look for a group that fosters your interests and offers lots of support through activities and resources. Check the listings in your local paper or at your library, place of worship, or pediatrician's office for meeting announcements. There are groups for breastfeeding moms, moms of color, working moms, book-reading moms, stay at home parents, and so on — or you might find an ad hoc neighborhood group.
2. Go online. Keep in touch with friends or family by e-mail, network with other parents at sites like BabyCenter, or just check in on "the outside world" at news sites.
3. Spend some time by yourself. Make sure you get a real break — a chance to relax, focus on yourself, and get inspired — at least once a week. Ideally, find a half hour just for you each day, maybe at nap time.
4. Read. Keep a book or magazine handy for those times when your baby naps. Even if it's just reading a few pages a day, you can "escape" to a world of fiction or learn something new.
5. Start a blog or a diary. Whether you choose to make your observations public or keep them private is up to you — simply recording them is a way to preserve your sanity.
6. Have an adult conversation. Whether it be over the phone or in person, chatting with a friend, relative, or your partner can re-energize you, especially if you steer clear of baby-related topics.

3 questions about: Shaken Baby Syndrome

What is shaken baby syndrome?S
haken baby syndrome (SBS) occurs when someone shakes a baby severely, causing the baby's brain to move inside his skull. Babies are especially vulnerable to injury because their neck muscles aren't strong enough to support their heads. This abuse can cause serious injuries, including blindness, eye damage, developmental delays, seizures, paralysis, and brain damage. It can even be fatal.

Can it be caused by roughhousing?
In theory that's possible, but it would have to be pretty rough play. The ordinary kind of jiggling, patting, and tickling that a loving parent does when interacting with a baby doesn't cause shaken baby syndrome. Nor do swings, vibrating bouncy seats, or driving over rough roads. The kind of abuse that leads to SBS is deliberate and severe. It's usually caused by someone who loses their control when caring for a baby.

What should I do if I know or think my baby has been shaken?
A shaken baby may appear colicky, may vomit or appear to have a feeding problem, or may be irritable and fussy. If you suspect SBS and any of these signs are present, call your baby's doctor or take your baby to the emergency room immediately. Be clear and honest so that the most accurate diagnosis can be made and the best treatment given. Baby care can be taxing and frustrating. Every caregiver should learn healthy, safe ways to deal with exasperation and anger, including deep breathing, taking time-outs, or seeking support from friends, family, or your baby's doctor.

4-Month-Old: Week 3

Even though you can't understand your baby, he is beginning to be able to understand you. That's why it's important to talk to him as you move through the day. Narrate what you're doing: "Here's your bottle." "Ready for your bath?" In a few months he will understand you perfectly when you say the word "bottle" or "bath." You don't have to be a nonstop chatterbox; babies appreciate quiet, too. All you need to do is converse with him like the little companion he is.

How your baby's growing

Even though crying is still your baby's strongest form of communication, he's also developing his sense of humor now. He may start to laugh at pleasant surprises such as your face appearing from underneath a blanket or a toy popping out of a box, provided it isn't too loud or startling.

Encourage your baby's laughs, giggles, and smiles with funny faces and lots of general silliness. Babies enjoy hearing a variety of sounds and you don't need special toys or instruments to provide them. Simply click your tongue, whistle, or make animal noises — your baby will love it!• Learn more fascinating facts about your 4-month-old's development.

Even though crying is still your baby's strongest form of communication, he's also developing his sense of humor now. He may start to laugh at pleasant surprises such as your face appearing from underneath a blanket or a toy popping out of a box, provided it isn't too loud or startling.Encourage your baby's laughs, giggles, and smiles with funny faces and lots of general silliness. Babies enjoy hearing a variety of sounds and you don't need special toys or instruments to provide them. Simply click your tongue, whistle, or make animal noises — your baby will love it!

• Learn more fascinating facts about your 4-month-old's development.

Your life: Pumping breast milk
Many working moms find that they're able to continue breastfeeding by pumping while on the job. Doing so helps maintain your milk supply and provides breast milk for bottle feedings. But getting the hang of it can also be difficult or stressful, especially at first. Some tips to make pumping at work easier:

Practice at home. You might even experiment with different types of equipment to see what makes you most comfortable. (Consider renting from a hospital-supply company before buying.) Some women prefer a fully automatic pump with a double-collection kit to save time, for example. Think, too, about how you will store the expressed milk.

Let your supervisor know your plans. Many workplaces set aside a special, private place for pumping, or you may need to arrange one.

Plan to pump at the same time and place at work every day. If possible, try for every three hours. Remember to keep well hydrated in between sessions.

Relax to improve letdown. This can be the hardest part. Some moms like to hold a baby photo or something that smells like their baby to get in the right mindset. Visualizing your baby feeding or humming a favorite lullaby in your head that you sing to your baby can also help.

3 questions about: Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

What is RSV?
RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, causes coldlike symptoms. It's not a dangerous virus in itself, but it may lead to ear infections, bronchiolitis, pneumonia, or later development of asthma or another respiratory problem. Almost every baby contracts it before age 2, but it can be especially dangerous for babies under 6 months old and premature infants, whose immune systems are less strong.

How can I tell if my baby has RSV?
Your baby may appear to have a mild cold, but then a few days later, his cough worsens and his breathing becomes labored. Signs that your baby may have a serious infection include flaring his nostrils, excessively expanding his rib cage, tightening his abdominal muscles, wheezing when breathing, quickened breathing (more than 60 breaths per minute), bluish lips or fingernails, and feeding problems.

What should I do if I think my baby has it?
Call your baby's doctor. Keep your baby well hydrated and away from smoke and fumes, which can make compromised breathing even more difficult. Try relieving his labored breathing with saline drops and a bulb syringe (to loosen and remove mucus), a cool-mist vaporizer, or some method of keeping his head elevated a little when he sleeps (such as a towel under his crib mattress, but not a pillow). Don't use any medications without your doctor's advice. Premature infants may be advised to have a series of shots that, like the flu shot, help protect against the virus.

4-Month-Old: Week 2

A bigger, stronger baby is also likely to be a more wiggly one at diaper changing time. You'll want to be sure to keep one hand on her at all times during changes. Some parents like to place a musical mobile above a changing station so their baby will have something to look at. Keeping a basket filled with toys you rotate or make available only during diapering may also help her lie still long enough for you to do the job.

How your baby's growing

By now, your baby can play with her hands and feet for a few minutes at a time. She's quite fond of doing one action over and over again until she's sure of the result. Then, she'll switch things up just a bit to see if the result is different.

Suddenly you realize it's strangely quiet in the bedroom and look in, only to discover that your baby, who so far has needed your attention for most of every waking moment, is amusing herself in her crib. You might be able to start reading the paper again — well, maybe just the headlines.

• Learn more fascinating facts about your 4-month-old's development.

Your life: Getting your partner involved
If you're the primary caregiver, it may feel like a reflex by now to step in whenever your baby starts crying. But it's a good idea to give your partner the chance to be the soother, too. Not only does this give you a break — which is huge! — but it adds to his confidence level and provides bonding opportunities.

There are plenty of methods you can encourage your partner to use, but it's also important to leave him room to experiment and learn on his own.

Remind your partner to assess the baby's needs (diapering, feeding, burping) and to fulfill those first. If crying continues, he can try to soothe the baby by holding him close, rubbing his back, or giving him some infant massage.

Many babies are comforted by gentle, rhythmic motion, which helps a parent feel like he's doing something. Dancing, rocking, or swinging the baby may do the trick.

Distraction is another popular method. He can try playing the entertainer with silly stunts, singing, and funny sounds and expressions.

3 questions about: Pink eye

What is pinkeye?
Pinkeye, or conjunctivitis, is an infection of the eye that can be caused by a virus, bacteria, or an allergen. The membrane covering the white of your baby's eyes and the inside of his eyelids becomes irritated. As a result, your baby's eyes may look watery, inflamed (reddish), or crusty. One or both eyes can be affected.

What should I do if I think my baby has it?
Call your baby's doctor immediately. He'll need to examine your baby's eyes and can recommend specific treatment depending on the cause. It's also important to wash your hands often, especially before and after you examine your baby's eyes to avoid spreading the infection. You can easily contract it yourself. Keep your baby home from daycare and wash all bedding, washcloths, and towels frequently.

What is the treatment for pinkeye?
If the cause is bacteria (bacterial conjunctivitis), your baby's doctor will prescribe antibiotics, usually in the form of eyedrops or ointment. If the cause is a virus (usually the case when your baby also has cold symptoms), he may recommend diligent — but gentle — cleaning of the area and waiting it out for about a week. If the cause is an allergen, he'll work with you to identify the allergen, which you'll then need to eliminate from your baby's environment as soon as possible; special eyedrops may also be recommended.Sometimes babies have a blocked tear duct that makes them vulnerable to infection. Depending on the nature of your baby's case, his doctor may suggest massage or lukewarm compresses to help unclog it. In rare cases, surgery may be needed for a duct that remains blocked for a long time.

4-Month-Old: Week 1

Babies love to check themselves out in a mirror. In fact, faces are your baby's favorite things in the world to see at this age. Hold your baby in front of a mirror and watch his delight. He won't understand that it's his own reflection until he's about 7 or 8 months old, but he'll enjoy the view. And the motion of his hands in the mirror will capture his attention.

How your baby's growing

Researchers believe that your baby can now understand all the basic sounds that make up his native language. Between this time and 6 months of age, your baby will develop the ability to make some vocal sounds, which means you may hear the words you've been dreaming about, namely "ma-ma" or "da-da." While child development experts say it's too early for your baby to connect those sounds with you and your partner, that won't make hearing them any less exciting.

You can encourage your baby's attempts at communication by mirroring or imitating his expressions and sounds. He may try to imitate you now, too. Say "baa" and he may try to say it back.

Reacting when your baby makes noises or tries to say something will help your baby learn the importance of language. It'll also help him better understand cause and effect. It's great for his self-esteem, too. He'll begin to realize that what he says makes a difference.

• Learn more fascinating facts about your 4-month-old's development.

Your life: Getting back to exercising
No new mom has ever loved the body that arrived with her baby. If you're still wearing a few leftover maternity items or dread looking in the mirror, you may decide you're ready to kick into high gear about making some changes.

Unless your doctor has told you otherwise, your body's ready to exercise. Even now, however, your joints and ligaments may still be loose from the effects of pregnancy, so go easy at first, perhaps with a low-impact exercise class.

Exercise won't affect your ability to breastfeed, but take care not to do exercises (such as certain kinds of weight training or yoga positions) that will make your breasts sore.

You can also involve your baby in your new exercise routine. Put her in a stroller or baby carrier when you go for walk, or in a baby seat or crib so she can watch you riding a stationary bike. You may want to seek out a gym that has a nursery so you can work out while your baby's being supervised close by.

Find ways to fit in exercise around your busy life. Consider workout DVDs you can use when your baby is quiet or sleeping. If you work, park a little farther from the office and squeeze in some walking, or look into a lunch-hour program at a nearby gym. If you pick something that's simple or convenient, you'll be more likely to stick with it.

Don't be too hard on yourself, though. While it's healthy to care about your body, getting in shape takes time. You'll undo all the great mental benefits of exercise if you stress too much about your appearance. Your body did an amazing thing when it created your baby — give it some credit, too!

3 questions about: Ear infections

What's an ear infection?
An ear infection — also known as acute otitis media — happens when bacteria and fluid become trapped around your baby's eardrum. An infection results that causes swelling and usually a fever.

What are the symptoms?
• Lack of hunger: Ear infections can make chewing and swallowing painful.
• Diarrhea: Ear infections are often caused by a virus that also affects the digestive system.
• Tugging and yanking at an ear (although sometimes babies do this for no reason at all).
• A sudden change in mood, particularly following a cold. Pressure in the ear can hurt, making a baby irritable.

How is an ear infection treated?
Surprisingly, they usually go away by themselves. To avoid having an infection become serious and to bring comfort to the baby, most pediatricians prescribe an antibiotic and may also recommend infant's acetaminophen.To prevent frequent ear infections:
• Keep your baby away from tobacco smoke, which can have a negative effect on the immune system.
• Continue breastfeeding if you are already doing so, as studies show that breastfed babies are less likely to have ear infections.
• Be sure your baby has had all her vaccinations, particularly Hib and the pneumococcal shots, which have been shown to reduce the incidence of ear infections.

3-Month-Old: Week 4

Your baby loves to reach out and touch anyone and anything he can grasp onto. With increasing coordination, he can reach for and pick up things that pique his interest. You can help him practice his grabbing skills by outfitting his crib and playpen with fascinating toys, especially ones that squeak and rattle. Spending time in an activity saucer or under a floor gym has the same effect.

How your baby's growing
When placed on her stomach, your baby will lift her head and shoulders high, using her arms for support. This mini push-up helps strengthen her muscles and gives her a better view of what's going on. She may even amaze you (and herself!) by rolling from her back to her front, or vice versa.

You can encourage this skill through play: Wiggle a toy next to the side she customarily rolls to in case she's interested enough to try again. Applaud her efforts and smile. She may need your reassurance since her new skill can be frightening.

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

Your life: Leaving your baby

Guilt isn't necessarily bad. It's an internal signal that we're concerned and caring. In fact, you wouldn't be a good parent if you didn't feel pangs of anxiety when leaving your baby with your parents or a trusted babysitter.

That being said, it's not a good idea to consistently give in to your guilt. The need to keep your baby safe with you should be weighed against other realities, such as your mental health (taking breaks from your baby is also a good thing), your need to bring in income through work, and your baby's need, over time, to be socialized with others. A babysitter can be both necessary and valuable.

If you've never hired a babysitter, ask for references from other parents you trust. Once you've found someone, ask her over and have her sit with your baby while you do household chores. That way you can occasionally observe how she interacts with your child. Limit your first trips away from the house to quick shopping trips. When you leave the house, try not to let your apprehensiveness show. If you seem nervous, your baby will pick up on that, making separation harder for both of you.

3 questions about: Chubbiness

What if my baby looks fat?
Obesity has become the health buzzword of the day. While it's unhealthy for anyone to carry too much fat, your pediatrician is unlikely to be too worried if your baby is chubby. Some babies are born plump, others grow that way — but not because they have an unhealthy diet and don't exercise. It's because they haven't developed much muscle yet. This kind of baby fat won't necessarily stay with your child as she grows.

Should she go on a diet?
No. First, your pediatrician will check to see if your baby's weight and height are within the guidelines for her age. If she's too heavy, it's likely your doctor will simply watch to see how she grows. It's pretty rare for a doctor to be too concerned at this age, especially before solids have been added to a baby's diet.

Does this mean my baby will always have weight trouble?
No. A plump baby does not foreshadow a plump teenager or adult. Many big babies slim down once they begin crawling and walking. They simply store their baby fat differently. As your baby grows, you can keep her fit and healthy by encouraging floor play. Feed her only when she's hungry, and avoid using a bottle to calm her when she's upset or stressed. Instead, offer her a toy or love and kisses.

3-Month-Old: Week 3

By now your baby has gone from being a passive observer of the world around her to being — or, at least, wanting to be — an active participant. Some babies this age even like to try "standing." If your baby seems to want to stand up while being held securely on your lap, it means her leg muscles are probably sturdy enough to try this new sensation, at least briefly.

How your baby's growing

Your baby's starting to draw conclusions about the world around him. He's looking at everything with curiosity, even his own reflection.

Prop an unbreakable mirror next to him or sit him in front of your mirror when you're getting ready. Your baby won't realize that it's actually his image in the mirror (this usually begins to happen well into the second year), but that doesn't matter. He'll love to stare at his — or anyone else's — reflection, and he may show his delight by an all-out gum grin.

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

Your life: Changing friendships
Having a new baby brings changes in your relationships with everyone — and that includes your friendships. Sometimes old friends who have no children are as delighted by your baby as you are, and aside from a few accommodations to your schedule, things continue as they once did. But others may not be as excited about your new phase of life. Some may be envious, others bored, and still others may simply have no interest in children. You can't blame your friends entirely. You're changing, too. Interests you once shared with certain people — skydiving, nightclubbing, shopping for shoes 'til you dropped — may no longer mesh with your new lifestyle.

Although you can't expect everything to stay exactly the same, it helps to try to strike a balance between your old way of being together and your new situation. Your friend can't expect you to abandon all thoughts of your baby, and you can't expect her to want to talk only about motherhood. Look for common ground in your activities and time together. It's great if you can sometimes go out to lunch, just the two of you, and other times have her come to your house to visit with the baby, for example.

The short of it, though, is to expect a certain amount of change in your friendships. You may drift apart from some pals, but at the same time your baby will bring you into the orbit of new friends. Through playgroups, mom support networks, and chance encounters, you and your partner will meet other new parents with whom you have a lot in common.

3 questions about: Thrush

What is it?
Thrush is an infection in your baby's mouth, caused by the fungus Candida albicans. If you see white spots on the inside of his lips and cheeks that don't easily wipe away (like spit up does), they could be thrush.The fungus grows in moist, warm, sugary environments — just like the inside of your baby's mouth. If you're breastfeeding, your nipples can become infected when your baby latches on. Thrush can then cause nipples to be dry, sore, and painful during feedings. Thrush can also cause a vaginal yeast infection. You're more vulnerable if you're stressed and your resistance is low.

What can be done about it?
See your doctor or healthcare provider. She'll likely prescribe an antifungal medication for both you and your baby. It's important that you both are treated so that you don't continue to reinfect each other. It will probably take several weeks for the condition to go away once treatment has begun.During treatment, be sure to wash your hands frequently. Also wash all your baby's toys and pacifiers in boiling water. Applying an over-the-counter antifungal cream such as Lotrimin AF on your nipples can help you, as can ibuprofen.

How does thrush affect my baby?
While it's annoying to you, your baby may show no ill effects at all. Some babies with thrush are more irritable and less interested in feeding, however, due to soreness in their cheeks and gums.

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.

3-Month-Old: Week 1

You've been rocking — get ready for rolling. Between now and your baby's sixth month, he'll learn how to roll over. Active infants who love to stiffen and arch their backs are likely to roll over sooner than mellow babies, who are more content to lie on their backs and enjoy visual pleasures all around.

Both types of babies will probably practice getting ready for this big rollover move by wiggling from side to side on their tummies. That's why it's a good idea to make sure your baby has plenty of "floor time" — opportunity to lie on the floor (or on a blanket on the floor or ground) to stretch out and play with you. He can't practice rolling if he's in his car seat, swing, bouncer, or sling all day long. You'll likely see your baby start a "mini-pushup" and then kick himself over onto his back. Eventually he'll be able to flip over onto his tummy again too.

Your baby is also probably able to sit upright when propped by blankets or pillows. If he can do this for short periods without slumping forward or immediately toppling to the side, by all means let him enjoy the new views that come with sitting upright in a stroller or next to you on the sofa. (Take care not to leave a propped infant unattended. Even a seemingly stable pre-sitter can topple over.)

How your baby's growing

Even though your baby has been able to recognize you since he was just a few days old, he may now be able to show it. About half of babies this age begin to exhibit an obvious recognition of their parents.

Most likely he'll still smile at strangers, especially when they look him straight in the eye and coo or talk to him. But he's beginning to sort out who's who in his life, and he definitely prefers you, your partner, and a select few over others.

Your baby may quiet down and make eye contact with you, or he may search for you in a room and move his arms in excitement or smile when he finds you. He may even find your scent calming and comforting.

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

Your life: When the baby blues don't pass

Do you feel anxious and moody a lot but chalk it up to new-mom nerves? Has your partner or a friend wondered if your "baby blues" may be more serious as the weeks have gone on? Don't let embarrassment or pride keep you from talking with your doctor. As many as 10 to 20 percent of new mothers develop postpartum depression, which can last from two weeks to as long as a year. It's a real and treatable illness.

So if you're still not feeling like yourself three months after giving birth, ask yourself the following questions, which were developed by the Postpartum Stress Center: Do you...
• have trouble sleeping?
• find you're exhausted most of the time?
• notice a decrease in your appetite?
• worry about little things that never used to bother you?
• wonder if you'll ever have time to yourself again?
• think your children would be better off without you?
• worry your husband will get tired of you feeling this way?
• snap at your husband and children over everything?
• think everyone else is a better mother than you are?
• cry over the slightest thing?
• no longer enjoy the things you used to enjoy?
• isolate yourself from your friends and neighbors?
• fear leaving the house or being alone?
• have anxiety attacks?
• have unexplained anger?
• have difficulty concentrating?
• think something else is wrong with you or your marriage?
• feel like you'll always feel this way and never get better?If you answered yes to three or more questions, seek advice and treatment.

3 questions about: Diaper rash

What causes it?
The telltale reddish rough skin of diaper rash is usually caused by wetness and chafing. Urine or stool trapped for long periods in the area cause irritation and the growth of bacteria. Sometimes a skin infection (dermatitis) can result. Less often, the diaper itself or its fragrance may cause the irritation (try changing brands to see if that solves the problem).

How can I make it go away?
Dryness is the surest cure for garden-variety diaper rash. Change your baby's diaper frequently — don't let her linger in a dirty or wet one. Wipe the area thoroughly and allow it to air-dry a little. One idea: Let your baby play bare-bottomed for a while in a crib or playpen you've protected with plastic sheeting.Some moms swear by rubbing diapering ointment on the affected skin to create a barrier between the baby and waste products whose bacteria cause the irritation and infection. Creams that contain white zinc oxide are thicker than petroleum jelly, stay on the skin longer, and provide more protection. In cases of severe rash, you can also use an over-the-counter yeast cream, but it's a good idea to check with your doctor first.

How can I prevent diaper rash?
Keeping your baby dry and clean is the surest way to avoid diaper rash. Change him often and clean the genitals thoroughly. In hot weather, you might try applying a little cornstarch after wiping, to help dry the area.Make sure diapers aren't too tight. Leave room for air to circulate around your baby's bottom.If you're breastfeeding, continue as long as you can, as breast milk changes the pH of your baby's urine and stool, making it less likely that they'll cause diaper rash.

2-Month-Old: Week 4

Your baby is becoming very handy. Although she's already aware of her hands, she's now inspecting them like Sherlock Holmes. She turns them around, the better to look at her fingers from all sides. She opens and shuts her fist, watching each finger as it moves up and down. It's almost as though she's using her hand like a puppet and putting on a private show. To help your baby develop her blossoming hand-eye coordination, try dangling a toy just out of reach so she has to grab for it.

Your baby will also place a finger or as much of her whole hand as possible into her mouth. That's another way she's learning about her hand — its textures, how big it is, and what it tastes like. The hand is, well, handy for exploring this way because it's right there in front of your baby and never gets lost. But eventually, you'll find she's discovering all sorts of things around her as she puts them into her mouth. This is an important way for babies to gather information about their world (and a time for you to make sure yours can't put anything into her mouth that will cause her to choke).

How your baby's growing

Reading to your baby, even at this young age, will pay off. Hearing you read helps your baby develop an ear for the cadence of language. Varying the pitch of your voice, using accents, and singing will make the connection between you and your baby that much more interesting.

If she looks the other way or loses interest while you're reading, just try something else or give her time to rest. Take your cue from her responses.

You'll find plenty of good books to read to your baby — such as Goodnight Moon, Good Night Gorilla, and The Big Red Barn. Choose board books that have large, bright pictures and simple text — or even wordless books that have pictures for you to narrate. At this point you needn't be slavish to age guidelines. Books designed for older children can captivate a baby if they have clear, crisp images and bright colors.

• Learn more fascinating facts about your 2-month-old's development.

Your life: Handling unwanted advice

When you have a baby, everyone in the world seems to have an opinion about it: "Shouldn't she be wearing a sweater?" "He won't grow big and strong if you don't feed him solids now." "If you let her suck on a pacifier, she'll ruin her teeth!" Whether the advice is right or wrong, it's the sheer intrusiveness of it all that can irk a mom.

How to deal with it?
First and foremost, don't take everything you hear seriously. There's no quicker way to undermine your confidence than to listen to every shred of information you're offered by friends, relatives, and strangers. Do what you think is best.

Realize the advice is mostly well intentioned. People are drawn to babies. Sometimes they make "helpful" comments simply to have something to say. In response, say something noncommittal like, "Thanks for your concern." Or, "I'll think about it." A great way to handle grandparents who have their own ideas about feeding or sleep is to enlist a third party: "Thanks, Mom. I'll see what my doctor says."

3 questions about: Colds

How did my baby catch a cold?
It's practically a given that your baby will catch a cold during his first year — the numerous viruses that cause colds are nearly impossible to avoid. They're spread through airborne droplets and by contaminated hands and objects, such as doorknobs and toys. Your baby can't fight them off as easily as you because his immune system is less developed than yours.On top of this, your baby is constantly putting his fingers near his eyes and in his mouth, giving any viruses lurking on his hands easy passage into his body where they can set up camp. If your baby is in group daycare or has older siblings, he's even more likely to come into contact with cold germs.

How can I make my baby more comfortable?
Suction stuffy nostrils with a rubber bulb syringe, and use a cool-mist vaporizer or humidifier in the room where he sleeps. These steps help keep his mucus thin and moving so he can breathe more easily.Raise the head of your baby's mattress by a few inches, if possible, to ease his postnasal drip. Never use pillows for this purpose, though. If his crib mattress won't raise, try putting him to sleep in his car seat in an upright position.Don't give your baby any over-the-counter cold remedies. Pediatricians typically do not recommend them for children under 6 months of age because it's unclear whether they help, and their risk of side effects may be high.

When should I call the doctor?
Play it safe and call the doctor if your baby:
• has a fever above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) taken rectally;
• exhibits labored or rapid breathing (more than 60 breaths a minute), has a worsening cough, or is wheezing or gasping;
• has a discharge from his eyes, which may signal conjunctivitis (pinkeye) or an ear infection;
• tugs at his ear or cries when sucking during a feeding, which also suggest an ear infection; or
• seems to get sicker after five to seven days or has ongoing symptoms for more than two weeks.

2-Month-Old: Week 3

Your baby is an excellent listener. He recognizes your voice, and he'll show you his pleasure by smiling at the sound of your greetings. You may notice that your baby seems to freeze when he hears a new sound — and it's only after he can figure out where it came from that he starts kicking or moving his arms again.

He's also excitedly using all five of his senses to learn about his world. You can actually see how hard he's working to assimilate the new information he's exposed to every day. If something grabs his attention, notice how hard he focuses on it and stares. He's taking it in on many levels.

More things that fascinate your baby now: the contrasting colors of a new toy, the motion of a ceiling fan or rustling tree leaves, the sound of running water, and the clattering of pots in the kitchen sink.

How your baby's growing

He's no Fred Astaire yet, but your little one's movements are getting a bit more coordinated. You'll notice that the jerky arm and leg movements of his newborn days have given way to smoother, more circular motions, especially when he's watching people.

Give your baby enough space to stretch and move his arms and legs. Lay a blanket on the floor and let him move as he pleases. These movements can help your baby strengthen and tone his developing muscles. On his tummy, he'll start to push off with his legs — the first step in getting on the move.

• Learn more fascinating facts about your 2-month-old's development

Your life: Don't forget birth control!

Quick: If you're breastfeeding, can you get pregnant? What if you haven't had a period yet since giving birth?

The answers are yes and yes. Even if you're only sexually semiactive, it's possible to conceive. Contrary to folk wisdom, breastfeeding itself is not a contraceptive, and you'll begin to ovulate before you have a period, but you can't be sure when that will be. So it's wise to use contraception unless you wouldn't mind giving your newborn a closely spaced sibling.

Your doctor can map out all the options, but here are some considerations:

What did you use before you got pregnant?
You can't necessarily pick up where you left off. If you used a diaphragm before you got pregnant, be sure to have it refitted, as your body may have changed due to childbirth.If you were on a hormonal form of birth control (the pill, patch, or ring) before becoming pregnant and are breastfeeding, you won't want to resume taking it, because the hormones can affect the quality and quantity of breast milk. Nursing moms need a different formulation, such as the progesterone-only minipill.

Do you want to try something new?
An IUD (intrauterine device), for example, fits better in women who have given birth than in those who've never had children.

Have you considered using condoms?
Condoms can be a good choice for nursing moms because they don't interfere with breast milk.

3 questions about: Fever

How do I decide if symptoms should be mentioned to my baby's doctor?
You should feel comfortable calling the doctor's office anytime a gut feeling tells you to, day or night. Symptoms worth reporting in a young baby include worrisome changes in her temperament, changes in appetite or an inability to keep food down,high fever (see below), abnormally loose bowel movements, a persistent rash, eye or ear drainage, and prolonged, unusual crying. Any of these could signal a serious illness, depending on their severity, duration, and accompanying symptoms. Always get immediate medical attention if your baby has trouble breathing or is having seizures.

When should I call a doctor about a fever?
It's your decision. Your baby's overall behavior and the presence of additional symptoms is usually a better indicator of illness than an exact thermometer reading. Remember that fever is your baby's way of fighting infection, so it's essentially a good thing, not an illness in itself. Body temperature also varies by time of day (lower in early morning, higher in late afternoon or evening). The American Academy of Pediatrics considers a fever to be a reading over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius). Because readings can vary depending on how you took the temperature (rectally, by ear, under the armpit), tell your doctor the method you used when you report a fever.

What information should I be prepared to give?
When you need to call the doctor, stay calm and provide as thorough a description of the symptoms as you can. Tell when they began, how long they have lasted, and if anything unusual was taking place (such as teething or travel). Take your baby's temperature before you call. Also mention if your baby is currently on any medications and remind the nurse or doctor you speak with if your baby has a medical condition. Because medical staff sees many children each day, they may not remember your individual child's history right off the bat.

2-Month-Old: Week 1

Now that he's hit the 2-month mark, your baby is becoming an increasingly agreeable companion when he's happy. No longer do his built-in newborn reflexes govern his movements: He's learning to control his body and mind. He listens for new and different sounds. He looks around the room for interesting things to see. He focuses intently — though briefly — on whatever grabs his attention. Most of all, he really enjoys looking at his hands, mashing them together, and stuffing them in his mouth.

Coos are his way of expressing delight, as well as exercising his vocal cords. You can carry on a "conversation" with your baby now. When he gurgles or coos, say something brief or coo back at him. Then wait for him to "say" something back to you. This kind of conversational turn-taking may not sound like much to you now, but it's actually the beginning of learning how to talk!

How your baby's growing
Your baby can differentiate familiar voices from other sounds and is becoming a better listener. He also can show you that he's in tune with his environment. Notice how he looks to see where certain noises are coming from.

An ongoing conversation (although still one-sided!) can help your baby develop his sense of place. He may even watch your mouth as you talk, fascinated by how it all works.

• Learn more fascinating facts about your 2-month-old's development

Your life: Loving your partner
Very few parents feel amorous in the weeks following childbirth, for very practical reasons. It's important to remember, however, that being a new parent doesn't mean that you're no longer a sexual being. Even if you don't have time, stamina, or interest in having sexual intercourse, you and your partner can still find ways to love each other.

Love through talk. Keep the lines of communication open no matter how stressed you feel. Remember that you're both going through huge changes. Talking about them can help you feel closer. Frame complaints so that they don't sound accusatory: Instead of saying, "You shouldn't do ___," for example, try, "I feel like ___ when you do ___."
Love through laughter. When your life has turned upside down and you're so tired you could be mistaken for a zombie, it's as appropriate to laugh about it as to cry. Poke fun at your own foibles together.
Love through escape. Go out on a date to see a movie while leaving the baby in the care of a trusted relative or sitter. Even being away for a couple of hours can recharge you.
Love through touching. Sex isn't all about intercourse. Kissing, cuddling, caressing, and other kinds of sex play don't require lots of energy and can help you relax.
Love through time. Remember these topsy-turvy weeks are temporary.

3 questions about: The 2-month exam

What will the doctor be looking for?
She'll weigh and measure your baby to be sure she's growing at the proper rate. Your baby's vision and hearing will be checked, and the doctor will examine her for common health issues at this age, including diaper rash, baby acne, and cradle cap. This is also a great time to bring up questions you have about breastfeeding, returning to work, or any health and behavior concerns you have.

What vaccines will be given?
Your baby will probably be vaccinated against hepatitis B; polio; diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (the DTaP vaccine); and meningitis (the Hib vaccine). The pneumococcal vaccine is given to protect against severe bacterial infections, ear infections, and meningitis.

What questions will the doctor ask?
Most likely she'll ask you:
• How is your baby sleeping?
• What are her bowel movements like?
• Is your baby smiling?
• How often, how much, and when does she eat?
• How does your baby respond when you talk to her?

-Month-Old: Week 2

Your baby is growing stronger every day. She may now be able to lift her head, chest, and shoulders off the ground when she's on her tummy. Your Superbaby will look so proud and happy while she's "flying" this way. If she's especially strong, she may be able to push herself up using her arms while lying on her stomach.

Help your baby exercise this skill by holding a toy in front of her and teasing her with it a little when she's lying on her tummy. Although she won't be able to reach it or move toward it, she will want to raise herself to look at it. Your baby won't actually crawl until at least 6 months, but these precrawling motions are her way of developing her muscles so that she grows stronger. She'll be able to scoot and roll before she actually crawls. Remember that it's important to give your baby opportunities to lie on her tummy this way. So be sure to take her out of her crib, bouncy seat, or soft carrier for regular "play" periods when she's alert and happy.

How your baby's growing
If your baby's sleeping through the night (five or six hours at a stretch), you're one of the lucky few. Most 10-week-old babies still wake up in the middle of the night. But even babies who aren't sleeping through the night at this stage should be sleeping and staying awake for longer intervals instead of cycling back and forth so much. Your baby will most likely have two to four long sleep periods and as many as ten hours of awake time in 24 hours.

An interesting note: Whether your baby is a night owl or a morning lark, a long sleeper or short sleeper, she'll probably stay that way throughout childhood.

• Learn more fascinating facts about your 2-month-old's development.

Your life: Finding good childcare
Even if you're already certain about what kind of childcare arrangement you prefer, it can be a good idea to get a sense of your full range of options. You may be surprised by what appeals most to you once you've done this.

When looking for a daycare center or home daycare that's right for your baby, ask other parents for advice and shop around. Visit as many places as you can, and try to spend as much time as possible at each one at various times of the day, talking with the employees, directors, and parents to get a sense of what the different daycares are like. If you're looking for an individual provider, get references from others and follow up on them. Take time to interview several providers on-site, and watch them interact with your child as well.
A relative's care. Leaving your child in the care of a relative, whether at your home or theirs, can be inexpensive (or free) and erase worries about whether your child will receive enough safety and love. But not every grandparent or other relative has the temperament required for full-time care, and you need to hammer out issues such as discipline and routines.
A nanny's care. An experienced nanny can provide one-on-one loving care in a setting familiar to your child. However, hiring a full-time nanny can be very expensive, making this option unrealistic for the majority of parents. Continuity of care can be a problem if your nanny suddenly quits.
Daycare centers. These offer your baby a structured environment and are often staffed by employees who are trained in early childhood education. Look for a center that has been accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), whose guidelines tend to be more demanding than state regulations in terms of caregiver to child ratios and educational requirements.
Home-based care. These operations can range from just a few children to as many as at a small daycare center. They appeal to many parents simply because of the mother-run home setting. And though they may be less expensive, they may also have fewer regulations than a commercial daycare center, so be sure to ask for and check references.

3 questions about: Reflux

What is reflux?
It's normal for all babies to spit up a little milk after some feedings. However, if your baby is burping up milk throughout the day or vomits more than twice a day, it could be gastroesophageal reflux disease. Reflux may also be associated with prolonged crankiness and, in severe cases, gagging and coughing. Mention reflux symptoms to your pediatrician if you notice them.

What causes it?
The main problem is a weak esophageal sphincter — the valve that connects the throat to the stomach. Swallowing too much air and overfeeding can also be causes.

How is reflux treated?
In most cases, babies grow out of the problem by their first birthday without treatment, as their sphincter muscles grow stronger. If your baby is being formula fed, her doctor may suggest changing her formula or the amount you feed her. Holding her in a semivertical position after feedings will help keep the milk from coming back up. Your doctor might also prescribe an antacid (but don't give your baby one without a doctor's order). He may even suggest an endoscope of the baby's upper gastrointestinal tract. That means a tube will be inserted into the baby's throat to view and biopsy the area.

7-Week-Old

Gimme, gimme. Your baby's movements are slowly becoming smoother and more coordinated. Her newborn ability to reflexively grasp objects is fading away. You'll notice your baby can now grab objects voluntarily — rattles, spoons, you. She may grasp them for a short time before letting go. Expect random, jerky movements for another month or so.

Now that she can hold her head steady, see more clearly, and understand that her fingers and hands are attached to her body, she may think that the rattle is an extension of her hand, too. You can encourage hand practice by making sure her hands are free. Don't keep them tucked into swaddling blankets all the time or cover them with mittens to prevent scratching. Introduce objects and toys for her to hold that have a variety of shapes but aren't too big or too small for her hands (about the size of a rattle). Cradle gyms with dangling toys are also fun for her when she's lying on her back.

How your baby's growing

You may notice short periods of time when your newborn is quiet and alert. This is prime time for learning: Your baby's brain will grow about 5 centimeters during her first three months!

Use these calm intervals to get better acquainted with your baby — talk to her, sing to her, describe the pictures on the walls. She may not be able to add to your conversation just yet, but she's learning nonetheless.New textures for her hands to feel and new sights and sounds (all in moderation) are all learning opportunities. Even bath time becomes a laboratory for understanding life.

• Learn more fascinating facts about your 7-week-old's development.

Your life: Guilt over not breastfeeding

Today's society puts a lot of pressure on new moms to breastfeed. No doubt breast milk is the perfect first food. However, there are many reasons why breastfeeding just doesn't work for some women and their babies, including illness, discomfort, and frustration.

Guilt over not breastfeeding can hit especially hard if you had planned all during pregnancy to do so but then circumstances, such as having a preemie or a c-section, made it impossible or more difficult than you'd expected. Some moms find that after hours and days of breastfeeding attempts, their breasts simply won't produce enough milk to satisfy their newborn.

Both breast milk and commercial formula nourish growing babies. If you've given up on breastfeeding — or are thinking of doing so — be sure to discuss your choice with your doctor or a certified lactation consultant. Talk through your feelings and don't be too hard on yourself. The main thing to remember is that how you feed your baby is ultimately not as important as providing her with love and care.

3 questions about: Hearing

How do I know if my baby can hear okay?
"She sleeps through everything!" you might marvel. "But is her hearing all right?" Most babies have excellent hearing. A baby who turns when you enter the room or is beginning to coo and make pre-speech sounds probably has fine hearing. You can check this in a simple way: When your baby's awake and in her alert state, stand behind her and clap your hands behind her head. She should startle at this loud, sudden noise if her hearing is fine. Repeat it a couple of times to be sure.

What can cause hearing problems?
Some babies are born with hearing difficulties because of a hereditary problem. A family history of deafness can be a red flag. Other causes include exposure to rubella (German measles) in utero, problems during delivery that compromised the supply of oxygen to the baby, or prematurity. There are also some birth defects that cause deafness. And in some cases, a hearing problem might be temporary, caused by a cold or ear infection. Or the inner ear could be damaged because of an injury, a tumor, or a virus.

What if there's a problem?
If you have any concern about your baby's hearing, be sure to tell your pediatrician, who can run other tests or refer you to an audiologist (hearing specialist).Early diagnosis is important regarding hearing. Even babies who have hearing loss can be fitted with hearing aids nowadays. Later, such children may be candidates for a cochlear ear implant, a device that uses electrodes to process sound, and speech therapy.