MONTH EIGHT



Your Baby's 31st Week

Your little one is now mobile. She’ll enjoy crawling around picking up every exciting object she finds. Watch out! They’re all destined for her mouth. Be sure to supply safe teething rings she can chew on without any harm.

While some begin much earlier, the average infant begins teething between six and twelve months of age. Generally, the incisors erupt first (four on top and four on the bottom), then four molars. These are followed by the four canine (eye) teeth and finally by the two year molars somewhere around two years of age. Watch for signs of teething, including drooling (and a related rash, cough or diarrhea caused by the excess of saliva), night waking, biting, loss of appetite and irritability. Help relieve the pain associated with teething by offering a hard, cool teething ring and, with the advice of your pediatrician, acetaminophen. Each child teethes differently. Some seem to hardly notice the process while others may cry and be excessively clingy while they’re feeling badly.

Your Baby's 32nd Week

Your little one has developed his own manner of expressing his needs. Expect his repertoire to grow steadily as he adds gestures to the mix. For example, he may hold his arms above his head in an attempt to ask you to pick him up. You’ll notice these new efforts quite quickly. Help limit possible frustrations by interpreting them for other caregivers who may not spend the same amount of time with him.

You may find yourself wondering why he seems to "act up" when you’re around while other caregivers report that he’s a joy to care for. He may be young, but you can be sure that he’s already figuring out how to manipulate Mom and Dad. He’s attempting to test limits. He’ll take note of how far he can go before you give in to his requests. Take charge of the situation now by setting limits. Be sure your requests are age appropriate, but remember that it’s not too early to learn that dinner goes in the mouth, not on the floor or in his hair.

Your Baby's 33rd Week

Playtime may take on a whole new meaning as your little explorer learns the joys of "in" and "out." She’ll notice how small cups fit inside larger ones and will enjoy placing small items inside containers. Try showing her how to fill a cup with water while in the bath tub and watch her joy as she learns to dump it back out.

She’ll enjoy chasing moving toys now. Another favorite past time may be dropping an object for the simple pleasure of watching them fall. This game is particularly enjoyable when she’s seated in her high chair and the objects have a distance to fall. She’ll delight in repeatedly dropping her cup, teething ring, spoon or even food onto the floor as she tests the limits of gravity.

Your Baby's 34th Week

Around this time, your little one may develop a fear of strangers. The once outgoing little boy who would allow anyone and everyone to touch him and pick him up may appear anxious when a stranger enters the room. He may decide to hide his head in your shoulder or cling to your legs. Accept this as normal and help him adjust by staying nearby as he learns to accept a new person.

He may be increasingly afraid when you are not around to comfort him. He may continue to protest when you drop him off at day care or leave for the evening. He’s still experiencing the same separation anxiety that began several weeks ago. Continue to help him through this time by offering extra attention and one-on-one time before you leave and when you return. Continued games like peek-a-boo will help reinforce the idea that you’re not gone forever and that you plan to return shortly.

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