- Reaches for toys
- Drops objects and then looks for them
- Becomes interested in grabbing the spoon during feedings
- Goes from tummy to sitting by self
- Picks up tiny objects
- Begins to identify self in a mirror's reflection
Your Baby's 35th Week
As you head off to your little one’s ninth month check-up later this month, expect to be questioned about her development. Most children this age are able to wave "bye-bye," although chances are she’ll not perform for the doctor when you want her to.
She’ll hit another milestone any day now. The development of the pincer grip, grasping a small object between her thumb and forefinger, allowing her greater freedom in self-feeding. Help her master this skill by introducing small, easy to eat foods like Cheerios, or small pieces of soft, cooked fruits and vegetables.
You’ve waited months to hear it, but now you’re soon to hear that adorable little voice address you by name. She’ll be able to say Mama and Dada now and may even be able to say another familiar word. Be sure to record these first words even if only by writing them on a calendar on the day they’re first uttered. You’ll treasure these memories for life.
Your Baby's 36th Week
Watch the wheels of his little mind turn rapidly as he begins to associate mental images with familiar labels. He understands that when you say "cat" you are talking about the furry animal that sits all day on the sunny window ledge safely out of reach. Now he’ll begin creating mental images of the cat when you say the name and it’s not within sight. He’ll soon make these associations about every object even if he can’t yet say the words. Talk to him constantly. Narrate your action and discuss the names of nearby items. You’ll encourage swift language growth, but watch what you say when he’s within earshot. He likely understands much more than you’d imagine.
Establish primitive routines now to help him through daily tasks. For example, choose a particular bedtime and stick with it each night. Prepare for bed by taking a relaxing bath and washing away the day’s dirt, or spend a few minutes each evening reading a good book. Other routines include simple procedures such as saying "bye-bye" to each person when it’s time to leave or to favorite toys as you put them away. Simple steps such as these help him anticipate and accept the coming changes.
Your Baby's 37th Week
It’s nearly the time you’ve been waiting for! Though it could be several months before you witness those precious first steps, your little one is making great strides in that direction. She has probably mastered the fine art of crawling on her hands and knees. This perfected position affords greater flexibility and faster speeds. She’ll be able to pull herself to a standing position and will lean on furniture for support. She may even be able to pivot in a circle to take in new views of her surroundings.
Take a moment to double-check her sleeping arrangements. If she sleeps in a crib you may need to lower the mattress so she will not accidentally fall out if she stands up and leans against the railing.
If you’ve adopted the family bed practice, she may still enjoy sleeping with you. You’ve undoubtedly found that nursing is much more convenient. You may find yourself coping with knees and elbows as she squirms at night. Make sure each person has his or her own space and you’ll continue to enjoy this wonderful cuddle time.
Your Baby's 38th Week
Your little one is ready for new advancements in the self-feeding area as well. He’s now able to drink from a sippy cup though this may take a few introductions before he’s able to easily take a drink. To begin the transition to a cup, you may want to fill it with some expressed milk, or another favorite beverage to entice him to drink from this new contraption. Keep a mop or cleaning cloth handy. Remember how he loves to drop items to see them fall? As you may have noticed, it can be just as much fun to turn the cup over to watch the liquid drip out!
Don’t feel pressured to wean your little one from the breast simply because you are weaning him from any bottles he may take. There are many benefits to extended nursing, ranging from the fact that he receives a new boost of infection-fighting antibodies with each ounce of breastmilk, to the warm feeling that is shared during this special time for Mom and baby. Remember, experts advise that breastmilk (or formula) should still make up 75 percent of a baby's daily intake throughout the second half of his first year of life.
Your Baby's 39th Week
Now that you’ve had several months to gradually introduce cereals, fruits and vegetables, your little one is likely ready to begin eating meats. Meats are just as easy to prepare at home. Cook meat thoroughly and avoid strong seasonings at first. Simply puree with a little water or breastmilk, as you would fruits or vegetables. With a little luck she’ll soon enjoy these strange new tastes.
Hold off on cow’s milk, eggs, nuts and honey. Cow’s milk, nuts and eggs are some of the most common food allergens and can cause severe reactions, while honey may contain dangerous spores which will not be killed by her immature digestive system.
During playtime use interactive games to help her develop socialization, coordination and counting skills. Time honored games such as "Peek-a-Boo," "So Big," "The Itsy Bitsy Spider," "Ring Around the Rosies" (once she’s walking) and others will be educational as well as fun.
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