Helping Your Baby Develop

• Hold your baby in a standing position and try to get him to bounce up and down.
• Encourage your baby to pull up to stand when near a stable, sturdy object he can use for balance. Once he is able to pull up to stand in his crib, make sure the mattress is in the lowest setting for safety.
• When your baby is standing, hold a favorite toy just out of reach. Try to get your baby to "cruise" (walk) along the furniture to get the toy.
• Place a toy out of reach and encourage your baby to get the toy by crawling on his hands and knees.

Developmental Milestones

Babies develop at different rates, but by the end of baby's eighth month, he will probably:

• Crawl
• "Inspect" his toys
• Say "dada" without necessarily knowing what it means
• Move into a sitting position from his stomach

Still No Cow's Milk

The Canadian Pediatric Society advises against giving cow's milk or low-iron infant formula before 9 to 12 months of age. Iron is important for building healthy red blood cells and for brain growth and development. Cow's milk contains a high level of protein and not enough iron for young babies. Keep offering breast milk or an iron-fortified infant formula. You can trust the makers of Similac to help ensure your baby gets the nutrition she needs, even as she starts eating solid foods.

As your baby relies more and more on solid foods, it can be tough to ensure that she's getting what she really needs. When you supplement solid foods with Similac Step 2 or Isomil Step 2, you can help bridge the nutritional gaps and be sure you're providing a source of complete nutrition for your baby.

Bedtime Rituals

Toward the end of this first year, you'll want to start to develop a bedtime ritual together. This should be about 10 to 30 minutes of pleasant time either reading a book, rocking, or doing other quiet activities together. Your baby will look forward to bedtime and find it easier to accept the separation from you as you leave the room.

Parents can take turns with these bedtime rituals. Your baby should feel comfortable with either parent putting her to bed. Both of you just have to agree that you'll tell your baby when the time is almost up and that you must leave. Then, leave.