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Oh, baby! From welcoming your baby to putting that first candle on the birthday cake, here’s what to expect during year No. 1 By Darlene ZagataPublished: January, 2009

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You’ve waited nine long months, endured the pain of labor and delivered your beautiful bundle of joy. Now the fun starts. Each day is an exciting new adventure filled with memories to last a lifetime. It is definitely a year of firsts for both baby and his new parents. You will see the miraculous developments that take place as this little being develops. You’ll change mountains of diapers and fill countless bottles. And, as your child begins to discover his world, the wonder and awe he displays will be reflected in your own eyes as you watch the little miracle that you have created grow from infant to toddler.     Here’s what you can expect as your baby develops during year No. 1. Don’t worry if your child doesn’t hit the mark exactly on time. All babies develop at different rates.     “Most parents today are aware of the major milestones young children are generally expected to achieve at certain ages ..." says Dr. Mohan Kumaratne, chair of pediatrics at Fountain Valley Regional Hospital. "Routine well-baby visits to the pediatrician from 0 to 2 years of age can help determine if children are on the right track developmentally and help manage parents’ anxiety if their child’s milestones don’t happen exactly when expected.”   Bonding Your first few weeks will be spent bonding with your new infant. Late night feedings, lots of cuddle time and, of course, bath time are all special moments when parents connect with their newborns. Before you know it, your child will become fascinated with his fingers and everything around him. He’ll grasp hold of your finger with his tiny hand and start to focus intently on you and objects within his view.     He’ll soon gaze into your face and, before long, begin to recognize you. There is no thrill greater than the first time your smile triggers a smile of recognition from your baby. (Take a look at the baby on our cover and try not to smile back!) Communication By the time your baby is 2 to 3 months old, you’ll notice a concerted effort at communication. Baby will make sounds and react to the sounds you make, as well. Expect lots of gurgling and babbling baby talk, and make sure you talk back!     By the time he is 4 months old, he’ll be trying to see the world from a vantage point other than lying down. He’ll make an effort to hold his head up, beginning to develop arm and neck strength. He now can remember the faces of Mom and Dad and will reach for you with his fast-developing hand-eye coordination. Mobility Some time around month No. 4, you’ll notice Junior trying to roll over. With a little help, he’ll also be able to sit up on his own for a few seconds at a time. Remember that each child is different and may develop abilities at varying times along the developmental schedule. Some children crawl or walk earlier than others, so there’s no need to panic if a friend’s baby rolls over before your child does. Teething During month No. 5, your little one may start teething (see sidebar for help with teething pain). Once again, depending on the child, this may occur earlier, or even later, with some infants not actually cutting teeth until their first birthday.     In the sixth month your baby will begin to grab and hold onto objects. And, predictably, he’ll put them directly into his mouth. He may begin to drink from a cup at this time.     Solid foods At seven months of age, you’ll likely be introducing him to foods beyond cereal. Baby will begin to feed himself with small, soft foods like crackers or Cheerios.     In the eighth month, you may see your child sitting without support and begin to rock on all fours in a first attempt at crawling. This stage requires your constant attention. Once they are mobile, they are vulnerable. Walking At 10 months your baby may pull himself to a standing position and take a few steps with your help. Some babies begin walking as early as age 9 months, and others take their first steps after their first birthday.     At about 11 months he will be more responsive to words such as “no.” He is also becoming more curious and will want to explore his surroundings more. He will require more stimulation, including reading, songs and more interaction with Mom and Dad. Before you know it, you’ll be helping him blow out the candle on his first birthday cake! Keep baby safe! According to the National Safe Kids campaign, the leading causes of child injury include falls, airway obstruction, burns, drowning and poisoning. Here are ways to begin child-proofing your baby’s world:  > Pool safety: Have a safety-rated fence professionally installed, and teach your child to swim early. There is no substitute for constant supervision. > Ingestibles: Keep household cleaners, alcohol, pesticides, medicines and any other poisoning hazard in a locked cabinet. Toys should not include parts small enough to swallow. > Burns/electrocution: Install safety grates in front of fireplaces, radiators and heaters. Cover all electrical outlets with child-resistant outlet covers and install ground fault circuit interrupters on outlets near sinks and bathtubs (they stop the electrical current when an appliance gets wet). > Choking/Suffocation: Cords for blinds or appliances should be kept short. > Falls: Install safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs; use a safety belt on your changing table. n Caitlin Adams Rub-a-dub in the tub Make bath time with baby safe and relaxing for both of you > Don’t tub bathe baby until the umbilical cord falls off. > Make sure you have everything you need before you start. > Use an extra bath towel or a foam piece designed for the tub to keep baby from slipping. > Make sure the water isn’t too hot. You can check the water temperature with a child-safe floating bath thermometer. > Hold baby securely and gently lower him into the tub. A warm washcloth draped across baby’s middle helps him feel secure. > NEVER, EVER leave a baby unattended in the bath. If the phone rings, or you have to leave the room, grab a towel, bundle him and go. Belinda J. Mooney Relief for teething pain A baby’s first tooth does not usually break through until the sixth month, but the symptoms of teething often begin as early as month No. 3. To ease your baby’s discomfort – and to make your life easier –  try some of these home remedies for teething: > Gum massage The counter-pressure of a massage on your baby’s gums will relieve some of his discomfort and often help the tooth break through. > Frozen washcloths Store clean washcloths in the freezer and let your baby chew away his teething pain. Plastic chew toys will also temporarily help relieve teething pain. Pop the toys in the freezer and pull them out one at a time. Rotate them so a frozen chew toy is always at the ready for your baby. > Cold drinks Offer your baby a drink of cold juice or water. The extra fluid intake from water or juice will also help replenish some of the fluids lost through drooling or loose stools. > Teething tablets Many parents swear by Hyland’s Homeopathic Teething Tablets. Before giving your baby any medication, whether homeopathic or not, always remember to consult your pediatrician. Baby tidbits Sleep: Babies ages 1 to 3 months sleep an average of 15 hours per day. Source: babycenter.com Nursing: More moms are nursing (74 percent), but only 11 percent nurse their babies after age 6 months. Source: msnbc.com  Solid foods: Babies who were not introduced to cereal grains by age 6 months are four times more likely to develop food allergies. Source: Pediatrics (a professional journal) Reading: Studies show that reading the same book over and over can calm baby, lower his heart rate and help him to relax. Source: kidshealth.org Speech: At about 6 months, baby will recognize her own name. At 12 months, she may say, “Mama,” and “Dada.” Source: webmd.com

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