Behavior and Emotions

Thinking, Feeling and Doing

• I love to interact with people and can be easily entertained.
• I am interested in the world around me and will stop feeding just to look around.
• I might cry or act shy when people I do not know get too close to me.
• I know my family and like to be around them.
• I like to play in the bath.
• I am very curious and like to explore and learn.
• I like to touch things and to feel different textures.
• I might cry when you take something away from me.
• I am learning how to form lasting relationships by getting attached to things, like a toy, blanket or soother.

Crying

• I might cry for no reason or just because I am bored.
• I know that it can be frustrating to hear me cry but please never shake me.
• Shaking can cause brain damage, blindness, paralysis or even death.

Sleeping

• I like to nap during the day and will probably take 2 naps every day.
• A regular bedtime routine can help me relax and get ready to go to sleep.
• I will probably sleep through at least one nighttime feeding and might even sleep through the night.

Playing

• I like bright, colorful toys and other items.
• Some of the toys I like are unbreakable mirrors, soft balls, toys that make sounds, musical toys, see-through rattles and baby books.
• I like to play and move on the floor. I especially like it when you get down on the floor and play with me.

Eating

• I still need breast milk or iron fortified infant formula to help me grow for the first year. I can have whole milk after I am 12 months old but should not have skim or 2% milk until I am much older.
• You can give me water to drink. With your help, I can learn to drink from a cup.
• You can try feeding me rice cereal but I am probably still satisfied with breast milk or formula.
• If you are introducing me to cereal or other solid foods, make sure they are mashed, ground or soft enough for me to swallow without chewing.
• I can taste different foods and can feel the texture of food in my mouth.
• I do not need foods that have added salt or sweeteners.
• Do not let me go to sleep with a bottle of milk, juice or sweetened water. The sugar can damage my teeth even when I am very young.

Child Care

• If I need child care, talk to a community health nurse. She can tell you what to look for in a child care setting.