Baby Development Guide: Milestones, Teething & Infant Safety

Supporting infant growth involves identifying teething stages, establishing safe sleep environments, and transitioning to age-appropriate solid foods.

Dangers of Delivering a Baby at 32-34 Weeks

Babies born at less than 37 weeks' gestation are preterm, or premature. According to the author of “When You're Expecting Twins, Triplets, or Quads,” Dr. Barbara Luke, roughly 10 percent of single baby and 50 percent of twin pregnancies are premature.

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Should I Let a Baby Sleep If He Hits His Head?

Head injuries are common in babies, especially those who are just learning to move around and are still clumsy. These injuries can be internal and involve swelling or serious damage, or can be external with bleeding or scrapes. KidsHealth states that there is no reason to keep your baby awake after he hits his head.

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Couple cleaning floor

What Cleaners are Safe for Babies?

Of course you want a clean home for your baby, but you might wonder which cleaning products are safe to use around a little one. A clean home should not risk your baby's health, so it's prudent to use safe and environmentally-friendly cleaners to make your home sparkle.

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Child with baby bottles in bed

How to Use Dr. Brown's Bottle Sterilizer

Dr. Brown's bottles feature a unique venting system that creates a pressure flow similar to breastfeeding. The makers of Dr. Brown's bottles claim this system prevents your baby from ingesting the air bubbles that cause gas and colic. The Dr.

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How to Sterilize Baby Bottles in the Microwave

Babies, with their undeveloped immune systems, need to drink from clean bottles. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends sterilizing nipples and bottles by washing them in the dishwasher or stove top, according to the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center.

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Pregnant woman at home

How to Feel a Baby in the Womb

Your baby's first detectable movements may startle and amaze you. According to Kyra Karmiloff and Annette Karmiloff-Smith, authors of "Everything Your Baby Would Ask: If Only Babies Could Talk,"

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Hispanic baby sleeping

About Sleeping Wedges for Babies With Reflux

It is pretty common, according to MayoClinic.com, for young babies to have reflux. While some may require treatment for their reflux, many others are so-called “happy spitters” who can be managed with a few simple lifestyle changes.

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Mother and son lying down on bed

How Much Should a 6-Month-Old Weigh?

Every baby grows differently, and a specific weight is not as important as is her overall rate of growth, according to HealthyChildren, a website associated with the American Academy of Pediatricians. Your baby's weight gain depends on different factors such as her diet, genetics and overall health.

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Mother Feeding Baby Sitting In High Chair At Mealtime

Why Is My Baby Always Hungry?

If it seems as though your baby is always hungry, there's a reason. According to the Clemson University Cooperative Extension, during the first year of your baby's life, her birth weight triples as she goes through a stage of rapid growth.

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What Should My Child Be Doing at 9 Months Old?

All parents wonder if their child has reached milestones at certain times in her development. Though children develop at differing rates, there are some things most 9-month-old babies typically can do. The American Academy of Pediatrics states that between 8 and 12 months a baby will become increasingly mobile.

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Mother holding baby and doing laundry

How to Wash Baby Clothes With Baking Soda

Baking soda is a natural product with uses that extend beyond the kitchen. If you’re looking for a way to cheaply and naturally wash baby clothes, baking soda is the only product you need.

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Portrait of a peaceful baby sleeping in his cradle at home

How Long Can a Baby Sleep in a Cradle?

Cradles can make tending to a baby easier in the middle of the night, keeping baby close to mom and dad for feedings and diaper changes. Cradles are also small and portable, making them more convenient than a crib since they can fit into more spaces and be moved easily. However, cradles are only a temporary solution.

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Baby smiling in bed with eyes closed and arms out.

How Much Sleep Does a 16-Month-Old Need?

When your child reaches 16 months, she should be sleeping steadily through the night, although still needing a nap or two daily. More important than the hard number of hours, however, is watching your child's behavior to assure she gets sufficient sleep.

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Head Lag in Infant Development

Normal growth and development of infants have a known course, known as developmental milestones. The age and order in which they occur are markers of the normal maturation of neuromuscular development. A newborn requires head support, and its head will lag behind its shoulders when lifted.

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Baby (3-6 months) lying on white sheets, close-up

Stages of Baby Weight in the Uterus

Throughout your pregnancy, you probably only need to look at your belly in the mirror to recognize that your baby is steadily gaining weight. During each phase of fetal development, your baby will grow significantly in terms of developing organs, body systems and senses.

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Mother giving son a bath

What Temperature Should You Make Bath Water for a Baby?

A baby may enjoy the bath or it may be a time of distress. The temperature of bath water can contribute to the overall bathing experience for the infant. Risks are associated with bathing the infant in water that is too hot or cold.

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Hispanic father sleeping on sofa with baby

A 4-Week Old Baby Won't Sleep During the Day

Establishing a sleep routine is one of the most important milestones parents strive for during the first year of a baby's life. Prior to birth, babies make their own sleep schedule in the womb.

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Newborn and hand

Brain Development in Premature Babies

Much of an infant's brain growth occurs during the last half of pregnancy, and the risks of premature birth vary depending on how soon a baby is born. Researchers at McMaster University say the last two months in the womb are critical to correct development of the brain.

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