Time to Teach the "Ahhh" Game

A smart thing to teach your child is to open his mouth, stick out his tongue, and say, “Ahhh.” This trick will make going to the doctor easier. It is also helpful when you want to see what your baby has put in his mouth.

To teach your baby to say, “Ahhh," open your mouth wide and stick out your tongue. Your child will learn by copying you.

No matter how safe you try to make your home for your baby, he will find something to put in his mouth.

When this happens, don't panic! You might startle your child and cause him to swallow the object. Instead, act as if you are playing the “Ahhh” game. If your baby knows the game, he will copy you. You can check your child's mouth in no time.

If your baby does swallow something, try to find out what it is. Immediately call the Poison Control Center (800-222-1222), your doctor, or the nearest hospital emergency room for advice. If you have to take him for treatment, make sure you take the container of whatever he swallowed with you to the doctor or hospital.

You might have an old first aid kit at home with activated charcoal and syrup of ipecac. DO NOT USE SYRUP OF IPECAC. In the old days, syrup of ipecac was used to make children vomit, but vomiting is not helpful. For updated information on syrup of ipecac and activated charcoal, go to the Web site from the American Academy of Pediatrics: http://www.aap.org/advocacy/archives/novpoison.htm.

Getting Ready to Walk

Most babies pull themselves up to a standing position for the first time between 6 and 10 months of age. They hold on to furniture, their crib, playpen rails, or on to you as you sit on the floor.

The next step is called cruising. Your baby holds on to furniture and slides her feet. As she gets better, she will stand farther away from furniture, using it only for balance.

After your baby is confident about walking while holding on to something, she may be ready to take steps while holding your hands. This can be scary for her. So hold her hands and go just a few steps, unless she wants to keep going.

The process of learning to walk takes many months as your baby gains control of her legs and arms. Few babies (25 percent) take steps by 11 months. Others wait as long as 15 or 16 months.

The best exercise for your child is pulling, creeping, sitting, balancing, and crawling - fast or slow - on her own power. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that you do not use a walker. There have been many deaths and injuries to babies from accidents in walkers, and there are no clear benefits to using them.

Watch for safety hazards, such as dangling tablecloths and cords, as well as sharp corners. Keep your baby in bare feet or slipper socks if the floors are safe.

Above all, provide praise and love when your baby gets frightened or discouraged. Your baby will learn to walk. She will enjoy your love and support as she practices.