Your Baby Week 18

If you haven't already, you will probably be thinking about starting your baby on solids this month. This is a big step that both you and your baby have to be ready for. But how do you know if your baby is ready to start on some baby food? One sure fire way is if your baby is showing some interest in what you eat, trying to grab at it, and wanting to take bites. However, you do not want to give your baby any food from your plate at this point in the game.

You should start your baby out with simple baby cereal. You can choose from rice, oatmeal, and barley. Rice is probably the most common of these three. If you aren't positive which you should start on, be sure to ask your pediatrician. Remember to read and follow the instructions carefully!

Week 18 Milestones

At the beginning of this month your baby might actually be able to sit without support. This is a big step of independence for both you and your baby and should be celebrated. Make sure when you see your baby doing it, that you applaud and clap. That will get your baby excited and make him want to do it more, which will help strengthen his back muscles and prepare him for even more fun stuff in the future.

What Might Concern You at 18 Weeks

Does your baby seem to be fussier than normal, chewing on his hands, whining and complaining? You may be wondering if this is teething, or if there is something else wrong. More than likely it is teething. All these actions might be accompanied by excess drooling, ear pulling, and maybe even a low grade fever. These signs of teething can all be seen weeks before you ever see a tiny little white tooth break through the skin.

Check with your doctor on which pain medications you can use to help your baby, and try to make him as confortable as possible. You can offer your baby cold water or chew toys which will may help the discomfort to the gums. In reality there is probably nothing you can do to make your baby feel 100% better. Just try to comfort him the best you can and know that these teething processes is something that we all had to go through.

This time last year...

You were 6 Weeks Pregnant!   Can you believe it? Time flies too fast! Be sure you start chronicling these infant memories now by creating your free baby journal today!

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