Your Baby Week 42
During this point of your baby's life, he is probably able to understand simple commands and he may even be able to point to something he would like to have, like a toy on the other side of the room. If he hasn’t already, he may drop the third nap of the day, relying on only the morning and afternoon naps to get him through. This may add some welcome flexibility to your schedule.
Baby Classes
It may seem like parents are enrolling their children into classes and lessons earlier and earlier. If you are feeling any pressure to enroll your child in swimming lessons or movement class or mommy and me yoga or any of the many classes that are out there, make sure your focus is on having fun. Classes just aren't necessary for babies and they certainly won't fall behind their peers if you don't enroll them. In fact, a schedule full of too many classes may actually make them less interested in formal classroom environments when it's time to start school.
Babies learn from interacting with their environment. It doesn't matter if it is in a classroom or on your living room floor. However, signing up for a class here or there can help connect you with other parents and help combat any feelings of isolation that you may have been feeling. Just remember, in whatever classes you do enroll in, steer clear of setting goals or having any expectations other than having fun!
Spilled Milk
With their growing independence in feeding themselves and using sippy cups, there are bound to be messes and spills. Even the spill-proof sippy cups don’t stop all spills! Though it may be frustrating, it's important to keep in mind that most spills are accidents. Use opportunities like these to teach your baby about cleaning up after themselves. Grab a paper towel and encourage your child to help in the clean-up.
Choosing Shoes
Though bare feet are best as your baby learns to walk, the outdoors certainly aren't as clean or as safe as your home. Inside you can vacuum and sweep, but the outdoors offer a whole host of dangers to your little one's feet. When choosing shoes for your baby, make sure the soles are not too firm, this will allow the foot to move naturally. Also, stay away from high-tops, if possible. Low-tops allow the ankle to move freely. Of course, you should stay away from heels and make sure the soles aren't too slippery. And finally, check for a good fit. It's best to buy a shoe that is too big than too small, especially at the rate your infant is growing, but you should be sure that the shoe doesn't cause your child to be unstable, because that could be dangerous. Be sure their heel isn't slipping out of the back of the shoe and isn't being pinched. Also, make sure their feet aren't red on the heel or the toe when the shoes are removed and that there is approximately half an inch between their toe and the front of the shoe.
