Your 16-month-old: Week 4

Hello from BabyCenter!

Toddlers live large, play hard, and love big. When they get upset, they can start acting irrationally, just like adults do. And they often use emotional outbursts to clear out the bad feelings — which may feel good to them but isn't always easy for you. Before losing your cool, remember that your child's lack of self-control is normal and that he'll eventually learn what's socially acceptable by the way you and others react to his antics. Try to respond calmly and enforce the limits you've set so things don't escalate.

Your 16-month-old: Week 3

Hello from BabyCenter!

Your child is getting better at assimilating information from all five senses. It's why your toddler will suddenly stop to listen to the sound of a dog barking, squat down to get a better look at the ants crawling in and out of cracks in the sidewalk, or take delight in running sand through her hands. Whenever you can, get down and play in the sand (or peer at an anthill, or poke at an earthworm) with your toddler — you'll remember again what it's like to see the world through the eyes of a child.

Your 16-month-old: Week 2

Hello from BabyCenter!

Your toddler is learning which of his tricks get a laugh out of you, and which bring your disapproval. He's studying your reactions, so now's a good time to start teaching right from wrong by cheering on "good" behavior (picking up a toy and putting it in the toy box) and frowning on "bad" (throwing the toy across the room). And don't forget to watch what you say and do around your child: Imitation is one of the ways toddlers learn socially acceptable behavior.

Your 16-month-old: Week 1

Hello from BabyCenter!

Where, oh where, has your baby gone? You have a full-fledged toddler living with you now. Walking and running still top the agenda, but take note of how complex your child's movements have become. When she crosses a room, she'll squat to pick up an interesting toy or stop to stack some blocks. If she's particularly ambitious, she'll figure out how to push a stool or chair over to the kitchen counter so she can climb up for a better look — all the more reason to make sure your house is as childproof as it can be.

Your 15-month-old: Week 4

Hello from BabyCenter!

It may be embarrassing when your toddler throws a full-blown screaming fit in the middle of the produce section, but rest assured that other parents feel your pain. The most useful response is to take your child out of the store (even if it means leaving a cart full of food behind) and sit with him in the car or on a bench until he finishes crying. When the storm is over, your child will feel close to you and happy again. And you can take some comfort in knowing that eventually your child will outgrow this behavior.

Your 15-month-old: Week 3

Hello from BabyCenter!

Being little is tough, especially when someone bigger than you dictates what you'll wear, and when you'll take a bath, go to bed, and eat meals. One of the only ways your 15-month-old has to assert herself is to say "no" or refuse to cooperate. To cut down on the number of no's you hear, try to limit your own use of the word — toddlers are great mimics, after all. You may be pleasantly surprised by the results.

Your 15-month-old: Week 2

Hello from BabyCenter!

Whining and screaming: If your 15-month-old has started sounding like a hyena or worse, you're experiencing his intense desire to interact with you. Children thrive on their parents' attention, and a toddler this age will do just about anything to get yours. When he gets loud or whiny, kneel down to your child's level and tell him you're listening. If he keeps it up, calmly say, "I can't understand you when you talk like that. Please use your normal voice and I'll be happy to listen to what you're saying." Eventually, he'll get the message.

Your 15-month-old: Week 1

Hello from BabyCenter!

Doing errands around town is harder than ever with a pint-size explorer in tow. Being strapped down in a car seat or stroller is the last place your toddler wants to be: Expect an earful — usually accompanied by an arched back and flailing arms and legs — when it's time to buckle up. This is partly because about 90 percent of all toddlers are walking by now (late walkers will catch up in the next month or two), which means they'd much rather be practicing their footwork than sitting still.

Your 14-month-old: Week 4

Hello from BabyCenter!

Does your toddler sometimes hurt other children? It's not surprising — many toddlers act out in this way. The good news is that he doesn't mean to inflict pain on his playmates. When he pulls another child's hair, he's either fascinated by the reaction it provokes or copying another child's behavior. Making a fellow child yell or cry seems like great fun at this age. The best response is to gently but firmly stop the hurtful behavior and redirect his attention. The more he gets a rise out of you, the more likely he is to repeat the behavior.

Your 14-month-old: Week 3

Hello from BabyCenter!

"Ball," "dog," and "bye" may be your child's favorite — and only — words at this point, though some early talkers may have as many as 20 words in their vocabulary. Maybe she uses the words at the right time for the right things, or maybe she says "dog" when she sees other furry animals with tails. Don't be discouraged — that's an indication that she's learning to group things together. Just say the correct word in a matter-of-fact tone ("That's a horse, honey; horses are bigger than dogs"), and she'll soon pick it up.

Your 14-month-old: Week 2

Hello from BabyCenter!

Does it seem as if one minute your toddler's a shrinking violet clinging to your leg, and the next he's eagerly toddling toward the swing set without a backward glance? Those are classic examples of the push and pull your child will exhibit on the road to independence. There's not much to do but accept that sometimes he'll act needy and other times he'll ignore you. Give him the space he needs to explore (provided it's safe), but stay close by for the occasional hug of reassurance.

Your 14-month-old: Week 1

Hello from BabyCenter!

Your toddler is fascinated by how things work and is getting better at grasping and manipulating things. Give her an open sippy cup and watch how she tries to screw the lid on, then off again. Opening and closing cabinet doors will also bring endless enjoyment (be sure to put safety latches on the ones that aren't safe to explore). Some things won't come easy at first and her smiles of pride will alternate with tears of frustration. If you encourage her with lots of hugs and kisses, she'll develop the confidence to try new things.

Your 13-month-old: Week 4

Hello from BabyCenter!

Spirited and mild-mannered toddlers alike will experiment with ... how shall we say it? ... undesirable behavior. If your toddler indulges in fits of screaming, hitting, and biting, you can take some solace in knowing that his development is right on track. Discipline can be a challenge with kids this age, so try to build a little personal time into your schedule each week as a way to refuel your patience tank.

Your 13-month-old: Week 3

Hello from BabyCenter!

Whether your toddler's constantly repeating her favorite words or not yet getting out anything you can understand, she's eager to communicate with you. Aside from words, she'll express her desires through sounds, babbling, mimicking, and body gestures (notice how the rhythm of her hand gestures matches her attempts to speak). You may even want to try teaching her a few signs, so she can experience the thrill of getting her point across.

Your 13-month-old: Week 1

Hello from BabyCenter!

Whether your toddler's been walking for months or is still happy just cruising, one thing's for sure: She's not about to slow down. With great delight, she'll soon learn that walking frees her hands to unroll reams of toilet paper, knock glasses off coffee tables, and empty your bedside drawers. What to do? Spend lots of time at the park, and notch up your childproofing efforts so your toddler has plenty of space to explore without getting hurt.

Your 12-month-old: Week 4

Hello from BabyCenter!

As your child's second year begins, take some time to think about your relationship with your partner. Caring for an infant can wreak havoc on couples. You may find yourselves bickering a lot or just not connecting the way you used to. Don't despair — it takes time to adjust to having another person around. Now that your baby-turned-toddler is becoming less dependent, make a point of getting away to do adult things, just the two of you.

Your 12-month-old: Week 3

Hello from BabyCenter!

Look who's talking now! Your 1-year-old is working hard on being able to tell you what's going on in his busy brain. Try these strategies to help his vocabulary grow: When you change his diaper or dress him, talk about the parts of his body. Look at picture books together and ask him to point to or name familiar objects. Teach him about textures by letting him touch an apple ("smooth"), avocado ("bumpy"), or kiwifruit ("fuzzy").

Your 12-month-old: Week 2

Hello from BabyCenter!

If your child gets upset when you leave her now, she's right on schedule. Twelve to 18 months is prime time for separation anxiety — a psychological term that means your toddler can't bear to be without you. The best way to handle painful farewells is to keep them short and sweet: Say goodbye with a quick kiss and head out the door. Your toddler's tears will subside soon after you're out of sight. It's hard not to feel guilty, but in the long run you'll help your child become more independent.

Your 1-year-old

Hello from BabyCenter!

Your baby has hit the 1-year mark: Happy birthday! Many view the first birthday as the toddler turning point. Others consider your baby a toddler as soon as she starts walking — or, as the case may be, taking her first tentative steps. However and whenever she crosses the line into toddlerhood, it's a bittersweet transition — you miss your little baby even as you delight in your amazing child.

Your 11-month-old: Week 4

Hello from BabyCenter!

Babies typically start walking sometime between about 9 and 18 months. You may be surprised at the reactions this milestone causes in you. For example, don't take it too hard if your baby refuses when you offer to hold or carry him. He's not rejecting you. Odds are, he's simply excited about practicing walking. To prevent any injuries, keep a close eye on him when he takes off, and install safety gates to block off stairs and unsafe rooms.

Your 11-month-old: Week 3

Hello from BabyCenter!

Your baby understands more than she says, and she's aware that everything around her has a name. Help satisfy her curiosity by pointing at familiar objects and naming them: "Ball." "Truck." "Airplane." Few 11-month-olds are ready to say these words, but they file them away for future use. Soon you'll be able to say, "Where's the ball?" and she'll show you. If her first words sound strange, she may be repeating them the way they sound to her ears: "Da-ee" for "doggie," for example.

Your 11-month-old: Week 2

Hello from BabyCenter!

Chances are good that your baby's grown attached to a certain blanket or toy. Transitional objects may help your baby weather potentially stressful experiences — such as a doctor's visit or a trip — more easily. You may want to buy a duplicate of her lovey (or cut the original in half, if it's something like a blanket), in case you need to replace a lost one or take it away to clean it.

Your 11-month-old: Week 1

Hello from BabyCenter!

Your baby may now be able to bend over to pick up objects or play with toys. Now that's balance! For you, it's also a babyproofing wake-up call. Keep hazardous items in locked cabinets or move them to higher ground. Consider keeping one or two cabinets within your little one's reach that are full of baby-safe objects such as toys and books. They'll help him quench his curiosity and practice taking objects out and putting them back in.

Your 10-month-old: Week 4

Hello from BabyCenter!

You may see your baby start to take more of an interest in other babies. For the most part, babies this age parallel play, staying happily engrossed in their own activities alongside one another, but without really interacting. This is normal — focusing on their own abilities and needs is how they develop. Over time, though, you'll notice your baby stealing glances at fellow babies, and she may crawl over to try to use the same toy.

Your 10-month-old: Week 3

Hello from BabyCenter!

Your baby's ability to vocalize is improving, and she may say her first word any time now. When she does, softly and clearly repeat it so she can learn the correct pronunciation. (Bear in mind that many babies won't utter an intelligible peep for several more months, and that's normal, too.) First words don't always have precise definitions, by the way. "Dog" may mean anything with four legs, and "ba-ba" could signify bottle, teddy bear, bye-bye — or all three.

Your 10-month-old: Week 2

Hello from BabyCenter!

Your baby is mastering motor control — both "gross" motor skills, like crawling and standing, and "fine" motor skills, such as picking up objects between forefinger and thumb. It's especially important to keep choking hazards out of reach when your baby has these new pickup skills (and still likes exploring things with his mouth). Coins, buttons, small toy parts, and food that falls to the ground are all potential problems. Consider vacuuming more often at this stage.

Your 10-month-old: Week 1

Hello from BabyCenter!

Your baby may still only babble, but don't underestimate how much he understands. Babies pick up on the meaning of words — and tone of voice — before they learn to speak. Your baby may even respond to simple requests or words of discipline such as a warning "No!" Talk to him often about what you're doing, where you're going, and the names of the foods he eats, and say his name. Try to taper off the baby talk so he hears plenty of real words during the day.

The Benefits of Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is one of the most intimate times that a mother and child can share. It's no secret that breastfeeding is beneficial, but scientists are discovering new benefits all the time that prove how important it is. The beautiful act of breastfeeding provides numerous mental, emotional and physical benefits to both mother and child that can't be overstated.

A baby receives a wonderful head start in life from breastfeeding. First of all, research has shown that obesity is much less likely to be seen later in life from breastfed babies. This is because the fat and calorie content of breast milk change according to baby's needs. With formula, the baby receives a high calorie meal no matter what. Also, human milk has what's called satiety factor that tells the baby when he's full. Being formula fed may contribute to lacking this factor later in life which leads to overeating. Another great benefit is that baby will receive protection from all kinds of infection and disease. Breast milk provides long range protection from ailments such as digestive disorders and diabetes, and it contains white blood cells and immunoglobulins to rid baby's digestive system and body of harmful germs. The concentration of white blood cells and immunoglobulins is highest in the colostrums expressed during the first few weeks of life. This is a perfect aid for the newborn's inadequate immune system. Some other helpful factors are brain-building factors and cholesterol - both of which are hard to find in formula. Aside from the aforementioned satiety factor there is an epidermal growth factor that helps to process food. The most special benefit that results is the bond baby forms with his mother. Cuddled together, breastfeeding relaxes both mother and child as they find rest and comfort.

Mom receives a great number of benefits from breastfeeding, too. One benefit that excites moms is that breastfeeding gets them back to pre-pregnancy size. This happens two ways. The sensations from the nerves around the areolas send a signal to the pituitary gland to release oxytocin. This causes the milk sinuses to shrink and release milk as well as makes the uterus shrink back to its original size. Secondly, breastfeeding increases mom's metabolism which burns up any excess fat gained during pregnancy. Also, the baby isn't the only one to be lulled into sleeping while feeding. Hormones released during feeding have a tranquilizing effect on mom as well. Some other health benefits that extend late into life are a lower chance of osteoporosis and breast cancer. Overall, breastfeeding gives mom the chance to learn how to read her baby. She gains a deep understanding of her child that no other person will ever experience.

Your 9-month-old: Week 4

Hello from BabyCenter!

Your baby is probably beginning to cover more territory, whether by scooting and crawling or cruising upright, or maybe even trying a few tentative first steps. At this point, you may be wondering whether he needs shoes. Well, you needn't bother until he's really walking well. In fact, experts believe going barefoot indoors helps a baby's foot develop properly and promotes better balance and coordination.

Your 9-month-old: Week 3

Hello from BabyCenter!

You're probably noticing that your blossoming baby is learning different ways to express himself emotionally. He's also becoming more social day by day. A few of his favorite new tricks: clapping, especially when pleased or delighted; waving bye-bye; pointing, as if to indicate what he wants or when he sees something new and interesting; shrieking loudly to attract your attention; laughing at silly sounds and expressions; crying in a specific tone to convey a particular "request."

Controversial chemical found in liquid baby formula

Thu, Dec 6, 2007 (HealthDay) — A potentially cancer-causing chemical called bisphenol A is in the lining of most cans of liquid baby formula and the chemical often leaches into the formula at levels that are dangerous for babies, says the Washington, D.C.-based Environmental Working Group.

The group recommended that parents avoid liquid baby formula and use powder formula instead until companies line baby formula cans with bisophenol-free resin, the Toronto Star reported.

"Because they eat so much relative to their small size, their exposure is intense," said Sonya Lunder, the group's leader researcher on bisphenol A. "We can't use endocrine-disrupting chemicals in a baby's first food. The formula companies need to take action."

Liquid baby formula in cans is safe and parents shouldn't be concerned, said an association that represents major formula manufacturers, the Star reported.

However, more than 100 independent studies have shown that small doses of the chemical can cause developmental problems, cancer, obesity and early puberty, the Star reported.

Your 9-month-old: Week 2

Hello from BabyCenter!

A baby who's discovered cruising will "walk" around a room supporting himself against furniture and other surfaces for a long while. To encourage walking, hold your baby's hands (with him facing you) when he's standing and see if he can step toward you. Some 9-month-olds are ready for a stable push-toy to move around. One prop not to use is a walker, as they are associated with accidents and may actually impede development, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Your 9-month-old: Week 1

Hello from BabyCenter!

Your baby may be the most sociable young creature around — until somebody unfamiliar comes near. Many babies this age have begun to show signs of fear or shyness around strangers. Some even start withdrawing from familiar relatives and friends, and want to be close to no one but you. This phase can be so brief you barely notice it, or it may last for months, depending on your child's temperament.

Continuation of my weekly emails from babycenter...

At the age of 7 months she knows already how to say "papa", well I am very much happy for that because she`s learning gently. She is now 9 months , and the by the way for the time she was 8 months..."mama"...she called me that way! I don`t know what to say and to be express! I`ll continue my weekly emails..next..next..

Funny edit picture of her..