1 Month 2 Months 3 Months 4 Months 5 Months 6 Months 7 Months 8 Months 9 Months Birth 1 Month 2 Months 3 Months 4 Months 5 Months 6 Months 7 Months 8 Months 9 Months 10 Months 11 Months 12 Months 13 thru 18 Months 19 thru 24 Months

Natural Benefits

Breast milk contains the best possible combination of nutrients for your baby, and for the first four to six months of life, he/she probably won’t need anything else. It’s easy for him/her to digest, it helps fight infections and it can limit his exposure to potential allergens. 13

If you make the choice not to breastfeed, you may still give your baby all the nutrients he/she needs with commercial formula. Made according to recommendations by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), formula is a good substitute for the real thing.14 The American Dental Association (ADA) continues to support water fluoridation at the optimal range of 0.7 to 1.2 parts per million (ppm), as determined by the United States Public Health Service (USPHS). According to the ADA, infant formula can be mixed with water that is fluoride free or contains low levels of fluoride. Babies less than one year old need less fluoride than everyone else because they are so small. That’s why Nursery® Water has a fluoride level of 0.7 ppm or less.

For more information go to: http://ada.org/prof/resources/positions/statements/fluoride_infants.asp

Important Fluids

Most babies need about one and one-half ounces of fluid for each pound of body weight. Although they usually get the amount they need from breast milk or formula, there may be times when they need more. 15 Pure, fresh Nursery® Water can be a healthy addition to your little one’s diet.

13 “The Benefits of Breastfeeding,” www.drspock.com

14 “An Overview of Infant Formulas,” www.drspock.com

15 “How to Tell If Your Infant is Getting Enough Fluids,” www.drspock.com

Consult your physician or dental professional if using another fluoridated product.

Helpful Tips
for Parents

Ponder the Pacifier

Whether or not to use pacifiers is an age-old debate, but the American Academy of Pediatrics gives it the thumbs up through the first year of life. Sucking is comforting, familiar and calming to babies and a pacifier can be the ideal way to provide contentment between feedings.
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Drive Time

You’re always careful to protect your baby from the sun’s harmful rays with sunscreen, clothing and a hat when he’s outdoors. But did you know he also needs protection when he rides in the car for an extended period? The glass in car windows blocks some but not all ultraviolet rays that can cause sunburn, so if possible, move his car seat out of direct sunlight and apply broad spectrum children’s sunscreen to his exposed skin.

Hand in Hand

Are you wondering whether your baby will be right-handed or left-handed? Be patient; it may be months or years before you know for sure. Most babies start showing a preference for reaching for things with their right hands between six and nine months, but it’s not until they’re 18 months or older that they start using their preferred hand more consistently. By age three or four, their handedness should be fairly evident. If it’s not, you may want to talk to your pediatrician.

Source: “How Handedness Develops in Infants,” by Robert Needlman, M.D., F.A.A.P., www.drspock.com, June 10, 2001