Parent Tips

Tips For You...

We have a broad range of tips provided by the Oregon Commission on Children & Families. These include expectant mothers and families as well as suggestions for parents of newborns and toddlers. If you have a tip to share, the please let us know.

Please select from the following:

• If you are thinking about having a baby
• If you are pregnant
• If your child is birth through 2 months
• If your child is 2 to 6 months
• If your child is 6 to 9 months
• If your child is 9 to 12 months
• If your child is 12 to 18 months old
• If your child is 18 to 24 months old
• If your child is 2 to 3 years old

If your child is 2 to 6 months

WHAT TO EXPECT:

• Your baby is starting to look around, notice things, and listen to sounds.
  
  
• Your baby has found his hands and feet and loves to watch them. He will soon be able to lift his head and chest when put on his tummy to play. Your baby may be able to roll from his side to his back.
  
  
• Reaching and grasping skills are improving. Whatever your baby reaches goes right into her mouth!
  
  
• Your baby loves to make sounds and will smile at you. Singing nursery rhymes and reading will comfort and entertain her.
  
  
• Some babies do not like to be cuddled. They may be extra sensitive to the world around them or just may not want to slow down.
  
  
• Babies do not do things on purpose to annoy you, even if it sometimes seems that way. Shaking or spanking a baby can cause permanent brain damage, blindness or even death.

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

• Do not leave your baby alone on a changing table or bed, or out of sight with other young children.
  
  
• Let your baby sit where he can watch you. Give your baby squeaky toys and rattles to hold. Look into his eyes when you talk to him.
  
  
• Play pat a cake and other rhyming, moving games with your baby. Get a book on games to play with babies from your local library.
  
  
• Every parent feels overwhelmed at times. If you're ever afraid you may hurt your baby, call a friend or put your baby in his crib or another safe place and take 10-15 minutes to breathe deeply and relax.
  
  
• If your baby must have a bedtime bottle, use water only. Juice or milk sugars may decay her gums or new teeth.
  
  
• Put unsafe, tempting things where your baby cannot get them. Use warning words like, "ouch" or "hot" to teach him about dangers.

Tips courtesy of the Oregon Commission on Children & Families.