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 9 to 12 months

WHAT TO EXPECT:

• Your baby can pull himself up to a standing position, begin to "cruise" around furniture and eventually stand alone momentarily.
  
  
• Your child may become cautious or afraid of strangers. Lovingly and patiently assist your child to adjust to new people and situations.
  
  
• It may be time to begin weaning your baby from breastfeeding. Consider the best time and situation and your child's feelings when making this decision.
  
  
• For the first time the question of discipline will probably come up for you as parents. Develop a loving, consistent, and respectful discipline plan that begins to teach your child self control and responsibility.
  
  
• Fears of everyday things (a barking dog, the roar of a vacuum cleaner) may develop. Your child is beginning to understand possible dangers.
  
  
• Your child imitates sounds and will soon say "Mama" and "Dada."

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

• "Pat-a-cake" and "peek-a-boo" are games you can play with your baby, keeping eye contact and laughing together.
  
  
• You are helping your baby learn to talk, so say out loud the everyday things around your baby (like, "door," "tree," "nose," "dog").
  
  
• Provide safe areas both inside and out for your baby to practice her newfound mobility.
  
  
• Keep Syrup of Ipecac in your home to be used as directed by the Poison Control Center or health professional. Keep the Poison Control Center phone number near the telephone.
  
  
• Develop a healthy, balanced diet for your child as you introduce more solid food into his life.
  
  
• READ, SING, and TALK to your baby often.
  
  
• If you must give your child a naptime or bedtime bottle, put only water in it to avoid baby bottle tooth decay.

Tips courtesy of the Oregon Commission on Children & Families.