Here’s a look at what’s to come provided by Enfamil:
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Cruising the Furniture
This month, it may be helpful to think of your baby as an Olympic athlete. Walking is his sport. But he can’t win the gold medal without hours and hours of training. That’s why your little contender seems obsessed with standing and with hanging onto the furniture.

Sometime soon he’ll let go and take his first step. Then you’ll know it’s time to stand up and cheer. In the meantime, give your baby lots of encouragement. Standing, stepping, and balancing are all tough skills to master. And now he has to coordinate all three. Which means he needs lots of supervision, too. “Cruising” the furniture is risky business. He’s bound to wind up tumbling over now and then. A small price to pay for victory.

“Bye-Bye”
One of the highlights of parenting happens in these last months of your baby’s first year. You’ve been talking to your baby all his life. Suddenly one day he’ll start talking to you. A world of communication opens up when your child starts putting words to objects and people.

Expect him to start small. Sentences are beyond him. So are big words. He might start with single syllables. “Da” for Daddy or “buh” for bye-bye. Simple and sweet. You’ll never forget the way he says his first words.

Becoming More Independent
Your baby is so determined to walk, he’ll try almost anything that works. What happens if he takes two big steps? Two little steps? Should he hold the crib rail with his right hand or left? He’s conducting experiments. He’s also learning that there’s more than one way to do things. The freedom to experiment gives your baby’s confidence a boost.

One small step for your baby is a big step for his independence. Freedom is thrilling. You might feel a little wistful, watching your baby cruise around the room. He’s not a cuddly little newborn anymore. But he needs you as much as ever. Pretty soon you’ll be walking hand in hand.

Brain Teaser
Did you know…many of your baby’s experiences, as well as connections in the motor areas of his brain, help him learn to walk?

Did you Know
Baby talk may start to take on some real meaning now. He’s also beginning to comprehend some of the words directed at him, especially if you add familiar intonations and facial expressions.

Activity
With all that physical activity, your baby may need help calming down. Reading to him can help him relax.

Standing On His Own Two Feet
Your baby is steady enough on his feet to stand on his own. At some point between 9 and 14 months, he’ll take his first step. And even though his little feet might not take him far, it’s a giant step for both of you. Until then, he’ll be “cruising” along the furniture, testing his balance, and trying to push himself to go just one baby step farther. It’s all part of his new self-confidence and independence.

Party Preparations
Believe it or not, it’s time to start preparing for your baby’s first birthday. But before you stock up on invitations, think about a small gathering of just your immediate family. At this age, too much noise is apt to upset your baby. So the fewer the people, the merrier. But feel free to have as many balloons and streamers as you like. And a cake that’s big enough to photograph. Or anything else that makes you happy. After all, this is your celebration as much as your baby’s. You’ve made it through one year of motherhood.

Look What’s Coming
* It’s been an eventful year — for the two of you!
* Learn about her nutritional needs in the coming year.
* Upgrade her toys, she’s moving on.