7 months week 3

Playing with your 7 month old baby

You r baby is changing quickly. Her thinking skills, like her ability to plan ahead and hold an image in her mind, are matching her widening field of physical exploration. So play away.

• Have a play date with a baby who’s your baby’s age, this way she learns to play and mingle with other babies. She will also enjoy watching older children play.
• Cut out large colorful picture from magazines, pictures like, a dog, a spoon, an airplane or teddy bear. Then paste the pictures into a blank notebook. Sit your baby on your lap or you could both sit on the floor and read the pictures together.
• Give your baby toys that are easily named like, Dog, banana, and doll, name the toy as she reaches for it.
• A day out in a park or garden will give her a lot to smile and giggle about.
• When your baby vocalises, copy the sound she makes. This will usually raise a giggle and/ or more sounds, she’ll be quite impressed to be leading the conversation.
• Give her toys that make loud noise when banged together as this is one of her fascinating skills at the moment.
• Let your baby be your guide when selecting activities. What new skill is she working on? What sort of toys engage her attention? What makes her smile? This should give you an idea on what to do.
• If a particular activity seems stressful for her, stop and give it a try some other day.

Choosing the right baby shoes

As your baby starts walking, many experts agree that it is best to allow your baby to walk around barefoot in order to strengthen her ankles and aches freely. However there will be times when your baby will need to wear shoes. If it is cold in the house, if you are playing outside or taking her out. You will have to provide your baby with proper footwear. Here are some tips on choosing the right shoes for your baby:

• First think seasonally, sandals or lightweight shoes for warmer months and warmer closed up shoes for colder weather.
• Find shoes that are soft with flexible soles. Shoes that bend easily at the toe are best for baby as they won’t interfere with your baby’s natural range of motion.
• Look for shoes that are cut low. High top shoes tend to stay on your baby’s feet. However they are too confining and may interfere with your baby’s ankle movements.
• To maintain foot health, your baby’s feet need to be able to breath and have plenty of movement. So get shoes that have flexible and breathable uppers. This is best accomplished in shoes that are made of leather, canvas or cloth.
• Find flat, non skid soles so she doesn’t slide and fall.
• Make sure your baby’s shoes do not have slippery bottoms, grooved, rubber soles are usually the least slippery.
• Find the right fit. It is better that the shoes are big rather than small. If you are going to have thick socks on your baby while she wears the shoes, be sure to have a pair of socks on your baby while trying shoes on.
• Stick to standard shoes, hard shoes may look cute but they can actually distort your baby’s foot as she grows.
• Remember the key is comfort and flexibility without slips.