Unit of Bala Mandir Kamaraj Trust
8 to 13 Months
The Cruiser
Parenting Tips!
- Once babies are strong enough to pull themselves up, and confident enough to take their first steps gripping onto something — they’re officially cruising.
- Model positive behaviours as babies mirror what they see.
- Babies learn about cause and effect by experimenting with their environment.
WHAT
Babies at this stage love imitating people during play and start showing preferences for certain people and toys.
WHY
Babies closely identify with their parents and are keen observers and imitators. Comfort objects provide security, helping them transition from dependence to independence.
HOW
Be mindful of your actions, speech, and behaviour, as babies mirror what they see. Respect their attachment to comfort objects.
WHAT
After mastering crawling, your baby will start "cruising," pulling themselves up and taking their first steps while holding on. Around one year, they'll develop a pincer grasp, using their thumb and forefinger to pick up objects.
WHY
These skills are part of their overall motor development. Babies may become frustrated when they can't accomplish tasks, which is a normal part of learning.
HOW
Support their first steps by offering your hand and arranging furniture for safe cruising. Encourage pincer grasp practice with finger foods and toys.
WHAT
Your baby may show distress when you leave, even briefly.
WHY
Babies naturally develop a strong attachment to their parents, and separation anxiety is a normal phase of development.
HOW
Start with short separations, informing your baby when you leave and return. Leave a comfort object behind to help them feel secure during your absence.
WHAT
Babies will pull, push, grab, drop, bang, or throw objects that catch their attention, repeating actions over and over. They also enjoy searching for things and exploring drawers and boxes.
WHY
Babies are naturally curious and love to experiment, which helps them learn about cause and effect. Repetition aids in memory retention and reinforces their learning.
HOW
Be patient and consistent in your responses, understanding that your baby is learning about the world.
WHAT
Around one year, toddlers become eager communicators using expressions, sounds, and body language. They continue to develop their babbling and may start combining two words together. They also understand much of what is said to them.
WHY
Toddlers are actively trying to communicate more effectively. Naming objects helps them connect words with meanings, which they show by pointing or moving towards them.
HOW
Use simple commands with gestures to help them follow directions. Consistently name objects and engage in interactive activities, such as reading picture books, to enhance their language skills.
Health & Hygiene
- Vaccinations: Follow the recommended immunisation schedule. As per the Indian Academy of Paediatrics, the first dose of the measles and rubella (MR) vaccine is given at nine months of age, and the second dose at 16-24 months.
- Teething: Babies often start teething during this stage, which can increase their susceptibility to infections.
- Diarrhoea Management: If your baby has diarrhoea, use oral rehydration solutions (ORS) or other fluids like buttermilk or coconut water to prevent dehydration.
- Emergency Signs: Take your baby to the doctor immediately if they start vomiting, are not passing urine, or appear excessively drowsy. Also, seek medical attention if your baby has a cold or cough accompanied by fast breathing or convulsions.
Nutrition
- Weight Management: Ideally, babies should triple their birth weight by the end of the first year.
- Milk Feeding: Continue breastfeeding if possible. If not, formula is a suitable alternative until 12 months of age. After one year, cow’s milk can be introduced.
- Meal Frequency and Variety: Offer five to six small meals daily, supplementing milk with soft, cooked family foods. Introduce a variety of tastes and textures, such as carrots, cabbage, and bananas.
- Hand Hygiene: Ensure your baby’s hands are washed before eating.
- Water Safety: Serve boiled and cooled water to prevent waterborne infections.
Safety
- Supervision: Always supervise your baby and never leave them alone.
- Handling: Handle your baby gently and avoid actions like tossing them in the air, which can cause harm.
- Home Safety: Childproof your home by securing furniture and removing hazards such as glass, medicine, small or sharp objects, and hot food from their reach.
Special Attention
Consult your doctor if, by just over a year, your baby shows any of the following signs of possible developmental delay:- Does not crawl forward to reach an object.
- Does not pull self to standing position.
- Cannot hold a cup with two hands and drink.
- Does not use words or gestures to indicate wants.
- Does not search for objects that are partly or fully hidden.
- Does not make connections between action and results.
- Does not look for adult approval when doing activities.
- Does not communicate with adults through gestures and facial expressions.