Your Baby and You: Week Thirty Three
Highlights
YOUR BABY
Physical Development: Pincer grip
At 8 months old, many babies are able to lean forwards and pick up a small object using their thumb and fingers in a 'pincer grip movement.' Your baby may be pretty skilled at this now and able to pick up objects as small as a pea.
Social and Emotional Development: Where are you going?
Around now your baby may start to show signs of Separation Anxiety. Separation anxiety is when a baby or child becomes distressed when separated from their primary caregiver. It's a normal part of growing up, and most commonly develops between 10-18 months, although it can start from as early as 6 months. At this age a baby becomes more aware of their surroundings. Until then, new situations and people didn't faze them. However, with age comes self-awareness and so a baby worries that if a parent leaves the room they might not come back: they understand that even if something is out of sight, it still exists. This means they are able to miss people they love even when they can't see them.
Care Advice: Separation Anxiety
If your baby gets very distressed, try to minimise separation until they are a bit older. This is easier said than done though, especially if you are back at work. If you can, don't leave your baby too long for the first few times and gradually build up the time you are gone as she gets more comfortable with you leaving. To help your child get over separation anxiety, they need to learn that you will always return to them. When you leave them explain: 'Mummy has to go out for a little while now, I'll be back soon'. Kiss and cuddle your baby, then add: 'Mummy loves you, bye bye' and leave quickly, calmly, confidently and with a smile on your face.
Your baby might be too young at the moment to understand your words, but if you use the same phrase every time, she will begin to understand that it means you are going to come back. Don't be tempted to pop back in to soothe your baby if you hear her crying as you walk out. This will make it harder on you and your baby. When you pick her up, say 'Mummy's back, I told you I'd be back and here I am!' Remember that it is a perfectly normal reaction for a baby to be happy all day and then burst into tears at the first sight of you when you come to collect them. If possible, try to catch a glimpse of them playing before they know you are there, it will help to put your mind at ease to see that they are content without you.
Behavioural Development: Peek-a-boo!
Peek-a-boo is a timeless classic and always a big hit with babies. By now, your baby might instigate games of peek-a-boo themselves. Watch out for their cues because sometimes their attempts at hiding are not very obvious! They might cover their eyes with their hands or pull a muslin or item of clothing over their face. Acknowledge their attempt to play, even if their fingers aren't quite covering their eyes, or the cloth is only concealing one cheek! Say: 'Where's Joshua gone?' and show them your surprise when he reveals himself 'Oh! There he is!' Expect endless repetition and baby giggles!
Feeding: What portion size should I give my baby?
When serving up their food, only give your baby a small portion to begin with. At this age, you should be aiming to give your baby two portions of fruit and vegetables, two or three portions of starchy foods (such as cereal, potatoes, rice and pasta) and one portion of protein (such as meat, fish or cheese). Keeping your portions small is especially wise if you are trying a new food for the first time: there's no point dishing out lots of food when one spoonful may be enough for your baby and if it hasn't already been served it won't necessarily have to go to waste. Equally if your baby is really enjoying a meal, you can keep topping up the amount of food she has in front of her. Starting small is a good habit to get into. As your child grows, continuing to offer relatively small portions can be a way to prevent Fussy Eaters too. If your child's bowl or plate isn't piled high she will find it is less daunting. If she finishes all of it and wants more then you will both get a real sense of achievement and prevent unnecessary wastage.
Common or Serious Ailments: Burns
Burns and scalds to the skin can be distressing for children and unfortunately they do happen. If it happens to a child in your care it is important to stay calm. Cool the affected area under cold running water for at least ten minutes. Then cover the injury with a sterile dressing or cling film. It is recommended that you should seek medical advice no matter how small the burn appears to be. If the burn is severe however always call 999/112 immediately or go straight to the Accident and Emergency Department at your nearest hospital. Take a look at What To Do When A Baby Gets Burned for more information.
Don't forget: Food hygiene
Babies are vulnerable to food poisoning and stomach bugs because their immune systems haven't finished developing. It is really important to take extra care when preparing your baby's food. While there's no need to be overly neurotic about cleanliness (some studies have shown that a certain amount of household germs and dust actually help their immune system to develop), it is important to make sure that no nasty germs get anywhere near your baby's food. Take a look at our Food Hygiene article for some tips on good kitchen hygiene and how to ward off those potentially serious bugs.
ALL ABOUT YOU THIS WEEK
Activities: Tots' Tea
Invite other new mum friends you may have met around with their babies for an afternoon play date. You could try laying on tea for the babies. Just ask all the mums to bring a high chair or booster seat, bibs and cutlery with them. Let the fun, noise and mess commence!
Emotions: Food rejection from other babies
One thing is for certain, that when you have a group of people together, it is very difficult to please them all. Babies are no exception. So if you go to the effort of making tea for a few babies, it is pretty inevitable that one or more of them may reject the food while others may guzzle everything on their plates. Whatever happens, try not to take it personally and stay positive. You may feel disappointed that your food is going to waste, but this is totally normal behaviour. See our Fussy Eaters section for practical hints and tips on keeping mealtimes fun.
