Enjoying Your Baby, from Day One to Year One

As your baby barrels toward his first birthday, you'll witness so many transitions that you won't want to blink, and you'll wonder when your baby started to look like a little kid. At this stage, Noah became especially interested in other children and wanted to pull up on anything with a ledge. You will likely feel that all the first, relentless months are long behind you, and joyful moments will burst out regularly.

• Make a board book with pictures of the family members and friends your baby sees frequently. (Try C&T Publishing for blank books.)
  
  
• Continue to talk to your baby when he babbles. Give him time to expound on his subject before you reply with "Oh, really?" or "How interesting!"
  
  
• Strap your baby into a shopping cart after a good meal and a nap, even if you don't need many groceries. He'll love looking at the colors and the people, especially at large warehouse stores.
  
  
• Take your baby to parks, the beach, playgrounds—anywhere he can roam without borders. And don't worry about the dirt. Wet wipes or a splashy bath can take off the day's grime.