Says "Dada" or "Mama"
Type of Milestone: Language Skills
Practice with Baby: Listen carefully when your baby babbles. He might accidentally stumble on "mama" or "dada." Repeat the word and react with excitement to communicate the significance of what he's said.

Mama Must-Know: Some babies will have a two- or three-word vocabulary by their first birthday, while others are still speaking gibberish. The more you respond like he's speaking, the more you will encourage his communication.

Fearful in Some Situations
Type of Milestone: Social
Practice with Baby: Reassure your baby whenever he develops a new fear. A night-light in his room will help with a fear of the dark. If the sound of a vacuum cleaner startles him, vacuum when he is not present. Cuddle him during thunderstorms. This comforting will help his fears settle with time.

Mama Must-Know: When Baby gets older, you'll be able to lessen his fears by talking about them with him.

Stands Momentarily Without Support
Type of Milestone: Physical
Practice with Baby: Every baby is bound to take a few tumbles; be sure your reaction doesn't startle him more than the fall. Unless he is truly injured, a quick hug and a little reassurance is all he needs.

Mama Must-Know: Stationary activity centers, child shopping carts, and sturdy wagons are great choices for babies who are taking their first steps.

Tries to Imitate Scribbling
Type of Milestone: Physical
Practice with Baby: Provide your baby with paper and bright crayons, so she can practice her doodling. To avoid finding scribbles on your walls, let her be an artist in her high chair or somewhere you can keep a close eye on her.

Mama Must-Know: You might find that Baby spends a lot of her art time simply tearing paper. This is another sign her hand and finger skills are more developed.

Uses Exclamations Such as "Uh-oh!"
Type of Milestone: Language Skills
Practice with Baby: Whenever your child does something accidentally, such as dropping his sippy cup from his high chair, say "uh-oh!" This lets him know you are not upset and that everyone makes mistakes. Eventually he will begin to imitate these phrases, and sometimes there won't be a real reason.

Mama Must-Know: Baby might also begin using phrases such as "oops!" and "ta-da!"

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