Week 40
All eyes are on you. As you go about your day doing seemingly mundane tasks, your baby is intently watching you. He's also starting to imitate you. If given the chance, he might take a toothbrush and run it across his teeth, or try combing his hair. Mimicking is an important way for your baby to learn. He'll love toys that represent real objects, like a play phone.

Week 41
You may have spent the past three nights re-reading Good Night Moon at your baby's insistence. She focuses on objects on each page and feels comforted by seeing the same images and hearing the same words over and over. Don't fight her requests--this is building her self-esteem. You can try slipping in a new story every once in a while.

Week 42
If you have a health club membership, you might be thinking about canceling it. Your baby is giving you plenty of exercise! He's constantly on the go and discovering new and faster ways to move. He's likely cruising while holding furniture and may even be making a few wobbly unassisted steps. The more time he gets to practice using his legs, the stronger and more coordinated he'll be.

Week 43
Out of sight, but not out of mind--your baby now knows that objects exist even when she can't see them. She'll look under blankets for her misplaced book, or play games by dropping a toy in a container, then turning it upside down. You can reinforce this concept of object permanence by playing a rudimentary game of hide and seek. Hide a toy under a cup and let her find it.

Week 44
It's impossible to let your baby out of your sight. He's discovered that there's more to his world than what meets the eye on ground level. The allure of stairs and furniture is irresistible, so be sure you've installed safety gates. Though he might get himself up, he needs help getting down. Teach him how to descend by standing behind him and gently pulling him down to the closest step.

Week 45
By now, your baby is telling you, so to speak, that she wants to do things on her own. She prefers feeding herself and might even grab the spoon away from you during mealtimes. Let her. Despite the colorful palette she drips on the tray and surrounding floor, she needs the practice to master her fine motor skills. Your cheering is also helping her self-image and esteem.

Week 46
Your baby's personality is really blossoming now. She's developing her opinions and isn't shy about expressing her preferences for people and ways to do things. If diaper changes are becoming wrestling matches, keep in mind that she's flexing her newfound independence --a positive step in development.

Week 47
To limit accidents for your increasingly mobile baby, lay down the laws of the land. Though it's important for him to learn by exploration, he also needs some limits and boundaries. Do this by giving him simple directions and demonstrations: We walk to the sidewalk, then stop. Also, show him: This is the sidewalk. And give him a big hug and kiss each time he does what has told.

Week 48
Your baby may or may not be walking yet, but she's certainly trying to get around. She cruises on furniture, holds your hands while taking steps, and may not even want to sit down. This is a major milestone, though babies may take that first unassisted step at anywhere from 8 to 15 months. You can help her walking skills be giving her a sturdy push-pull toy, and placing furniture in strategic areas to encourage her cruising.

Week 49
There's a flip side to your baby's new-found independence. Insecurity. She realizes that by doing things on her own, she's a separate entity from you. Her anxiety around strangers may have returned, too. Reassure her by staying close when she needs you, and giving her attention when she turns to you for it.

Week 50
You may be ready to collapse at the end of the day, but your baby is too excited by her new accomplishments to sleep. During her last feeding, hold her in your arms in a darkened room and gently rock her while singing. By establishing a relaxing bedtime ritual, she'll soon be able to expect and appreciate the break from her intense day.

Week 51
Your baby is learning just how much he can handle. He's discovered that he can hang onto an item in each hand and he can even tuck one under his arm to pick up a third. You can encourage his reasoning and motor skills by offering him different tantalizing objects. Watch how he figures out how and where to hold them all!

Week 52
Happy birthday! While you're reveling in the accomplishments and changes your baby has made since entering your lives last year, she may give you a present of her own: Calling her parents mama or dada. She's on the brink of using more words, too, so encourage her interest in language by speaking slowly and clearly. You're preparing her for a lifetime of learning.

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