Category: Development

How to set rules for your child

Your child can crawl, now they need rules to stay safe.

Set Rules When Your Child is 6 Months Old

  • When you can, say do instead of do not.
    • Do share the toys (instead of do not take the toys away).
    • Do be gently to other people(instead of do not hit).
    • Do hold my hand (Instead of do not run away).
  • Speak directly to your child. Talk to her at eye level.
  • Say what you want your child to do in simple clear words.
  • Say your rules firmly. You can be firm without yelling.
  • Say the rule every time you need to until your child learns it. It will take many times and some patience!

Make Sure to:

  • Inform everyone taking care of your child to use the same rules.
  • Write the rules down as it can help
  • Start with 2-3 rules to keep your child and others safe.
  • Add more rules later about not breaking things and being polite.

Tips for your 7-9 month old baby

HELP ME BE HEALTHY.

At this checkup, the doctor will:

  • Weigh and measure me.
  • Check my development.
  • Check my heart, lungs, and other body parts.
  • Give me any vaccines and blood tests I missed before.

Remember to take my health journal to the doctor visit.

Plan my meals

  • At 8 months, I can have meats prepared for babies. Add the baby food meats to my meals of cereal, vegetables, and fruit.
  • Don’t feed me hard foods or foods that crumble easily, like graham crackers. I could choke on them.
  • Help me start drinking from a cup. This will take time. I like the cups with a cover to keep me from spilling. If you don’t have a cover for my cup, put only a small amount in the cup when you give it to me. Don’t give me a Styrofoam cup. I like to chew on the foam. If I chew off a piece of foam, I could choke.

Shoes or no shoes.

  • I don’t really need shoes to help me learn how to walk.
  • After I do learn how to walk, shoes or sneakers will protect my feet.

KEEP ME SAFE.

Now that I can pull myself up, there are new dangers.

  • When you cook. turn pot handles to the center of the stove.
  • Don’t leave spoons or anything hanging over the edge of the stove.
  • Check knobs on the TV and stereo to make sure they can’t come off.
  • Watch out for carts, chairs, tables with wheels, floor lamps, and aquariums that could fall over. When I pull or push on these, they could fall on me.
  • Move the crib mattress to the lowest position so I can’t fall or climb out.
  • Keep things picked up so I don’t trip on anything or swallow some­thing I should not.
  • Use corner protectors on sharp edges of furniture.
  • Keep the bathroom door closed so I don’t play in the toilet bowl.

Check my toys. Make sure they are not broken and they don’t have any sharp edges or pieces that can hurt me. If I have stuffed animals and dolls with button eyes or noses, make sure they cannot come off. I could choke on them.

Put things out of reach that you don’t want me to swallow or put in my mouth. Pills, cleaners, makeup, and plants are dangerous. If you think I have swallowed something, first call the Poison Control Center toll-free at 1-800-222-1222.

Take away anything that dangles. I will pull on a table cloth or dresser scarf. Keep my crib away from curtains and venetian blind cords.

When you take me shopping, strap me into the shopping cart seat. If there isn’t a strap, make sure that I stay in the seat.

Watch me carefully when I’m around water. I like to play in water, but I can easily drown in a few inches of water in a tub, toilet bowl, bucket, or wading pool.

PLAY WITH ME, IT HELPS ME LEARN.

  • Put a small ball on my high chair tray and teach me how to make the ball move.
  • Help me learn the names of my body parts by pointing to them and naming them. I won’t be able to say them for a while.
  • Play hide and seek with me. Ask me, “Where is (name a person)?” I will try to look for them.
  • Read to me. Look at magazines and picture books with me. Point to a picture and name it. Say “See the cat,” and, “Look at the flower.” Ask me sometimes, “What is thatt’ Wait a few seconds before you tell me. Soon I will be able to give you an answer.
  • Build towers with blocks or toys.
  • Play “So Big!” Show me how to lift my arms over my head and say, “So big.”
  • Give me a chance to smell some safe things, such as food, flowers, and spices.
  • Help me learn why some things are not safe. If I go to the stove or heater, say, “hot,” and move me away. If I reach for a shoe and you know it will go in my mouth, say, “Tastes bad,” and move me away.

WATCH HOW I GROW.

Children are very different from one another.
I’m special. I learn at my own pace. Help me practice new skills when you play with me. Most babies have the following skills at the end of 9 months. If you are worried about me, talk to my doctor or nurse.To find a nearby Early Childhood Intervention program, call the OARS Help line toll-free at 1-800-628-5115.

Watch for me to:

  • Sit for a few seconds without any help.
  • Feed myself dry cereal or foods I can eat with my fingers. I’m pretty messy.
  • Say “ma,” “ga,” “da,” “di,” “ba,” and other sounds.
  • Pick up small things, like a piece of dry cereal, using my whole hand in a raking motion.
  • Listen to people talking and try to make the same sounds.
  • Hold a small block in one hand and pass it to the other hand.
  • Look for something that I have dropped.
  • Hold onto something and stand for about five seconds.

You may notice that I also:

  • Get upset if you leave me, even if it’s for a short time. I will feel better when you return.
  • Start to drink juice from a cup.
  • Know which toys are mine. I don’t like it when my toys are taken away.
  • Might be afraid of things that were okay before. I might be afraid of my bath, a babysitter, or the dark.
  • Might be stubborn sometimes. This is part of growing up.
  • Might be fearful or shy of strangers.
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Weaning your Baby from the Bottle

Weaning from the bottle can take many months. Weaning begins when solid foods are started and ends when the baby is completely off the bottle at around 12-14 months old. Babies can wean from the breast much later.

How will I know when my baby is ready for a cup?

  • They will sit up without support.
  • They will be eating from a spoon that you offer them.

Extra Tips for Babies Older than 6 Months

  • Carry snacks when you go out. These can take the place of a bottle when you are away from home.
  • If your child insists on going to bed with a bottle, put only water in it or give a pacifier.
  • Put your baby to sleep by rocking, singing, or reading to them.
  • Do not take away the bottle when your child is ill. Wait until they are well and happy for better results.
  • Cups with lids help stop spills. But just like bottles, children who carry cups with lids can get tooth decay. Around 15 months old your baby should be using only cups without lids to protect your child’s teeth.

Why should my baby give up the bottle around 1 year?

  • To protect their teeth
    • The sugar in milk or juice can cause very serious tooth decay.
  • To prevent problems such as low iron or extra weight gain.
    • Babies who stay on the bottle longer than a year often drink too much and may not eat enough of the other foods needed to grow well.

Start Early

  • Do NOT put your baby to bed with a bottle. Try using a pacifier instead.
  • Hold your baby and feed them before putting them to bed, then rock or hold you baby as they fall asleep.
  • Never offer anything other than breastmilk, formula, or water from the bottle. Infants who never take juice or sweet drinks from a bottle may have an easier time weaning.
  • Do NOT give up. Weaning is not easy and takes time and patience.

At 6 Months

  • Give your baby breastmilk, formula, or juice from a cup that you hold. Use a small plastic cup with or without a lid. Start by offering the cup for a few small sips.

At 9 or 10 Months

  • Start giving the cup in place of one, then two bottles each day. Replace your baby’s least favorite feeding time first. Then give breastmilk, formula, or juice in a cup instead of a bottle at other feedings.

Around 1 Year

  • Your baby will be drinking from a cup that they can hold at most meals and snacks. Be ready for spills, they will happen.
  • Keep adding more feedings from the cup and fewer from the bottle.
  • Finally, give the bottle only at your baby’s favorite feeding of the day.

If your child will not wean:

  • It is not uncommon for children to need extra sucking, even as toddlers. Use a pacifier or a bottle of water if your child needs to continue sucking
  • Due to special health problems, some children may be slow to get off the bottle. Some children have trouble eating solids or are unable to sip from a cup with help at 9 or 10 months of age. Tell your nutritionist, nurse or doctor if your child is having these problems.

The Magic of Everyday Moments (9-12 Months)

Remember, everyday moments are rich bonding and learning opportunities. Enjoy the magic of these moments with your child.

Logo for Johnson and Johnson Pediatric Institute LLC

Johnson & Johnson Pediatric Institute, L.L.C., is a company solely
dedicated to improving maternal and children’s healthcare through the advancement of continued learning and research in pediatrics, child development, parenting and maternity care. Through partnerships with leading healthcare professionals, developmental specialists and international organizations, Johnson & Johnson Pediatric Institute, L.L.C., identifies, develops and implements initiatives and programs that help shape the future of children’s health around the world.

Logo for Zero to Three organization

ZERO TO THREE is a national nonprofit organization of renowned pediatricians, educators, researchers, and other child development experts who specialize in the first years of life.

At 9 months, babies have their own ideas about themselves and the world. They are masters at asserting themselves in all sorts of ways, both charming (finding you in another room and pulling himself up on your leg to give you a big hug) and frustrating (throwing food he doesn’t care for off the highchair or refusing to lie down for a diaper change). You might hand him a toy only to have him fling it to the floor and scream. He doesn’t want that toy… he wants the other one! And if you can’t read his mind and give him that desired toy, he’ll just continue to complain and protest until he gets his hands on what he does want. Thankfully, at 9 months, babies are mastering the idea that things that they can’t see still exist, so he’ll soon be able to find what he’s looking for himself.

Your easygoing little guy is emerging as a very intense and powerful force. This requires a real adjustment on your part; just as your baby is developing new skills by leaps and bounds, it seems you need a whole new set of strategies to parent this very strong individual. It’s no wonder you’re still so tired, even though your baby may finally be sleeping through the night. You needn’t feel guilty that you find yourself eager to tuck him in at the end of the day so you can have some time to yourself. But when you’re at your wit’s end, remember, this self assertion—often called willfulness—is really not a bad thing! When you think about the abilities you want your child to have as he grows, knowing what he wants and going for it is key to his success.

Download The Magic of Everyday Moments™ (9-12 Months)

Keeping Your Baby’s Teeth Healthy

TIPS FOR HEALTHY TEETH:

  • Take good care of your child’s baby teeth. They help your child chew food, speak clearly, and save space for their adult teeth.
  • Keep your teeth and mouth clean. You can pass cavity-causing germs to your baby by kissing or sharing food.
  • Do NOT let your child carry a bottle or cup of juice, milk, or sweet drinks. Sipping on sugary drinks all day can cause tooth decay.

BIRTH – 6 MONTHS

  • Breastfed babies have fewer dental problems and less tooth decay than bottle-fed babies.
  • Wipe your baby’s mouth and gums at least once a day with a soft, clean washcloth.
  • Hold your baby when you feed them. Do NOT put your baby to bed with a bottle.
  • Do not prop up your baby’s bottle.

6-12 MONTHS

  • Your baby is ready to start using a cup.
  • Give your baby a little breastmilk, formula, water, or juice in a cup at mealtimes.
  • Limit juice to 2-4 ounces per day. Never put juice in a bottle.
  • At 9 months, gradually start replacing one bottle at a time with a cup.

 

FIRST BIRTHDAY

  • Take your child to the dentist for their first checkup. Lookout for white spots on their teeth as this could be a sign of cavities.
  • Only give your child a cup, they do not need bottles anymore

 

1-5 YEARS:

  • Help your child brush their teeth at least twice a day. Do not use toothpaste until they are 3 years old, and only use a pea-sized amount.
  • At 15 months your child should stop using no-spill cups
  • Give your child healthy snacks, like vegetables, fruits, cheese, and yogurt.
  • Limit juice.
    • 1-3 years old, limit juice to 4 ounces a day.
    • 4-6 years old, limit juice to 6 ounces a day.
  • Limit sugary foods and drinks, including fruit drinks/juice, sweet tea, and sugary cereals.

Important Information about your 9 month old

Family

Make sure to reserve time with your partner, friends, and yourself. If you’re going back to work or school, figure out a good childcare program (whether with a family member or daycare). Be prepared for the separation anxiety that happens when you first leave your child. Have some trial runs so that you are prepared for what this will feel like.

Development

Kids should be safely exploring their surroundings. Make sure to watch them at all times. You should be reading with your child. Engage your child with cause-and-effect games like toys with different sounds and textures, rattles, playing peek-a-boo, hiding and finding objects. TV, videos, and computers should be avoided. Be consistent and positive with routines and expectations (eg, Give a calm but firm NO if biting or putting hands in an outlet. Respond in a positive and encouraging manner when your baby is doing things you want them to do).

Health

Make sure and find a dentist. You should brush your baby’s teeth twice a day with a toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste in an amount no more than the size of a grain of rice. Your baby should be sleeping through the night. Remember that bottles and nursing at night can cause cavities. Introduce a cup to wean off of the bottle. Weaning can take many months, but gradually replace one bottle at a time with a cup. Have sleeping routines. No bottles in bed. Instead, try reading a book or playing music to get your baby to sleep. If you are breastfeeding put your baby to bed once done nursing. Do not allow your baby to fall asleep while nursing.

Nutrition

Continue with breast milk or formula with iron until 1 year old. Increase solids and table food (3 meals, 2 healthy snacks). No juice. New foods: It can take offering a new food 10-15 times before your baby will try it so do not assume they do not like it if they refuse the first time. Do not force food. Daily: Fruits (6-8 teaspoons), veggies (6-8 teaspoons), cheese and yogurt (4-6 teaspoons), small pieces of soft/pureed cooked meat, iron-fortified foods/baby cereal (6-8 teaspoons), whole grains (6-8 teaspoons).

Safety

Avoid walkers with wheels, keep home safe for babies (window guards on 2nd floor, stairgates, chemicals, cords, etc.) and keep one hand on or within reach of your baby, especially around water or in the bathtub. No smoking in the house or in the car. Small toys, plastic bags, and balloons can easily get stuck in your baby’s airways. Still use rear facing car seat.

After Hours and Weekends
After 4:00 PM and before 8:00 AM
For medical advice when People’s is closed call After Hours Nurse line at 512-478-4939

Download PDF here.

The Magic of Everyday Moments (6-9 Months)

Remember, everyday moments are rich bonding and learning opportunities. Enjoy the magic of these moments with your child.

Logo for Johnson and Johnson Pediatric Institute LLC

Johnson & Johnson Pediatric Institute, L.L.C., is a company solely
dedicated to improving maternal and children’s healthcare through the advancement of continued learning and research in pediatrics, child development, parenting and maternity care. Through partnerships with leading healthcare professionals, developmental specialists and international organizations, Johnson & Johnson Pediatric Institute, L.L.C., identifies, develops and implements initiatives and programs that help shape the future of children’s health around the world.

Logo for Zero to Three organization

ZERO TO THREE is a national nonprofit organization of renowned pediatricians, educators, researchers, and other child development experts who specialize in the first years of life.

Six-month-olds are motivated, energetic, busy, opinionated and, for the most part, fabulous! They are on the verge of huge developmental strides — intellectual, emotional and physical — and they have many, many things they want to do. The challenge — for them and for you — is that they can’t yet do everything they have in mind. Their fingers aren’t working well enough for them to make objects do what they want. They don’t yet have the balance or coordination to stand up and walk, let alone crawl.

They’ve got so much to say, yet they don’t have the words. But they experience every imaginable feeling, sometimes all at once. Although there is great variation in development at this age, during the next 3 months many of the skills babies are eager to master will, in fact, kick in. Until then, they are likely to get frustrated often; and you will most likely bear the brunt of that frustration.

Somehow, you need to walk the line between doing things for your 6-month-old that she can’t do yet, and finding a way to help her do things for herself. If, for example, she wants to crawl toward a toy but finds herself moving backward instead of forward, you can sit behind her and place your palms against the soles of her feet. Then she might be able to push herself forward and get it for herself. Of course, there’s always the possibility that she’ll be mad if you do that, because what she really wants is to do it on her own. But hang in there — if you’re patient, she’ll learn patience and persistence, too.

Download The Magic of Everyday Moments™ (6-9 Months)

Tips for your 5-6 month old baby

HELP ME BE HEALTHY.

At this checkup:

  • The nurse will weigh and measure me. I will get a check-up.
  • I will get the next set of vaccines. Write down the date of these vaccines in my health journal. If I had a reaction to the vaccines before, tell the doctor.
  • I should get a flu shot in the fall.
  • The doctor might check my eyes for crossed eyes or a lazy eye.
  • I might get a blood test to see if I have enough iron in my blood.
  • Ask about my eating habits. Tell the doctor when and how much I eat.
  • If I need them, I will get hearing aids. I might get help from my nearby Early Childhood Intervention program. An audiologist will check my hearing every few months until I’m a year old, and after that, every six months.
  • Ask if I need fluoride supplements to help my teeth. Ask about my eating habits. Describe when and how much I eat.

Start feeding me vegetables and fruits.

At 6 months, I’m old enough to try vegetables and fruits. Start with veg­etables. Try an orange vegetable like squash or sweet potatoes first. Give me only one new food each week. This way, if I have an allergy, you will know what food caused the allergy.

TAKE CARE OF MY TEETH.

  • Start planning for my first dental visit for when I’m 6 months old or when my first tooth comes in.
  • Call your dentist or a dentist just for me and set up my first visit.
  • As soon as my teeth come in, gently brush my teeth with a little, soft-bristled tooth­brush and some water.
  • I should not have toothpaste now.

If you don’t have health insurance for me, call the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) toll-free at 1-877-543-7669 (1-877-KIDS-NOW) to find out about children’s health insurance.

KEEP ME SAFE.

When we ride in the car, put me in a car seat with the straps on right.

  • My car seat is the safest place for me when I’m in the car.
  • Until I’m a year old and weigh 20 pounds, my car seat should be in the back seat of the car and placed so I look out the back window.
  • If you have questions about my car seat or how you put it in, call Safe Riders toll-free at 1-800-252-8255.

Put gates at the stairs so I don’t go up or down the stairs. After you make our house safe for me, teach me to be safe.

  • Tell me what you want me to do, over and over. Don’t get tired of telling me. I’m too young to remember.
  • Until I learn what to do, take me away from the place I shouldn’t be or take away the thing I shouldn’t be playing with. Get me interested in something else. Don’t slap my hands or hit me. Try not to yell at me, either.
  • Tell me, hug me, and praise me when I do what you want.

Help me use the high chair safely.

  • Put the safety belt on me when I’m in the chair.
  • Be sure the tray is locked in place. Make sure my hands are out of the way when you lock the tray in place.
  • Be sure there are no sharp edges to cut me or you
  • Don’t let me stand in the chair.
  • Don’t leave me alone in the chair.
  • Don’t leave the chair too close to a table or counter. I can push on the table and tip my chair over.

PLAY WITH ME, IT HELPS ME LEARN.

  • Talk to me in complete sentences. Tell me what you are doing. Make sounds for me to copy like “eee,” “uh-oh,” and “aaa.”
  • Tell me about a toy and show me how to use it. I will want to look at it, smell it, chew it, squeeze it, pat it, and bang it.
  • Put a favorite toy just out of my reach. Help me move to get to it.
  • Hide a toy under a cloth so I can look for it.
  • I like to use blocks that I can hold in my hands.
  • Read to me. Point to the pictures as you tell me about them.

Each child grows and changes at a different rate.
I might do some activities earlier than others. Playing with me helps me learn new things. If you are worried about what I do, talk to my doctor or nurse or call the OARS Help Line toll-free at 1-800-628-5115.

Watch for me to:

  • Pick up my head and chest when I’m on my stomach. I can hold myself up with my arms.
  • Stand up if you hold me under my arms.
  • Roll from my stomach to my back or from my back to my stomach.
  • Notice small things that are placed in front of me.
  • Reach for toys or other interesting things near me.
  • Squeal and make high pitched sounds when I’m happy.
  • Start to have my teeth come in.
  • Lie on my back and look at my hands. I can bring my hands together over my chest or at my mouth.

Dental Places Accepting Medicaid and CHIP

People’s Community Clinic is not connected with any of the following services. This list is a courtesy, not a recommendation for any specific location. You will be responsible for any changes. We are not able to help with appointments or directions to these places. Please call them for further information and to confirm they are taking Medicaid and CHIP.

  • Access Dental of 7th St

    1923 E. 7th St. Ste. 120 Austin, TX 78702 42

  • Access Dental of Ed Bluestein

    7112 Ed Bluestein Blvd. Ste. 130 Austin, TX 78723 50

  • Access Dental of Rundberg

    825 E Rundberg Lane Al Austin, TX 78753 40

  • Access Dental William Cannon

    801 E. William Cannon Dr. Ste. 201 Austin, TX 7874551

  • Austin Family & Pediatric Dentistry

    4631 Airport Blvd Ste. 120A Austin, TX 78751 45

  • Mid-Town Oral Surgery Casmedes

    901 W. 38th St. Ste. 410 Austin, TX 78705 42

  • Central Family Dental Center

    2719 E. 7th St. Austin, TX 78702 33

  • Central Texas Pediatric Dentistry

    1201 Barbara Jordan Blvd. Ste. 1430 Austin, TX 7872352

  • Dentalsaurus, Dr. Sofia Luque

    2500 W. William Cannon Dr. Ste. 507 Austin, TX 7874552

  • Johnson, Daniel. DDS

    1005 W. 38th St. Ste. 200 Austin, TX 78705 43

  • River Rock Dental East Riverside

    4410 East Riverside Dr. Ste. 150 Austin. TX 78741 50

  • River Rock Dental Mueller

    1801 E. 51st St. Ste. 390 Austin, TX 78723 43

  • River Rock Dental Norwood

    1030 Norwood Park Blvd. Ste. 324 Austin, TX 78753 50

  • River Rock Dental South Park Meadows

    9500 South IH 35 Ste. E-400 Austin, TX 7874844

  • River Rock Dental Stassney

    5717 South IH 35 frontage Rd. Austin. TX 78744 47

  • The Smile Center Airport Office

    1144 Airport Blvd. Ste. 240 Austin, TX 78702 45

  • The Smile Center 290/Cameron Office

    6611 E. Highway 290 Austin, TX 78722 37

  • The Smile Center fiesta Office

    3909 N. 11-1 35 Suite Al Austin, TX 78722 42

  • The Smile Center North Lamar Office

    8522 North Lamar Austin, TX 78753 34

  • The Smile Center Oltorf Office

    2121 Oltorf St Ste. 103 Austin, TX 78741 41

  • The Smile Center Parmer Office

    2501 W. Parmer Lane Ste. 800 Austin, TX 7872745

  • The Smile Center Round Rock Office

    1201 S. IH 35 Suite 318 Round Rock, TX 78664 45

  • The Smile Center Stassney Office

    512 West Stassney Ste. 106 Austin, TX 7874543

Other Low Cost Dental Services

  • Manos De Cristo Dental Clinic

    4611 Harmon Avenue Austin TX, 78751 36

    No service for children under 7 years of age

  • Ben White Dental Clinic

    1221 W. Ben White Ste. 112B Austin, TX 7870444

  • North Central Health Center

    1210 W. Braker Lane Austin, TX 78758 37

  • South Austin Health Center

    2529 South 1st St. Austin, TX 78704 36

Breastfeeding Beyond 6 Months

Why is breastfeeding beyond 6 months important?

Breastfeeding beyond 6 months can help improve the long-term health and well-being of both you and your baby.

Health Benefits

  • Breastmilk continues to provide protection against illnesses for as long as breastfeeding continues.
  • The longer your child breastfeeds, the less likely he is to become overweight or develop diabetes later in life.
  • The longer you breastfeed, the lower your risk of breast cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease.

Emotional Benefits

  • Nursing can be a great way to comfort your older baby or toddler when he is ill, tired, upset, or hurt. Many moms will tell you this is one of the greatest benefits of nursing beyond 6 months.

These are just a few of the reasons that the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Physicians, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommend breastfeeding for the first year of your baby’s life and after that for as long as mutually desired.

What if my baby is teething?

Breastfeeding can continue even when your baby is teething. Physically, it is impossible to bite and nurse at the same time. This is because your baby’s tongue is between the bottom teeth and your breast. However, teething can cause your baby’s gums to hurt and itch. Some babies may try rubbing their gums on mom’s breast to soothe this soreness.

Here are some tips to avoid this:

  • Take your baby off the breast when he is no longer actively nursing.
  • If you feel your baby begin to bite down, quickly bring him in close to you. This will cause him to open his mouth.
  • If baby does not open his mouth insert your finger into the corner of his mouth to break the suction.
  • Gently but firmly say, “No” and wait a few minutes before offering to breastfeed again.

How do I introduce solid foods?

Breastmilk is all your baby needs for the first 6 months of life. Beyond 6 months, babies need breastmilk and solid foods to get the perfect amount of calories, protein, iron, and zinc.

When your baby is around 6 months old you can begin introducing solid foods in any order. Here are some general guidelines for healthy, full-term infants:

  • Protect your milk supply by nursing first; then offer a small amount of solid food.
  • Introduce solids slowly and gradually. Start with a small amount, about one to two teaspoons.
  • Start with single ingredient foods. For example, chicken, carrots or peaches.
  • Wait two to three days before offering a new food. This way if your baby has an allergic reaction to a certain food, it is easy to identify which one it is.
  • Let your baby guide you on how much food to feed.

Your breastmilk will continue to provide the majority of your baby’s calories as well as the protection needed to stay healthy and grow.

Can I nurse my older infant or toddler in public?

Breastfeeding in public is protected by law in the state of Texas. This means that in Texas you can breastfeed anywhere you and your baby have the right to be.

Nursing an older baby or toddler privately in public can be a little trickier than nursing a younger baby. Older infants and toddlers are easily distracted, do not like things covering their heads, and tend to move around a lot when they are nursing.

As your baby gets older, it is easier to predict his nursing schedule. If you do not feel comfortable with nursing in public try the following:

Breastfeed right before you leave your home or a comfortable nursing location.

  • Offer expressed milk in a cup or bottle.
  • Offer a healthy snack.
  • Distract your child with a toy, a book, or magazine; he may just want to be held close to you.

Remember, Texas law supports your right to breastfeed in public.

Should I continue nursing if I become pregnant?

You do not need to quit nursing during a healthy pregnancy. Breastfeeding does not take any nutrients away from your unborn baby.

At the time of delivery, breastmilk turns back to colostrum for the new baby. Colostrum is a natural laxative so you may notice a difference in your toddler’s diapers. Don’t worry – this is completely natural.

Changes in the taste and amount of breastmilk may cause older infants and toddlers to wean; but many moms continue to nurse their older children even after the new baby is born.

If you have any medical problems with your pregnancy, talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breastfeeding.

When does weaning occur?

The process of weaning begins naturally around 6 months of age, when solid foods are introduced, and continues as your child becomes interested in activities other than nursing. By the time your toddler is one year of age, he is often only nursing a few times a day.

Many toddlers will lose interest in nursing and wean themselves between the ages of one and two. Others may nurse longer, and most will only nurse a few times a day – like in the morning, at nap time, or before bed. This is perfectly normal.

There is no set time to wean from breastfeeding. The World Health Organization recognizes breastmilk as the best nourishment for infants and young children. If someone recommends weaning before you and your child are ready, be honest and explain how important breastfeeding is to both of you.

For help with questions or breastfeeding support:

Call the Texas Lactation Support Hotline at
1-855-550-6667

Or visit breastmilkcounts.com