Checkups are a way to make sure your baby is growing properly and help you find out if there are any health problems. After the visit, make an appointment for your baby's 1-year checkup.
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Breast milk and/or iron-fortified formula still provide most of your baby's nutrition. You can breastfeed, give a bottle, or put breast milk or formula in a cup at mealtime.
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Offer 3 meals and 2–3 healthy snacks a day. Pull your baby's high chair up to the table during meals and eat together as a family as often as possible.
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Over the next few months, your baby may start to prefer table foods instead of puréed baby food. Offer different soft table foods, including meat, fish, eggs, chicken, cheese, yogurt, fruits, vegetables, cereals, breads, rice, and pasta.
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Do not give foods that can cause choking, such as whole grapes; raisins; popcorn; pretzels; nuts; hot dogs and sausages; chunks of meat; hard cheese; peanut butter; or hard, raw fruits and vegetables.
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Pay attention to signs that your baby is full, such as turning away from food, closing the mouth, or pushing food away.
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Don't give your baby honey or unpasteurized food and drinks.
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Don't give your baby cow's milk or soy beverages instead of breast milk or formula. (Kids shouldn't start drinking cow's milk or soy beverages until they're at least 1 year old.)
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Do not add cereal to your baby's bottle unless the health care provider recommends it.
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Don't give juice before 12 months. It can lead to tooth decay and weight gain.
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Put gates at the top and bottom of stairs.
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Put window guards on windows above the first floor.
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Keep blinds, drapes, and cords out of your baby's reach.
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Keep out of reach:
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small objects such as toys, button batteries, and coins
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plastic bags
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medicines (keep in a locked cabinet, if possible)
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cleaning supplies
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anything that is hot, sharp, or breakable
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Set your hot water heater lower than 120°F (48°C).
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Do not drink hot liquids while holding your baby.
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Put smoke and carbon monoxide alarms near all sleeping areas and on every level of your home.
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Move your baby's crib mattress to the lowest position. If your baby still has a mobile, take it down.
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Don't use a baby walker.
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When using a changing table, keep a hand on your baby and use the safety buckle.
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Keep your baby within reach if there is water nearby, including tubs, toilets, buckets, and pools. Empty water from tubs, buckets, and baby pools when done.
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A gun in the home increases the risk of accidents and injuries. If you do have a gun, keep it unloaded and locked up. Lock bullets separately from the gun.
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Only leave your child with responsible caregivers, and be sure to review safety information with them.