FOODS TO AVOID

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends you begin introducing solid foods to your baby around six months of age to ensure she receives proper nutrition. While you are preparing for this momentous milestone, keep in mind there are a number of foods you should not give your baby until she is older, including:

Wheat: Wheat is the most common grain allergen so you should not give your baby wheat or wheat products until she is six to eight months old and can handle rice and oats.

Honey: Honey can harbor spores of botulism, which can grow and produce life-threatening toxins in your baby's intestinal tract. Do not give your baby honey until she is older than one year.

Cow's Milk: Giving a baby cow's milk too early can cause childhood allergies. Wait to introduce cow's milk until she is one year old.

Eggs: Infants older than nine months can have egg yolks, but wait until your baby is older than one year to give her the protein-rich whites.

Citrus: Check with your pediatrician before giving citrus juice to your baby as it can cause allergies.

Peanuts: Peanuts and peanut butter can cause violent allergic reactions and shouldn't be given to children younger than 3 years old.

YOUR BABY IS ON THE MOVE!

Your baby may begin to crawl between six and nine months of age. However, if she does not start crawling, don't worry; she may have found another way of getting around, or may skip this stage entirely and just start walking. Many babies develop their own unique methods of movement. However, if you are concerned that she's not developing normally, have her pediatrician do an evaluation. To help your baby develop locomotion skills, place a toy just out of reach and let her try to get it. She may become frustrated when she can't quite reach it, but let her keep trying and figure it out for herself. This will help her development and self confidence.

WHAT IS ROSEOLA?

Roseola is one of the most common childhood infections.

If your baby contracts roseola she will develop a sudden high fever but exhibit no other symptoms, and she will not look or behave particularly sick. Three or four days later, the fever will break and only then she will develop a rose-colored rash that may last several hours or several days.

Roseola is spread by contact with the respiratory secretions of other infected children or adults. Although there are currently no laboratory tests to diagnose roseola and no treatment (besides fever management), you should always consult your pediatrician when symptoms appear.