From Wobbles to Wiggles –
The Infant Months
Between 2 and 12 months, your baby is constantly learning new skills, changing and beginning to explore the world around them. We’re here to help you nurture development while making parenting feel a little more manageable with all its bonding and interactions.
1. Feeding Progression: From Milk to First Foods
Your infant’s nutritional needs begin to change around 6 months.
- Exclusive breastfeeding or formula feeding continues to be the primary nutrition source until 6 months.
- Once your paediatrician gives the green light, begin introducing solids—like mashed banana, soft rice, or pureed vegetables—one at a time.
- Stick to iron-rich foods (like fortified cereals or mashed dals) to support your baby’s development.
- Offer foods in soft textures and small quantities while observing for allergies.
- Always continue breast milk or formula alongside solids until 12 months.
2. Sleep Schedules & Naps
Sleep patterns begin to improve in this stage—mostly!
- Infants usually sleep 12–16 hours a day, including daytime naps.
- Create a predictable bedtime routine with calming cues like a warm bath, lullabies, or a gentle massage.
- From around 6 months, babies may start sleeping through the night— but don’t worry if yours doesn’t yet.
- Night awakenings for comfort, hunger, or teething are still common.
- Avoid overstimulation before sleep time and aim for consistent nap schedules during the day.
3. Developmental Milestones & Play
Infants grow at lightning speed, both physically and cognitively.
- Expect exciting physical milestones like rolling over, sitting up without support, crawling, or even trying to stand.
- Encourage movement through tummy time and floor play.
- Stimulate cognitive development with age-appropriate toys, music, picture books, and simple games like peek-a-boo.
- Respond to your baby’s babbling—it’s the beginning of language development.
- Watch out for signs of teething and provide safe teething toys or cold washcloths for relief.
4. Hygiene, Bathing & Skin Care
Keeping your baby clean and comfortable becomes easier with practice.
- Bathe your baby 2–3 times a week or more if they’re active or messy.
- Encourage movement through tummy time and floor play.
- Use gentle, tear-free cleansers and always test water temperature.
- Pay special attention to folds around the neck, thighs, and behind the ears, where sweat or milk may collect.
- Always trim nails regularly to prevent accidental scratching.
5. Diapering & Baby Care Essentials
With more movement comes more diaper duty!
- Expect 6–8 diaper changes a day depending on feeding and activity.
- Always clean thoroughly using baby wipes or warm water and pat dry.
- Use a rash-preventing cream or powder especially during hot/humid weather.
- Switch to high-absorbency diaper pants (like Little Angel Premier Pants) for comfort and overnight dryness.
- Consider larger diaper sizes as baby grows — look for signs like red marks or leaks.
