In the nine-month lead-up to welcoming your little one, chances are your to-do list feels endless at times. Thankfully, there are simple ways to tackle even the hairiest baby-naming conflicts. Here, five issues that parents often face and how to solve them. The conflict: You and your partner arent in sync. Maybe one of you prefers family names, and the other wants something more unique. One really wants to go with a certain initial, the other is open to others....

Ive read that its a sign of being curious about her bodily functions and potty-training readiness. But we’ve tried the potty, and she’s only used it once. My mom intuition says she isnt ready, but I cant have her keep playing with her poop. (That said, even when the door is open, pee prowess usually comes before poop.) Now, they clearly are. propelled her to diaper dive number two, and three…and more....

Medically reviewed to ensure accuracy. Where did all this negativity come from? Here’s why your toddler loves that two-letter word and how to deal with her constantly saying it. Why toddlers say no Yes, your child can hear you; she’s just not listening. Beneath this burst of negativity are the seeds of self-expression. When she shouts “no!” it can be tempting to shout back “yes!” But getting riled up will only fuel her fire (and raise your blood pressure)....

If your baby seems like hes on a mission of seek and destroy, youre not imagining things. Crawling,standing up, cruising and even walking may be on your baby’s agenda this month. And don’t be surprised if separation anxiety starts full-force in your 10-month-old too. But you should steer clear of using them when you’re driving. Give him age-appropriate toys that he can succeed with. Acclaim that he actually earns is much more valuable than an empty “good job” from you....

Your goal: fair limits, lovingly enforced. If she likes it (or doesn’t! Not only is this an effective way to separate them, but your pup will probably also appreciate it. For now, keep those tootsies bare. When other development is normal, late walking is rarely a cause for concern. Ride-on toys that push your little one toward independent mobility will also appeal to your little cruiser. Role-play toys will start to play a role too, as baby becomes more imaginative and a master mimic....

An infant’s circuits get overloaded pretty easily. In fact, dont be alarmed if your baby goes a day or two withoutpooping. Is your baby still a prolific pooper? That, in turn, leads to swelling of the vocal cords and a harsh, barking cough. not to mention a deeply calming experience for both of you.Modern parenting offers some hands-free rocking options too. Use a gentle touch, but firm enough not to be ticklish....

), sleeping for longer stretches at night (sometimes! ), and not yet independently mobile (less stressful for parents). And see to it your baby gets plenty of time to move around while she’s awake. In babies, rashes usually start out on the scalp and face. She’s still got a lot to learn (obviously! as well as bringing those little paws together (clap hands! Yay!But don’t insist on a minute-by-minute plan....

Your baby is starting to transform from a precious-but-super-sleepy newborn to an almost full-fledged infant. Payback for the sleep deprivation you’re probably dealing with is on its way. as vision, the ability to focus, and concentration improve rapidly. What looks like her entire lunch is probably no more than a tablespoon of milk. If your baby is breastfed, shell need to take vitamin D drops. The younger your baby, the less time that tiny immune system has had to strengthen....

So be prepared forlots of laughter(his and yours!) as he tries out his new personality. And get ready for more amazing milestones on tap in the coming weeks and months. and many babies will play with their toes and even mouth them. Think of them as built-in toys! That means hearing the sweet call of Mama and Dada is not so far behind! Some parentschoose to begin solidsat the 4-month mark, but check with your doctor first....

Feeling like an old pro at this baby-care game yet? In the meantime, your baby will continue to communicate through crying. Listen carefully and youll be able todecode his different cries. A short, low-pitched cry that has a pleading quality to it usually means Im hungry. A whiny, nasal, continuous cry is babys way of telling you hes overtired or uncomfortable. Bursts of crying alternating with fussy whimpers often signal boredom....

And the brand new world of solid foods is just around the corner! And that name you so thoughtfully chose and have been lovingly saying for months? And talk to your doctor about the right time and place to give your baby solids. But whatever the going rate happens to be, dont stray too far below it. She’s a big babbler too, so encouragebaby’s chatterby talking up a storm yourself....

Your baby has passed the 1-month mark hooray! and is steadily progressing from helpless newborn to interactive (and active! ), smiling, babbling baby. There’s so much fun in store! Meanwhile, youre steadily progressing from rookie parent to (almost) parenting pro. That will give way to a more reliable routine over the next couple of months. “And while speaking your baby’s language is important, equally important is speaking your language. ).Of course, your baby has no idea what you’re saying yet....

Month 6 may also havebaby’s first toothin store! Plenty!If hes like half of all babies, hell likely be able tosit up without support. Don’t give your baby the idea that nighttime is playtime. Keep the lights off or very dim, and keep bubbly conversations and sing-songs to a minimum. If youre using products made for infants and kids, you have nothing to fret about. And not only will your little one love the movement, you’ll also foster a passion for music....