42 weeks - www.kidspot.com.au baby’s first year update

Baby's First Year Kidspot Welcome to week 42! This Week Your Baby Is: Standing alone Your baby will begin to stand alone using one of two methods - either by pulling himself up using furniture as a support, steadying himself and then letting go for a moment or two, or by sitting on his haunches and then moving onto his feet from this position before straightening his legs (he may look a little like a weightlifter making a clean and jerk action if he gets up this way!). Whatever his method, your baby may find suddenly standing alone to be a surprising development. But getting into the standing position is only half the job - and you'll probably find that your baby has to work through a couple of falls before he understands that he can control his descent to the floor by sticking out his bottom and bending his knees to lower himself once again. Find out more about what your baby can do this month Hot Topic: Frustrated baby With everything in your baby's world so tantalisingly close - walking, talking, toddlerhood - don't be surprised if you find your baby suddenly becomes frustrated by her inability to do or communicate what she wants. As your baby approaches her first birthday, she will naturally want to express her own opinions (and she has many!) and try things out for herself, but with her immature speech and fine motor skills holding her back, it's no wonder she gets easily frustrated. Luckily, she's still easy to distract and any tantrums she may have are usually small and over quickly. Although most of what upsets her is a storm in a teacup, be mindful that the best way for her to vent her frustration is to throw things and generally make plenty of angry noise. Read our top tips on dealing with tantrums Kidspot Tip: Saving your back With your baby moving slowly but surely towards walking, you may be rejoicing - if only because your poor back is finally getting a break from all the heavy lifting that goes with having a baby. But it's still going be some time before you're not carrying a big bundle of baby most places you go. Save your back from additional strain by taking simple measures: Protect your back by doing gentle exercises each day to maintain your core body strength - pilates-style exercises are perfect Make sure you know how to lift safely by bending your knees into a squat rather than bending at the waist When your baby wants to be lifted up for a cuddle, perhaps get down onto the floor with him instead and pull him into your lap for a kiss and a hug Find an exercise class that suits you Join the Kidspot Baby Club for access to the best prizes and giveaways, real advice from real mums and access to a supportive, friendly Easy Recipes Healthy dinner ideas Easy entertaining Salads Snacks Quick breakfast ideas Search all recipes Your Baby Breast or bottle? Baby care advice Best baby sleep info Baby names finder Your newborn Baby activities Just for Mums Enjoy MySpot today Join Kidspot Social Browse Kidspot Market Win daily prizes Get Kidspot Daily Unsubscribe from the mailing list? Click here If this is not your correct week, please click here to change your baby's birth date. ALWAYS READ THE LABEL Use only as directed. Incorrect use could be harmful. For the temporary relief of pain and fever. Consult your healthcare professional if symptoms persist.