Your Baby, Week 43

Your baby’s smile is filling in! New teeth continue to erupt in your baby’s mouth—she may have four to six teeth by the time she’s 1 year old.

Clean your baby’s gums with a washcloth after every meal. You can use a soft-bristled brush on her teeth, but don’t use any toothpaste yet.

In a month or two, you’ll want to schedule your little one’s first dental checkup. Your baby should see the dentist by her first birthday.

If you see white spots on baby’s teeth, it could be decay. In that case, you’ll want your baby to see a dentist sooner.

Baby teeth need grown-up care

Long before the tooth fairy visits, and even before children start teething, it’s time to start thinking about a baby’s smile. Here are dental habits parents should practice to help kids grow up with healthy choppers.

Is your child too sick for daycare?

The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Public Health Association have guidelines that can help you make up your mind.

Everything in its own time

As much as parents might want to hurry their little ones to the next stage of development, most children follow the same general growth and development pattern that can't be changed much. Learn about the patterns and how you can encourage your little ones.