Safety

At this stage, babies will eat while sitting, sometimes with support, and begin practicing independent eating, which requires supervision and caution in all aspects, including the type of food, its texture (puréed or mashed), and how it is served.

Babies at this stage are developing motor skills and transitioning to crawling, sitting, and even standing. This is a good time to encourage independent standing and even walking (with support). To support this, it is important to keep the environment free of obstacles that could cause falls or injuries. At this age, babies are also able to grasp objects using a pincer grasp, so medications and shelves containing pesticides should be kept out of their reach.

When traveling in a car, the baby’s car seat should be installed rear-facing (until age two), and safe travel habits should be established from the very first rides. Safety habits are just as important during bath time. You should always stay next to the baby and supervise them at all times, without distractions, even when they are able to sit in the bathtub.

In daily life, it is also recommended to avoid screens whenever possible, including background screens. If using a screen for a video call with a family member, it should be brief and done in the presence of an adult.