Sleep is one of the most important factors that will affect your child's growth and development. Although it can be hard to put your 6 month old baby on a sleep schedule, it can be helpful for them and for you. Their circadian rhythm has started developing around the age of 4 months and they are probably not able to stand on their own yet. This makes 6 months an ideal time to get your baby accustomed to the crib and to a more routine sleep schedule. Ultimately, babies and toddlers like routine. However, they are very sensitive so once the routine is broken (meaning you go on vacation or they get sick), it may take a few days to get back into the routine. This is normal so don't be discouraged.7 AM: Wake Up730: Feed8 to 930: Play930 to 1130: Sleep1145: Feed12:30 to 2: Play2 to 330: Nap330: FeedBetween 4 and 7 you should do your best to keep your baby awake and engaged. This will allow more sleep pressure to build so that they are more likely to fall asleep by 7 or 730 PM. Between 7 and 8 PM is an ideal time for babies to fall asleep. If you wait too long, they could become cranky and miss their window. If you allow them to fall asleep too early then you may end up waking up at 4 am or 5 am to their crying. 630 PM: Nighttime routine (Bath and reading)7 PM: Feed715-730: SleepIf needed you can add a dream feed at 11 PM, but depending on their weight many babies may be able to sleep 10 to 12 hour stretches without a feed. This may change if they are going through a growth spurt or if they have gotten sick. Babies and toddlers may also sleep more after a set of vaccinations, or it could be the complete opposite. Remember that each child is unique and while schedules can be very helpful, it is important to remain flexible to your child's individual needs.On average your 6 month old baby should be sleeping 12 to 16 hours a day. The majority of these hours should be a night, but two daytime naps are normal at this age.

Montessori is a child-centered approach that emphasizes the development of a child’s independence, creativity and problem-solving skills through the use of specially designed materials and activities. Developed by an Italian physician, Maria Montessori wanted to create an environment that fosters learning through self-discovery and independent exploration. Here are the best montessori toys for babies:1. Montessori High Contrast CardsBlack and white high contrast cards are great for kids because they stimulate a newborn's sight and cognitive development. When babies are born the nerve cells in their retina and brain are not yet developed. In the first three months, they can only see in black, white and gray tones, and only about 8-12 inches in front of them. At the age of 3 months, they start to see red, and around 5-6 months they will start to see the full color spectrum. High contrast cards are an easy and simple way to entertain your baby and help them develop.2. Montessori Musical Instruments & Rattles - For babies closer to 6 months of age, toys that make noise or music are a great option. Especially those that the baby can hold with their own hands and maneuver are really fun for your little one to explore. A rattle or a maraca is a great option at this age. 3. Montessori Textured Balls - A ball that has a mix of texture and color is also a great Montessori toy for this age. These allow your baby to understand the way different things feel. You may also see them start to throw the ball as they get older. 4. Montessori Mirror - Mirrors are so fun for children at this age. They can be especially useful to motivate your child during tummy time. You can place the mirror in front of them so that they need to lift their head up in order to see themselves in the mirror.5. Montessori Baby Activity Gym - Since your baby will be on their back a lot, an activity gym can give them things to reach for as they look up. This can keep baby entertained for a while!6. Montessori Baby Book - If you are on the go and traveling, a Montessori Baby Book can be great too! This will allow your little one to have access to multiple Montessori activities all in the form of a book.

Is it possible to be sleep training while room sharing with your baby? It is possible, but it is not easy. Sleep training while room sharing may be popular because many pediatricians do recommend that parents room share until the child is one year of age. However, room sharing can cause disturbed sleep for both the parents and the child. Some newborn babies may awaken very easily and if you or your partner happens to move, make noise, use the breast pump, or go to the bathroom, it could ruin your little one's sleep. In an ideal situation you want to sleep train with the baby nearby but in a different room. In this scenario, parents should have a reliable baby monitor that they can watch so that see and hear if their baby is not doing well or needs to be picked up. Attempting to sleep train before 4 to 6 months is not a good idea. Babies do not develop a sense of night and day, or circadian rhythm before 4 months of age. Additionally, many babies have what is called the "4 month sleep regression." Therefore, if you sleep train too early, the effort may be wasted.1. Make sure that you and your partner have gone to the bathroom and do not need to walk around the room. This can avoid making noise at night and disturbing your child.2. Understand that if your baby is not used to sleeping in the crib by themselves, they will cry. They will likely cry until they fall asleep. This may be several minutes, but it could even be as long as an hour. Remember to make sure that your baby has not thrown up and has a clean diaper. 3. Position the crib and the bed so that the baby can not see you. If the baby can see you, they will not understand why you aren't comforting them. This is hard for you and the baby. 4. Do not sleep train unless you check with your baby's pediatrician. If your baby is not gaining weight appropriately or has a medical condition, it may not be a good idea to sleep train. Always check with your baby's doctor before doing this.Sleep training is a very personal choice that should be guided by your pediatrician. Some families are able to safely sleep train and find it to be very helpful for their lives. Other families choose not to, and they figure out schedules and ways to handle the irregularity. Be sure to choose the best option for you and your baby, and do not hesitate to ask your doctor.

The infant brachial pulse is a pulse that can be felt in the upper arm of an infant. The brachial artery, which is located on the inside of the upper arm, carries blood to the arm and hand. The pulse of the brachial artery is often used to assess the heart rate and blood flow in infants.Feeling for the brachial pulse is a simple way to check an infant's heart rate. It is important to note that for someone who is not experienced at checking this, it may be difficult to reliably locate. If you are are truly concerned about a baby's wellbeing, you should not delay in seeking urgent medical care or calling 911. To locate the infant brachial pulse, place two fingers (usually the index and middle finger) on the inside of the upper arm, just below the bend of the elbow. Press gently with your fingers until you feel a pulse, and count the number of beats for 15 seconds, then multiply by four to get the beats per minute.The infant brachial pulse is an important pulse to check in certain situations, such as during a medical emergency or if an infant has a known heart condition. However, it's important to note that the brachial pulse may be difficult to feel in some infants, particularly those with low blood pressure or weak pulses. If you are unable to feel the brachial pulse, you may need to check for the pulse in other areas, such as the femoral artery in the groin or the radial artery in the wrist. If you have any concerns about your infant's pulse or overall health, it's always best to consult with a healthcare professional.The normal heart rate for an infant can vary depending on their age, activity level, and overall health. Here are the typical ranges for different age groups:It's important to note that an infant's heart rate may be affected by a variety of factors, such as illness, stress, or activity level. In general, a higher heart rate may indicate that the infant is more active or excited, while a lower heart rate may indicate that the infant is sleeping or relaxed. If you have any concerns about your infant's heart rate or overall health, it's always best to consult with your pediatrician.While knowing how to check a pulse in an infant is a savvy skill, do not ever delay in seeking medical care or calling 911. Also, remember that most people who are not medically trained to locate a baby's brachial pulse, will likely have difficulty doing so reliably.

El cólico es una afección que hace que un bebé sano y bien alimentado llore excesiva e inconsolablemente, por lo general durante al menos tres horas al día, tres días a la semana, durante tres semanas o más. El cólico generalmente comienza en las primeras semanas de vida y puede continuar durante varios meses.La causa exacta del cólico no se conoce, pero hay varias teorías. Una teoría es que el cólico está relacionado con malestar gastrointestinal o una digestión inmadura. Otra teoría es que puede estar relacionado con la sobreestimulación o el temperamento de un bebé. Es importante tener en cuenta que el cólico es una afección normal y común que afecta hasta 1 de cada 5 bebés.Los síntomas del cólico incluyen:Llanto excesivo: llorar sin una razón aparente y difícil de consolar Irritabilidad intensa: patear frenéticamente, cerrar los puños y tensar los músculos abdominales Patrón regular: a menudo ocurre a la misma hora del día, por lo general por la tarde o por la noche Mal sueño: dificultad para dormir o despertar con frecuencia del sueño No hay una cura específica para el cólico, pero hay varias estrategias que pueden ayudar a aliviar los síntomas, como:Probar diferentes técnicas de alimentación, como alimentar al bebé con más frecuencia pero con cantidades más pequeñas o eructar más a menudo durante la alimentación Reducir la sobreestimulación proporcionando un entorno tranquilo y silencioso para el bebé Usar un chupete para ayudar a calmar al bebé Mecer suavemente o mover rítmicamente, como usar un columpio o una mecedora Buscar apoyo de amigos y familiares o de un profesional de la salud, como un pediatra o un consultor de lactancia Es importante tener en cuenta que el cólico puede ser un desafío para los padres y cuidadores, y está bien pedir ayuda o apoyo cuando sea necesario. Si tiene preocupaciones sobre el llanto de su bebé o su salud en general, lo mejor es consultar a un profesional de la salud.

Your child ate something and is now neither looking nor feeling too good, but how can you tell if it’s a food allergy or simply a food intolerance?  Because of the overlap of symptoms and lots of outdated and some misinformation out there, it is often hard to differentiate food allergies versus food intolerances.  Food allergies and food intolerances differ at the physiological level.  A true food allergy is the result of your body creating an immune response (using an “antibody”) to the food you are eating (the target of the antibody, or the “antigen”).  This is similar to a vaccine targeting a particular bacteria or virus.  The type of antibody made is called IgE, and it is specific for a particular type of food.  When it binds to that food, it releases something called histamine which ultimately leads to the symptoms of an allergic reaction and sometimes, anaphylaxis (a more severe allergic reaction) (2). Some IgE-mediated food allergies are outgrown in early childhood, and some stay for life (2).  IgE to particular foods is something a doctor can measure through a blood or skin test.  Food intolerances are characterized by problems with your child’s digestion and/or digestive system (1). These are generally less severe and easier to treat, as many food intolerances can be treated by changing either the form of the food or what it is taken with to aid its digestion (1). For example, taking lactase pills before consuming lactose will likely allow an individual with lactose intolerance to consume lactose-containing items (1). Food intolerances are often referred to as “non-IgE mediated allergies”, although this term is misleading and confusing for parents. Unlike those with food allergies, individuals with food intolerance are not at risk for anaphylaxis (1).Some causes of food intolerance are unknown. Some food intolerances also may not last long, especially at a young age. There are some food intolerances that have an identifiable cause.  These include: Symptoms of food allergies can range from mild to severe. Since they induce an immune reaction that affects various organs in the body, the symptoms can be diverse (1). Some signs of food allergies include (3):• Skin – Itching, flushing, hives (itchy, raised red bumps) • Eyes – Redness or swelling • Nose and mouth – Sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, swelling of the lips or tongue• Lungs or throat– Trouble breathing, wheezing, coughing• Digestive system – Vomiting, diarrhea or pain leading to fussiness • Other signs include - limpness, lethargy On the other hand, since food intolerance is more targeted to digestive system problems, symptoms are often (but not always) limited to vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain (1). Some babies will develop constipation or gas with certain foods or even a change in stool pattern.  These symptoms are often not consistent with an allergic reaction and you should discuss with your doctor to help determine if they are indeed allergic in nature. In almost all cases, the answer is yes. Babies with food allergies and intolerances can continue to breastfeed. Generally, the mother does not need to remove the allergenic food from her diet prior to breastfeeding unless the baby is exhibiting immediate symptoms or if the baby is intolerant to cow’s milk protein (4).  For babies that have cow’s milk protein intolerance, moms have to remove dairy from their diet, and in some cases soy, if they want to continue breastfeeding.  Otherwise, they have to place the baby on a soy formula (if tolerated), a hydrolyzed formula that partially or fully breaks down the milk protein, or an elemental formula which does not contain any intact proteins.  The good news is, most babies outgrow this intolerance by around one year of age!  Currently, there are no official recommendations on other foods not to consume when breastfeeding when concerned about an allergy or intolerance, but research in that sector is constantly evolving (4). If you are concerned about your baby reacting adversely to your breast milk, it is best to consult with an allergist, who will help you determine the next best steps.The most challenging part about feeding babies with concerning symptoms is determining what they are allergic to. Allergy testing can be done in babies but are often not reliable and need to be interpreted by an expert (4).  Therefore, unless a specific food is identified that you are concerned about, specialists do not recommend a panel of allergy labs “just to see” if your baby has an allergy.  This can lead to unnecessary elimination of foods from a child’s diet and can lead to nutritional deficits.  Therefore, it is always recommended you see your pediatrician or allergist to discuss any concerns you may have with your baby’s diet and they can help you take the proper next steps.  Sources

Eczema is also called atopic dermatitis.  It is dry, flaky skin.  In infants it can appear in the first few months of infancy.  Many children simply outgrow it but it is also easily treatable. Eczema will look different on different babies.  Usually children with lighter colored skin will demonstrate patches of red skin.  For babies with darker skin, it can appear purple, brown, or gray.  It is more often harder to determine in children of color. Whatever the color, it is dry, itchy, and rough.  Generally it is on the face and in the joints of arms and legs, but can appear anywhere on the body.   Cradle cap (seborrheic dermatitis) is similar.  Cradle cap is generally confined to the scalp, sides of the nose, eyelids, and behind the ears.  It is less itchy and usually clears by eight months of age. Eczema occurs when the body does not make enough fatty cells which makes the skin lose water and become dry.  Another possible cause is that the barrier of the skin allows too much moisture to seep out and allows germs to creep in.  If a parent suffers from eczema, it is likely the baby will as well. The condition usually disappears on its own before school age, but it may persist into adulthood as dry skin.  There are triggers can are easily avoided.•         Low Humidity – Dry, winter air can make the skin drier and itch more.•         Irritation – Soaps, laundry additives, perfumes, and scratchy fabrics can all contribute to the itch.•         Foods – There is a theory that some foods like eggs, some fruits, and cow's milk can affect eczema.  You can try eliminating those foods one at a time to see if there is an effect.•         Stress – Stress becomes a factor in many conditions and can trigger eczema flares. There are some easy home remedies you can try.•         Moisturizing – Fragrance-free creams or ointments are available over the counter or through a prescription.  Even petroleum jelly will work.  Applied after the baby's bath, it will help retain moisture.•         Soaps – Switching to mild, unscented laundry products should help.  Antibacterial or scented hand soap can also be rough on a baby's delicate skin.•         Cleansing – Keep your baby clean but it may not be necessary to wash the entire body with soap every time.  Pat dry rather than rubbing.•         Soaking – Placing your baby in a lukewarm bath for about 10 minutes can ease the discomfort.•         Clothing – Always wash new clothes before you put them on the baby.  Don't overdress or use too many blankets because the heat and sweat can cause the condition to flare.•         OTC – Hydrocordisone may help but please ask your pediatrician before using anything to be sure they recommend it for the condition.  If the condition does not clear within a week, check with your pediatrician.  If the condition worsens, or you see anything new like blisters, make an appointment to have this checked out to rule out an infection or other condition.  

When it comes to baby’s skin, less is more. The gentler we are with their delicate skin, the more we can enhance the skin’s natural barrier properties. Infant skin is the gateway to healthy immune functioning, healthy bacteria development, and may be a route for prevention of food allergies. Thus, skin care is paramount to healthy growth and development. 1. Don’t be scared to give baby baths Though daily baths are not necessary, a “soak and seal” with moisturizer is a great way to help soothe babies with dry skin. Soap is not needed every day and can be applied to only visibly soiled areas. Baths can also serve as part of a night time ritual that prepares baby for a consistent bed time routine, which is key to building good sleep habits. 2. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturizeIn some studies, moisturizing the skin has been shown to prevent the development of atopic dermatitis, a form of eczema. In a study of pre-term infants, babies who were applied sunflower oil, rich in linoleic acids, developed less infections while in the neonatal intensive care unit.1 Linoleic acids are naturally anti-inflammatory and can help build the skin barrier, protecting the superficial layer of the skin, the stratum corneum. 3. Avoid excessive wipingSome baby wipes contain chemicals that can cause contact dermatitis, a form of skin irritation.2 Excess wiping of the face after feeds can degrade the stratum corneum, which can create openings for allergens, and irritants to enter the skin. Use a barrier ointment before feedings, such as petrolatum, that will protect the skin against irritation from foods and wiping. I recommend use of soft washcloths if necessary, made of organic cotton or bamboo, and plain water.4.  MassageIn many South Asian and East Asian households, such as the one that I grew up in, massaging skin and scalp is a weekly ritual to keep skin and hair healthy. I can still hear my mother chastising me in the winter “you are not massaging your skin, this is why you look so dry”. Turns out mom was very right. In Ayurvedic traditions, abhyanga or daily oil massage is recommended to help not only the skin, but also circulatory, muscular, and neural health. Massage can help reduce stress levels and help build a bond with baby.3 5. Use commercial diapers and diaper cream every time While super absorbent diapers are a problem to the environment, from a skin perspective, disposable diapers that keep moisture away from the diaper area reduce diaper rashes and skin irritation.4 A barrier cream, such as zinc oxide, with every diaper change will protect the skin against chafing, and provide a barrier against irritation from pee and poop. 4Medically reviewed by Dr. Rupam Brar is a Board-Certified Pediatric Allergist & Immunologist at Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital part of NYU Langone Health, who specializes in eczema and food allergies. Dr. Brar also has specialized training in Pediatric Dermatology.References:1. Darmstadt GL, Saha SK, Ahmed AS, Chowdhury MA, Law PA, Ahmed S, Alam MA, Black RE, Santosham M. Effect of topical treatment with skin barrier-enhancing emollients on nosocomial infections in preterm infants in Bangladesh: a randomised controlled trial. Lancet. 2005 Mar 19-25;365(9464):1039-45. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(05)71140-5. PMID: 15781099.2. Chang MW, Nakrani R. Six children with allergic contact dermatitis to methylisothiazolinone in wet wipes (baby wipes). Pediatrics. 2014 Feb;133(2):e434-8. doi: 10.1542/peds.2013-1453. Epub 2014 Jan 13. PMID: 24420805.3.   Basler AJ. Pilot study investigating the effects of Ayurvedic Abhyanga massage on subjective stress experience. J Altern Complement Med. 2011 May;17(5):435-40. doi: 10.1089/acm.2010.0281. Epub 2011 May 13. PMID: 21568717.4. Blume-Peytavi U, Kanti V. Prevention and treatment of diaper dermatitis. Pediatr Dermatol. 2018 Mar;35 Suppl 1:s19-s23. doi: 10.1111/pde.13495. PMID: 29596731.

Feeding newborns can seem like a daunting task. Remember that each baby is unique and has different needs, but here are some general tips to keep in mind to have a happy feeding journey.At this age, your baby has a tiny belly, so prefers smaller, more frequent feedings. Your baby will likely feed 1 to 3 ounces every 1 to 3 hours. Breastfed infants often take less at each feed but they will feed more frequently than formula-fed infants. If breastfeeding, feeding frequently (every 2 hours or on baby’s demand which could be even more often) in this initial time period helps with increasing lactation and allows your baby to practice sucking and swallowing in order to efficiently empty the breast(1).For exclusively breastfed babies, the average interval between feedings will usually increase from 1 to 3 hours to 2 to 4 hours but sometimes, they may feed as often as every hour (especially in the first month) or with gaps up to 4 hours (1). Most infants will feed 8 to 12 times in 24 hours for 10 to 15 minutes on each breast (4). For formula-fed babies, the average interval between feedings is 2 to 4 hours (1). Most infants will feed 6 to 10 times in 24 hours and up to 4 ounces at a time depending on their interval.  If your baby hasn’t been fed in 4 hours during the first month of life, try gently waking your baby up to feed.  At this young age, babies can not maintain their blood sugar levels and need to be fed in order to do so. Your pediatrician can help guide you if healthy weight gain is an issue. Keep in mind that your baby goes through mini growth spurts (around 2-3 weeks, then 3-4 weeks, then 3, 4 and 6 months) and during that time their feeding demand will increase.  Your baby’s milk needs should roughly increase by about 1 ounce per feeding per month until they reach a maximum of 7 to 8 ounces per feeding. In 24 hours, your baby should not be drinking more than 32 ounces (3). If you notice your baby’s average feeding needs falling under or over this rough estimated amount, please talk to your pediatrician. In the first 3 months of life, your baby should be gaining about 25 to 30 grams a day or approximately 1 ounce per day. This is about 1 pound (16 ounces) every two weeks (2).  For most parents, there is no need to regularly weigh your baby at home, unless indicated by the doctor. During this time period, you will be seeing your child’s pediatrician frequently so they can monitor growth and development.  At 6 months, both breastfed and formula-fed infants can be introduced to solid foods. However, breastmilk and/or formula still remain their primary source of nutrients. It is natural for your infant to start gradually decreasing their breast milk or formula intake as solids are introduced, but it still remains a staple part of their diet until 12 months of age (1). At 6 months, infants drinking formula milk should consume 6 to 8 ounces of formula over 4 to 5 feedings in 24 hours. This can total anywhere between 24 and 40 oz in one day.A general rule is that your baby should be consuming about 2.5 ounces of formula a day for every pound of body weight. This is just a rough estimate, as each baby’s feeding needs are unique, so base your baby’s feeding schedule on cues your baby gives and guidance from the doctor (3).Below are suggested guidelines to follow when determining how much to feed your baby. Remember your baby is unique and these are only suggestions. Always discuss your newborn’s care with their pediatrician.Only introduce solids below if your child can break down food and swallow appropriately. Talk to your doctor about when and how to introduce nutrition beyond breast milk and formula. Only introduce solids below if your child can break down food and swallow appropriately. Talk to your doctor about when and how to introduce nutrition beyond breast milk and formula. *Healthy babies require little or no extra water for hydration.  However, in extremely hot temperatures or sometimes after solids are introduced, they may need some water. Water should not be fed to infants less than 6 months. If your baby consumes too much water, it may discourage them from drinking breast milk or formula which is more nutritious than water. During the first few weeks, your baby is rapidly growing. Dynamic changes in their feeding schedule is necessary to supplement them with enough nutrients during this growth period. Each baby is unique so try experimenting through this feeding journey to find what works best for you and your baby. Although it might be hard at times, it is a chance to get to know your baby better. If you ever have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to your baby’s pediatrician. Happy feeding!Sources

Many parents use a swaddle in the early days of their baby's life. However, once your baby starts to roll, it is time to stop using a swaddling on the baby. This typically happens around 2 months of age, but it can happen earlier. It is important to watch your baby for signs of rolling. If your baby shows signs of rolling, you should stop swaddling your baby immediately. Swaddling is safe only when done correctly and before a baby can roll. Swaddling your baby once the baby is able to move or roll, on the other hand, is unsafe. This is because the baby could roll over and due to the swaddle not be able to roll themselves back. Generally, if a baby is able to roll from their back to their stomach they should be able to roll from their stomach to back. However, if their hands are trapped in the swaddle they will not be able to do this. In this situation, their face could get caught in the bedding material and they could suffocate. It is very important to stop swaddling once a baby can roll. Swaddling helps to prevent the Moro reflex which is the startle reflex. In this reflex, the baby's arms go up and away from the baby's body. The baby usually awakens and is startled by their own reflex. The baby can have the Moro reflex several times during a sleep session and swaddling helps to prevent this reflex by keeping the baby's arms close to their chest. The Moro reflex, or the startle reflex, may stick around until the baby is almost 6 months old. It varies from baby to baby. Because babies will begin to roll around 2 months old and the startle reflex may last until 6 months old, there is likely going to be a period of time when your baby will awaken from the startle reflex. It is important to help your baby learn how to self-soothe so that they can put themselves back to sleep. This will help the baby sleep better and help you sleep better.It is very important to give your child lots of tummy time. When doing tummy time, make sure the baby is being supervised. Tummy time is important because it helps to build the baby's core, neck and back muscles. If the baby happens to turn themselves onto their stomach, having strong muscles will help them to flip over onto their back. Tummy time should be done every single day. You can slowly increase the amount of tummy time as your baby gets older. In the early days of their life, even 5 minutes a day of tummy time is enough. Ask your pediatrician what amount of tummy time is right for your child's age.There are many different types of swaddles. Swaddles that keep your baby cool are important. It is dangerous for babies to overheat. A swaddle is simply a cloth that you wrap in a certain way to contain the startle reflex. Some swaddles are just small thin blankets. Some companies also make swaddles that are pre stitched so all you have to do is zip them up and velcro them to keep your baby from lifting their hands. Read more about our favorite types of swaddles here. Swaddling must be stopped immediately once you see signs that your newborn can roll. If your baby is rolling, swaddling them is dangerous. This is because if they roll over onto their stomach while swaddled, they will not have the ability to roll themselves onto their back. This can cause them to suffocate and die. Rolling typically begins around month 2, but your child may begin to roll sooner than this. The rate of SIDS is highest between months 2 and 4 and this is thought to be because babies are beginning to roll and they get caught in the bedding. It is important that your baby sleeps in the same room as you (but not the same bed) during the first 6 to 12 months of life. You are more likely to hear them move or struggle if you are sleeping in the same room as them.

Teething hurts! Every parent needs to have a great teether handy for when the molars start to come in. A teether for molars is important because it is especially painful when these larger teeth in the back of the baby's mouth come in. Here are some of our favorite teethers that are commonly used by patients and doctors alike.The banana-shaped teether is a great option because of the design. The loops on either side of the teether means that it is easy for the baby to grab the teether. Given that you will want to rinse and clean anything the baby drops at a young age, a teether that is less likely to fall is always a great idea. Older babies will also be able to more easily manipulate the teether into a position that helps soothe their pain. The design of the teether also allows it to get to the teeth in the back of the mouth. It also has bristles so you can use it when you begin to brush your baby's teeth after they come in. It is a good idea to buy at least two so that you always have one handy to use while the other one is being cleaned. The cactus shaped teether is also a great option for molars because of the three prongs. It has multiple teething surfaces and this can help your baby easily manipulate the teether into a comfortable spot. It is also BPA free and has bristles. This means it can also double as a toothbrush when needed. Though it is a little harder to hold on to because it does not have loops like the banana teether, it has 3 far reaching areas to get to those tough to reach molars in the back of your baby's mouth. Having one of each of these teethers is likely a good idea. This is a great option as your baby's first teether and likely less useful for molars. It is great though because it can be easily cleaned in the dishwasher for frequent use. It also has a bumpy surface which helps with soothing sore gums and tactile stimulation. Finally, it's easy to put in the freezer and give to your baby as something soothing and cold for their first few teeth. So which teether should you buy? Most families will need at least 4 to 8 of teethers for the first year of life. Especially before 6 months of age, babies are very fragile and you want to make sure that the teether is always very clean, if not sterile, before they use it. Given that your baby is likely to drop their teether frequently, it's important to have plenty of back up options. This is important so you are not spending your precious time washing teethers throughout the day. Remember to never use teething necklaces or any teethers that have smaller parts which could come apart inside your baby's mouth. Remember to pay attention to your baby when they are using their teether.