Your baby may be able to hold his or her own bottle now, which is fine, but never prop the bottle and walk away. A propped bottle could cause your baby to overeat or even choke. Also, if your baby falls asleep while sucking on the bottle, milk or formula can pool in his or her mouth, which can lead to tooth decay. Pooled milk can also drip into the tubes that connect the back of the throat with the middle part of the ear, leading to ear infections.
You may be seeing more signs that your baby is getting ready for solid foods – from a weaker tongue-thrust reflex (when your baby pushes his or her tongue out when something is placed on it) to a keener interest in the foods you and others are eating. But don't be in a rush to give your baby solids. Discuss when to introduce solid food with your baby's healthcare provider. Your baby's digestive system may not be ready for solids, and he or she might not be able control his or her chewing and swallowing muscles. (Don't worry: That will all come in a few weeks.)
Who's that?!
Your baby may start showing signs of a major emotional milestone – stranger anxiety. He or she may become clingy and anxious around new (and even familiar!) people and may cry if a stranger suddenly approaches.
Keep this in mind when you're around people your baby doesn't know, and try not to be embarrassed when he or she cries in someone else's arms – just take your baby back and calm him or her down. Tell your friends and family to approach your little one with slow, gentle movements.
A case of stranger anxiety doesn't mean you have to avoid new faces. Your baby will benefit from getting used to being around people other than you and your partner. Just remember that he or she needs your patience and understanding to get through this very important stage of development.