Your baby probably enjoys looking at books and leafing through the pages, though he or she won't always turn them one by one. For now you may want to stick with sturdy and inexpensive board books that can stand up to small fingers. To add variety to your baby's reading time, try your local library or the kids' section at a family-friendly bookstore.
It's hard to say goodbye
Your baby has probably been wrestling with bouts of separation anxiety during the last several months. This is natural: Your baby loves and depends on you, so he or she is distressed when you leave.
To ease departures, make them short and sweet. Be matter-of-fact when you leave your baby at daycare or with a babysitter at home. Give kisses and hugs and say where you're going and when you'll be back, but don't prolong the agony with extended goodbyes. Your baby's tears will subside soon after you're out of sight.
Tip: Even if goodbyes are hard, resist the urge to sneak out the back door. Your baby will only become more upset if he or she thinks you've disappeared into thin air. And if your baby starts to think you could suddenly be gone at any minute, it could make his or her separation anxiety more pronounced.