Your baby is no Fred Astaire yet, but those movements are getting a bit more coordinated. You'll notice that the jerky arm and leg thrusts of your baby's newborn days have given way to smoother, more circular motions.

Give your baby enough space to stretch and move his or her arms and legs. Lay a blanket on the floor and let your baby move as much as possible. This will help your baby strengthen and tone all those developing muscles. During tummy time, your baby may start to push off with his or her legs – the first step in getting ready to crawl.

Sound sleep advice­­

Whether you envision your little one sleeping independently in a crib at an early age or sharing a family bed in the coming years, a soothing and predictable bedtime routine will help your child nod off and get the rest he or she needs. And it's not too early to start.

Your routine can include rocking, singing, a bath, a bedtime story, cuddling with a transitional object (such as a soft blanket or stuffed animal), being carried around the house and saying goodnight to each room – whatever makes sense for your family. The ritual will evolve as your child gets older.

"Hello, my name is..."

At this age, your baby should be open to making friends with babies and adults alike. You may notice that he or she smiles when someone comes in the room or that your baby holds out his or her arms when being picked up by someone new.

Now's a good time to introduce your baby to sitters or other people who might be looking after him or her later on. Have potential caregivers come over and spend time with you and your baby. Later on, he or she may be consumed with stranger anxiety, making a simple introduction more difficult.

Babies have different temperaments and some are less open to new people than others. If your baby doesn't welcome someone new with open arms, be patient, hold him or her close, and try again. It may just take some time. Familiar surroundings will help introductions go more smoothly.

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