Try some — or all! — of these techniques for helping your baby develop a strong mind and body. Simple and effective, these techniques can help you keep baby entertained and help her grow strong:

• Encourage her to bounce up and down while supporting her in a standing position. (This is great fun.)

• Help your baby stand when she’s near a stable, sturdy object, urging her to use it for balance. (Once she’s able to pull up to stand in her crib, make sure the mattress is in the lowest setting for safety.)

• When your baby’s standing, hold her favorite toy just out of reach. Try to get her to "cruise" along the furniture to get the toy.

• Place a toy out of reach and encourage her to get the toy by crawling on her hands and knees.

Near the end of this first year, it’s a great time to create more involved bedtime rituals, such as reading the same book to her that your mother read you, rocking, or doing quiet activities together.

While it only takes 10 to 30 minutes, your bedtime ritual will help your baby look forward to bedtime, and find it easier to accept the separation from you when you finally leave the room. So that she’ll be comfortable with anyone putting her to bed, it’s good to involve loved ones early.