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Which of the following is safe to feed a baby that is under 1 year old?

applesauce. Applesauce is the obvious answer, babies love it. There is always a chance that your baby will choke on any food you give them, but you don't want to increase those odds by feeding them hard to handle foods like candy and meats at such a young age. As for peanut butter, the current AAP (the American Academy of Pediatrics) recommendation is age 2 for children in families with no allergy histories (This means seasonal/environmental allergies as well as food), and 3 years of age in families with allergies.

My baby has a wet diaper, but she hasn't 'done the deed' in it yet. I don't need to change her.

f. You definitely do need to change your baby's diaper as soon as you notice it is wet. Leaving it unattended may cause a diaper rash which is not fun for anyone, especially your baby. It's not hard to recognize a diaper rash. Inflamed red areas appear on the baby's skin in the areas usually covered by the diaper. The rash can be either dry or moist and sometimes looks pimply. Left untreated, diaper rashes can become infected by a fungus or bacteria and would require the attention of a doctor. There are great ointments that you can buy at the local drug store to help clear up diaper rashes in a couple of days. My personal favourite is Desitin Creamy. This is a zinc oxide, hypoallergenic cream. It really works wonders.

Speaking of dirty diapers, if your baby is having problems making one, which of these is NOT a good thing to feed them?

cheese. In infancy, constipation is most often related to diet, such as a change from breast milk or infant formula to cow's milk. However, it can be caused by any number of things, such as emotional problems like persistent anxiety or depression. Some parents may provoke constipation by starting toilet training too early. Remember to take your time with toilet training, this is a huge step for a child to make.

When riding in a car, which of the following is the most appropriate way for an infant under 1 year of age to ride?

rear-facing, back seat. Using a carseat is very important, however, using one improperly is as bad as not using one at all. Always read the manual that comes with your carseat when you buy it. Never buy a used carseat, and always watch for recalls. New seats are always being developed, and many old models get recalled. It's best to have your seat installed by a certified installer and carseat technician. Be sure to check what the regulations are regarding the age, height and weight of your child, as it varies depending on where you live. In the U.S. it's actually illegal to have a child rear-facing in the front seat if the car is equipped with an airbag, as the airbag can cause death. Even if the car doesn't have a passenger airbag, it's still a bad idea because in the majority of serious car accidents, the front is where the damage occurs.

Which of these is a good way to start child-proofing your home for a curious toddler?

all of these (place guards on all unused electrical outlets, use locks on your lower cabinets and drawers, move all dangerous objects out of the reach of little hands). Unfortunately, you as a parent, can't watch your toddler 100% of the time. There will be times when you look away or get distracted. It's best to be prepared for such times by child-proofing your home. All of those precautions I listed above are a great way to get started. Another thing you have to do is be sure to KEEP your house safe for your little one. Keep in mind that children grow and change so rapidly, even if s/he couldn't reach something a week ago, they might be able to now. Also pay particular attention to stairs. Putting up gates is a good way to keep your little monkey from exploring dangerous places when you aren't watching. The best thing to do if you know you have to get something done, is to put your baby in a walker or a play pen for a while, to be sure s/he stays safe.

When putting your baby to bed, or even just down for a nap, what is the best position to lay them in?

on their back. If you have children then I'm sure you've heard of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome)also known as crib or cot death. Even most people that don't have kids have heard of it. There is no way to be 100% protected against SIDS, all you can do is take some precautionary measures to help prevent it from happening to your baby. A good way to do that is to always lay your baby on their back when they go to sleep. If you find them rolled over on their tummy when you go in, it's ok. All you can do then is make sure there are only light blankets in the crib, and keep all stuffed animals and toys outside the crib. If you have a bumper on, make sure it's fastened or tied securely so your baby can't get tangled in it or stuck underneath it.

You have to constantly protect babies from being exposed to germs, because getting sick will weaken their already fragile immune system.

f. Actually, it's ok for babies to be exposed to germs and viruses. Getting sick will actually help strengthen their immune system. It's virtually impossible to protect them from germs anyhow, especially in daycares or preschools. If you still think your baby is too fragile to get sick, there are some tools that can help you build their immune system including: breastfeeding, good nutrition, avoiding unnecessary antibiotics, nutritional supplements, keeping their environment low stress, and plenty of rest and exercise.

For most kids, what is a good age to begin toilet training?

2-3. You'll know it's time to start toilet training when your toddler becomes interested in cleanliness, understands what the toilet is and what it's used for, can follow sequential directions, and knows the difference between wet and dry. You want to take the whole process in 3 basic steps. First you tell your little one about the potty and what it's used for. Second you show them. Then you let them try it. Now remember, this is a very long drawn out process. Don't rush your toddler, or they will most likely rebel against it.

I think my baby is teething. What should I do?

any of these. Teething is a tough time for babies. It can cause a lot of pain and discomfort. If your baby seems to be screaming more than normal, drooling excessively, and trying to gnaw on anything that gets relatively close to his mouth, then he's probably teething. In addition to what I mentioned above, you can also try infant's Tylenol, or an ointment that can be applied directly to the gums, though it's best to ask your doctor before using any medications.

When can I start feeding my baby something other than breast milk or formula?

around 6-9 month old. It isn't recommended to start feeding your baby any solids until around the age of 6 months old because their digestive system can't handle anything other than breast milk or formula before then. Around 6 months you can start to feed your baby infant cereals and very small portions of fruits or vegetables. If you start off with portions too large it can easily cause constipation. Well, that's it! I hope you had fun and learned something new.