As a parent, you are the most important person in your baby’s life. Your baby depends on you for nourishment, bathing and changing, comfort, and other forms of care. And very quickly, you will come to know your baby better than anyone else.

The truth is, every baby is somewhat different. Some babies are fairly healthy and need mostly “well baby” care—meaning, regular head-to-toe physical exams and the recommended immunizations. Others may have health or developmental problems that require the help of special doctors, nurses, and other health professionals. In any case, health care providers will need your insights about your baby’s behavior, including eating, sleeping, bowel movements, and day-to-day development.

Getting adequate nutrition is key for your baby’s normal growth and development. In the first two years of life, your child will grow quickly and sound nutrition will help build a strong and healthy body. Whether you initially breastfeed your baby or choose to feed your baby formula, it’s wise to feed your baby when he or she is hungry and to let him stop when he indicates he’s had enough. Between four and six months, you can begin to introduce rice cereal as well as fruits and vegetables, one at a time, three or more days apart; that way, if your baby reacts badly to a food, you’ll be able to pinpoint which food was culprit. In later months, you can begin introducing lean meats, chicken or turkey, egg yolks, and other easy-to-eat foods. Wait until your baby is a year old to begin feeding him or her cow’s milk.

You’ll also want to help your baby develop regular sleep habits, including naps, and get the right amount of stimulation during the day. As you give your baby what he or she needs, your baby will feel safe, secure, and well loved, which will enhance the bond between you. Through trial and error, you will learn how your baby likes to be held and comforted and when she is likely to become over-stimulated. Meanwhile, your baby will begin to discover the world, gaining social and language skills, fine and large muscle development, and identifying likes and dislikes. Once your baby becomes mobile, through rolling, scooting or crawling, it’s time to baby-proof your home—by putting sharp or dangerous objects out of reach, covering electrical outlets with guards, putting safety latches on all cabinets, and installing safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs—so that your baby can explore safely.

Because infants are especially susceptible to certain infections and viruses, due to their immature immune systems, it’s important to know when to contact your pediatrician. If you’re concerned about your baby’s unusual fussiness or that your baby isn’t eating, sleeping, or behaving as usual, it’s a good idea to call your doctor.

You should always seek medical care, if your little one:

• Has a fever of 101º F or higher, if your baby is under two months, or 102º F or higher if your baby is older;
• Has diarrhea and vomits three or more times;
• Has eye or ear discharge;
• Is having trouble breathing with a respiratory infection;
• Has a strange skin rash or odd tinge to her skin;
• Hasn’t had a wet or soiled diaper in six hours or longer; or
• Simply acts sick.