How your baby’s growing

Your baby is just beginning to understand many simple words and phrases, so it’s more important than ever to keep talking to him. Give your chatterbox a head start on good speech patterns by repeating his words back to him using adult language. If he asks for a “bah-bah,” for example, gently reinforce the correct pronunciation by asking, “Do you want a bottle?” At this stage of the game, it’s best to try to avoid the tendency to use baby talk — it’s fun, but hearing the right words is better for your baby’s development.

Though it may sometimes feel silly, having conversations with your baby is a great way to encourage his language skills. When he rattles off a sentence of gibberish, respond with “Oh, really? How interesting.” He’ll probably smile and keep chattering away.

• Learn more fascinating facts about your 10-month-old’s development.

Your life: Avoiding baby-toting injuries

A growing baby means more to carry, and a greater potential for muscle strain. But by being vigilant, you can reduce your risk of pain or injury:
* When you lift your baby, always bend your knees and crouch, rather than folding over from the waist. To take him out of the crib, lower the side rails first, if possible. * To properly hold your baby when you’re seated, sit up straight in a comfortable, supportive chair with armrests. Consider using pillows for extra support. * For times when you want to carry your baby on the move, invest in a good baby backpack that distributes your baby’s weight evenly and doesn’t strain your neck or back. Look for one with wide, padded straps. * In general, this is also a good time in your life to build your back muscles. Look into daily stretches and strengthening exercises designed specifically for the back.

If you do strain yourself, a warm bath or shower can offer relief. So can massage. Try an over-the-counter pain reliever to reduce inflammation before going to bed.

3 questions about: Sleep apnea

What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which your baby temporarily and repeatedly stops breathing while he’s asleep. The culprit may be any number of things that can block his upper airway passages or otherwise prevent him from breathing properly: enlarged adenoids and tonsils, frequent illness, allergies, a receding chin, a cleft palate, or an underdeveloped nervous system. Preemies and babies with conditions such as Down syndrome are at higher risk of the condition, as are African-American babies.

How can I tell if my baby has sleep apnea?
A baby with sleep apnea may, during sleep, snore loudly, choke or cough, have trouble breathing, seem restless, or sweat profusely. Snoring itself doesn’t necessarily indicate a problem. A child with apnea may also wake up briefly multiple times throughout the night and seem sleep-deprived during the day. Related health issues include problems with the tonsils or adenoids, and the condition known as failure to thrive (slowed growth).

What should I do if I think my baby has sleep apnea?
Talk to your baby’s doctor. You may be referred to a sleep expert or an ear, nose, and throat specialist. If tonsils or adenoids are causing a problem, surgery is sometimes recommended.