Feeding your baby's potential - supporting your baby's first milestones

(ARA) - Every milestone, no matter how small, is thrilling when you become a parent. Not only are these moments memorable and exciting, but they are also important indicators of your baby's development. That's why Abbott has teamed up with nurse practitioner Barbara Dehn, parenting expert Michele Borba and nutritionist Elizabeth Somer to form the Similac Infant Nutrition Panel, a resource that advises parents on how they can best help their baby reach important milestones.

Parents can follow these simple tips from the Similac Infant Nutrition Panel to support their baby's cognitive and physical development during their first year:

Introduce nonverbal gestures: Even before your baby speaks, using nonverbal gestures will help you foster communication with your little one and boost language development.

Michele says: "Try introducing a few simple signs with your baby, such as waving 'bye-bye' or nodding to indicate 'yes' or 'no.' Be sure to keep it simple, introducing one gesture at a time until your baby understands what it means."

Grow inside and out: Learning how to crawl and roll over are developmental milestones that showcase your baby's strength and motivation to reach a goal.

Elizabeth says: "Make sure your baby is on the fast track to walking by maintaining her calcium and vitamin D intake. Feeding newborns every 2-3 hours - whether it's breast milk or infant formula - will provide your baby with the vital nutrients he needs so that he can reach this key developmental milestone."

Provide superior nutrition: Your baby's brain and eye development is dependent on essential fatty acids such as DHA and ARA. That's why it's so important to choose a nutritional source that contains these valuable ingredients.

Nurse Barb says: "If you choose to use infant formula, I recommend Similac Advance, which has EarlyShield to support baby's developing immune system, brain and eyes, and strong bones. EarlyShield contains immune-supporting nucleotides, and prebiotics and carotenoids - nutrients found naturally in breast milk - as well as an exclusive blend of omega fatty acids, including DHA (omega-3) and ARA (omega-6) to support a baby's brain and eye development. If your baby has a sensitive tummy, try Similac Sensitive for fussiness and gas due to lactose sensitivity. It's made with a unique blend of carbohydrates and now has all the benefits of EarlyShield.

Keep your baby's mind active: Your baby's ability to think and reason begins almost immediately after birth.

Michele says: "As a new parent, you can help nurture this development by creating easy and inexpensive "baby occupiers," which can be as simple as a child-safe plastic mirror, stacking cups, wooden spoons, a multi-colored beach towel or shoe box. These hands-on toys are effortless to find in your home and will help support your baby's cognitive development."

By supporting your baby's potential to reach fundamental milestones today, you can ensure a strong start in life, and a bright future tomorrow. For more information on infant feeding or nutrition, visit www.Similac.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent