Stick to your baby's routine

Disrupting a baby's schedule could make her cranky and irritable. Whenever possible, try to stick to your little one's routine. It's better to make the effort to find a room where she can take a nap than to spend the rest of the day with an overtired baby.

Try to keep familiar faces around

Too many new faces, sights and sounds can over-stimulate even the most laidback baby. While young babies love to be touched, held, cooed and smiled at, they can tell the difference between strange and familiar faces by the time they are five or six months old.

It may take longer for an older baby to warm up to visitors once she is more aware that she's an individual separate from you. So allow her the time she needs, she'll feel more secure if she has a familiar face with her.

Choose comfortable clothing

Clothes made out of natural fabrics are best as they will not irritate your baby's delicate skin. It's best to pick a colourful, traditional, yet simple outfit that does not have long drawstrings, sequins, beads or mirror work, as these may pose a risk of choking.

Watch what your baby eats and drinks

If your baby is exclusively breastfed and not weaned yet, it is best to not give her any sweets and savouries. Keep mithais, food, drinks and dried fruits out of your baby's reach. Even if your baby is eating solid food, some foods may not be safe for her just yet.

It is best not to give your baby small pieces of food such as whole nuts, cashews (kaju) or raisins (kishmish), when she is just starting solids. Any small piece of food could be a choking risk for your baby. Any foods containing honey should not be given to your baby until she is a year old.