At six months a child sits alone; plays with simple objects, like a spoon or a pencil; grasps for a watch; turns in the direction of unexpected noises, and follows moving objects. At one year it _stands without support_; _walks with support_; plays with toys; listens to the ticking of a watch; looks in the direction of noises; follows moving objects; says one or two words; shows how it knows its mother by crying when taken from her; responds to children, and is interested in its surroundings. At eighteen months it both stands and walks without support; says quite a few words; cries when taken from its mother; follows intelligently what is going on around it. At two years it runs; joins words to make short sentences; speaks without defects; is interested in pictures; can point to eyes, nose, ears, etc. At three years it talks normally without defects; repeats six syllables perfectly, “It rains—I am hungry”; repeats two figures, “6-4, 7-3”; enumerates objects seen in pictures; and knows the names of the various members of the family. The mother should be absolutely certain that her baby’s sight and hearing are good. If she has reason to suspect that his vision is imperfect, or his hearing defective, she should consult a specialist at once. It is not natural for a baby to suffer with ear-ache. Do not use laudanum to relieve ear-ache. Have your doctor learn the cause of the pain and remove it. “When should my baby begin to sit up?” “How soon should I let my baby walk?” These questions are frequently asked by mothers at Better Babies Contests. The normal, healthy baby, properly clad, given legitimate freedom will choose its own form of exercise and gain strength through a God-given instinct. The parent who retards its activities or stimulates them makes a grave mistake. For a few weeks after its birth the only exercise a baby has or needs is crying. Crying in moderation is good, healthful exercise. At two months, if the baby is still sturdy, he should begin to have what is termed play periods. All his clothing except the belly-band or shirt should be removed. Then, with the temperature of the room at 70° F., he is laid on a bed protected from draught, and permitted to kick and roll as his fancy dictates. When he is tired he will stop. Babies know better than grown-ups how to conserve their energies. At four months, the healthy baby holds up his head and shows a desire to sit up with support. At six months he sits up with a pillow at his back. At nine months he is able to sit alone on the floor, with no pillow supporting his back; and, about this time, he will make occasional efforts to creep.