Your baby at 6–12 months: what to know and when

First teeth, first dentist

First teeth often show up somewhere between 6 and 12 months, and some babies have none by their first birthday, which is fine. Health organizations usually suggest a first dental visit around the first tooth or by the first birthday, and gentle brushing once teeth arrive.

Your doctor or pediatrician can also check baby's teeth at checkups.

The 9-month checkup is coming up

Around 9 months there's usually a checkup. It may include a developmental screening, more formal than at earlier visits, and sometimes vaccines too.

Your doctor or pediatrician can tell you what to expect at this visit.

The one-year checkup is coming up

Around the first birthday there's usually a checkup, and it's often a visit with vaccines too. Booking it early is one less thing to think about during birthday week.

Your doctor or pediatrician can tell you what this visit usually includes.

Suddenly shy? That's normal

By about 9 months, many babies are shy or clingy with new people and react when you leave, sometimes with tears. A quick, cheerful goodbye, rather than slipping out, helps baby learn what to expect.