7–9 months

Get in shape

You know it’s time to reclaim your prebaby figure when the barista asks when you’re due. Peggy Levine (2726 Broadway; 212-222-3637; four classes, $88) teaches Pilates and dance classes targeted to new moms. The strength and core training and Pilates/body sculpting sessions focus on upper-body strength—which you need now that the combined weight of your tot and the diaper bag tops 25 pounds. The postnatal hatha yoga classes at Bend & Bloom (708 Sackett St, Park Slope, Brooklyn; 347-987-3162; $160 for a ten-class pack) help moms tone a different muscle group—like abs or pelvic floor—each week. Prefer fresh air? Don earmuffs and join a Strollercize class in Central Park (800-978-7655, strollercize.com; single class $20, week of unlimited classes $52). Moms cheer one another on through a 45-minute routine that involves a vigorous jog (while pushing a stroller) and abdominal work.

Make a splash

Your bebé?’s outgrown that shallow plastic pan you used to bathe him in. Before you move to the big tub, buy or borrow a baby safety seat, a handy item that keeps little ones upright during nightly scrub-downs. These devices have their flaws and don’t fit in every tub, but it’s nearly impossible to prop up and shampoo a slippery tadpole without one. We suggest the Safety 1st Tubside Bath Seat (at Albee Baby, 715 Amsterdam Ave; 212-662-7337).

Avert suds-induced tantrums—and get a good chuckle yourself—by wrapping a silly yet practical visor around your infant’s head. Buy Buy Baby (270 Seventh Ave; 917-344-1555) carries a two-pack by Sassy Baby that costs only $7. Choose from fish/penguin or amoeba/frog patterns. Up the fun in your babe’s bubble session by investing in imaginative floating toys.

Eat up

Because your darling can now sit up in a high chair, she can experience an important NYC rite of passage: eating (not sleeping) at a restaurant. Alice’s Teacup (three locations in Manhattan; alicesteacup.com) serves homemade, pureed baby food in fun flavors like sweet potato, carrot and blueberry–banana; ask your server for the day’s selections. At newcomer GustOrganics (519 Sixth Ave; 212-242-5800, gustorganics.com), wee ones can gorge on freshly made meals that have been fully or half-processed in the blender. Choose from beef tenderloin puree with zucchini and carrots; baked squash; or macaroni with spinach and Parmesan cream. Landmarc (10 Columbus Circle, third floor; 212-823-6123) has an above-average kids’ menu, changing tables in the restrooms and 24 high chairs waiting in the wings.

FYI All children should see a pediatric dentist before their first birthday. Ask your pediatrician for a recommendation. At the first appointment, expect tooth counting, a search for decay, and a discussion about juice consumption and bottle use.

Next: 10–12 months >>