Six Months

Development

  • At 6 months your baby may begin to sit without support. Now would be a good time to start using a high chair for meals. 
  • Your infant will start to know the difference between strangers and his family or caretakers. He may cry or get upset around strangers or infrequent visitors. This is normal. 
  • It is best if your child learns to fall asleep in the crib on his own. This will help prevent sleeping problems later on. 
  • Teething children may be fussy, but teething does not cause high fevers. 
  • Toward 8-9 months, your baby may start to crawl, and later pull himself to a stand.

Diet

  • Now you may begin to add baby foods to your baby’s diet. Start with rice cereal, the yellow vegetables, then the green vegetables, then fruits, then the white meats, and lastly red meats. It is usually best to let your child get used to each new food for 4-5 days before adding a new food. Table foods can be pureed; do not add salt. 
  • Continue on formula or breast milk until 12 months of age. 
  • Your baby may try to help feed himself; expect messiness! 
  • Avoid raisins, popcorn, peanuts, raw carrots, hot dogs, grapes and other small objects of food that your baby could choke on.

Hygiene

  • Bath is play time!! 
  • Teeth may be cleaned with gauze or a soft wash cloth.

Safety

  • Shoes are needed only to protect the child’s foot from cold and sharp objects. The foot also needs freedom of movement. Buy well fitting soft soled and flexible shoes, like tennis shoes. High-topped shoes are not comfortable or necessary. 
  • Car seats should be used on all car rides. A front facing toddler seat may be used once your infant can sit well without support and weighs over 20 lbs. AND 12 months of age. Place your child in the backseat if you have a passenger side airbag. 
  • You should lower the crib mattress to the lowest setting. 
  • Your infant may begin to start crawling. Keep all medicines locked, and keep all household detergents or potential poisons up high or locked up. Be sure no small objects that could be swallowed are within reach. 
  • Protect your infant from hot liquids and surfaces. Avoid using appliances with dangling cords that the infant can tug on. As your child begins to stand, he may pull down tablecloths. Check drawers that can be pulled out and fall on him. 
  • Use plastic plugs in electrical outlets. 
  • Walkers do not help your child learn to walk and are not recommended because of high potential for injury. 
  • Plastic wrappers, bags, and balloons should be kept out of reach.

Toys

  • Books with big pictures, exer-saucer, jolly jumper, activity boxes, soft stacking blocks and bath toys are enjoyed at this age.