Your Six Month Old

Developmental Milestones*

  • Your baby can just about sit on her own or at least balance for a couple of seconds.
  • She pushes up almost to crawl while lying on her stomach.
  • Baby can roll at least one way.
  • She can pick up a small object.
  • Baby has at least doubled her birth weight.
  • She can coo.
  • She can pass objects from one hand to another.
  • Baby looks for dropped toys.
  • She is playful and interacts with games like “peek-a-boo”. 

 *All babies develop differently.  If your 6-month-old hasn't yet reached these milestones, rest assured that she will soon. If you have concerns about your baby's development, please schedule an appointment.

Feeding

For breast-feeding mothers, your infant should feed every 3-4 hours for about 10-15 minutes on each breast.  Mom should drink around 2 quarts of liquid per day and continue prenatal vitamins.

Formula fed babies will feed every 3-4 hours.   The amount per feeding will vary.  24-36 ounces in a 24-hour period is normal. 

It is now time to begin introducing baby food.  You can start with some oatmeal cereal and then advance to Stage I fruits and vegetables.  We ask that you wait at least 3-4 days before introducing new foods.  This way, if your baby has a reaction to one of the foods you are more likely to know which one caused the problem.  Usually one jar plus some cereal is sufficient for a meal.  Whether you offer two versus three meals a day really depends on the baby.  Formula or breast milk still needs to be the main source of nutrition.  As long as your baby still drinks about 24 ounces a day, he or she may be able to tolerate three meals a day.  If not, stick to two for now.   Breast fed babies should not decrease any feedings when food is introduced.   Please ask for our food introduction schedule during your 6-month physical.  It is a great reference to have available as you begin introducing foods. 

Please DO NOT give your baby any whole milk, chocolate, honey, orange juice, peanuts or seafood.  Water is still not necessary even in summer months.  We only recommend pear or prune juice for the treatment of constipation.  No other juices are necessary and can lead to tooth decay.

At this time, we will prescribe a multi-vitamin with fluoride to be given daily.  Once your baby starts taking the prescription vitamin, please discontinue any over the counter vitamins. 

Bowel Movements/ Urine

  • There is a wide variation on how often your baby poops and what the stools look like.   Please be advised that as food is introduced, your baby’s bowel movements will most definitely change in various ways.  This is normal.  Please inform us if the stools are watery, mucousy, hard as pebbles, red, or tarry black.
  • Normally a baby will have 6-8 wet diapers per day.

Activity

  • Please have your newborn sleep on their back, as this is the most important way to prevent sudden infant death syndrome.   Also, we advise not to have any stuffed animals or pillows in the bed with the babies.
  • It is now a good time to get into the habit of brushing your baby’s teeth or gums.  You may use a baby toothbrush, finger mitt, or even just a wet washcloth.  No toothpaste.  Twice a day preferably but at least once a night before bedtime. 
  • A car seat is very important, even for short trips. The car seat should be rear facing and in the back of the car.
  • Avoid sun exposure since your baby’s skin is delicate and more likely to burn. Sunscreen can now safely be used.  Try to use a sunscreen made for babies and be careful around their eyes.  Take advantage of SPF clothing and wide brimmed hats.  
  • Utilize insect netting when outdoors.  Insect repellent is NOT advised. 
  • Have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and an escape plan.

Parental Support

Please remember that taking care of a baby can be difficult at times and downright exhausting.  Do not hesitate to ask for help if you need a break.  Stay rested and eat well.  If you need to have someone watch your baby so you can sleep or eat, that is okay and strongly recommended.  If you feel you need help and do not have anyone to help you, please contact our office.

Vaccines

Your baby will receive immunizations during his or her 6-month visit.  Please visit the vaccine section of this website for more information on specific vaccines and their administration schedule.  You may Tylenol every 4 hours as needed for vaccine related fever/irritability. If the baby’s temperature goes above 103.0°F, please contact us immediately!

Please note that we will not administer vaccines to any child whose parent or guardian is not present for the visit.  This is our office policy.  We understand that parents have busy schedules but no exceptions to this rule will be made.

Medicines

In addition to Tylenol, it is now safe to use Motrin in your 6 month old.   Motrin sometimes works better for teething and stubborn fevers.  You can safely use both medicines together as long as you adhere to their separate dosing schedules.  For most babies, however, one or the other will be just fine.  Please ask for our dosing chart and let us know if you have any questions.  If you are using either medication regularly, please notify our office.  We do not recommend the use of Baby Orajel or other teething/gum numbing agents.  Please ask us before using administering any other medication to your child.