MONTH 6
 Please
keep in mind that all babies are unique. Whether your baby
reaches milestones early or late, he has his own developmental
path to follow. The dividing lines between these months are
very fuzzy. If you have any concerns or questions about your
baby’s development, please check with his health care provider.
Congratulations!
This
month you and baby celebrate the completion of six exciting
months. You are halfway to the big one! Take some time to
recognize how much you have learned about caring for your
child and how much your child has learned too.
Fine Motor
It
is easy to notice baby’s big movements as he sits, rolls over,
and lifts his arms to be picked up. There are some equally
important smaller movements that you may be observing too.
He
is learning how to use his fingers, individually and together.
He has already learned that they can be used to bat at things,
hold and shake different objects and bring interesting toys
to his mouth. Now, watch as he learns they can be used as
a tool to pick up very small objects.
His
eyesight is now very sharp. He can see a raisin across the
floor. You may see him using his hand like a rake over small
objects. He may be trying to use his thumb and second and
third fingers together to pick up these small objects -- developing
his pincer grasp. Most babies do not perfect this skill for
a couple more months, but this raises the topic of safety.
You must now be very careful of all small objects in his reach
and make the time to baby proof.
While
babies have perfected how to hold onto objects, they are just
learning about letting go. Maybe you’ve seen your baby pick
up an object and transfer it back and forth from one hand
to another. Again, manipulating the fingers to maneuver small
objects is a skill that will continue to develop over the
next few months.
Individual Interests
Some
babies are more interested in developing their larger gross
motor movements than in fine, smaller movements. It is important
to understand that babies are unique individuals with their
own preferences and interests.
This
is a time when it becomes very hard not to compare what different
babies around the same age are doing. Some babies push themselves
to move by creeping on their bellies, even at this early age.
Other babies like to sit and observe. All babies at this age
are actively learning about what they can do with their bodies,
whether making a large movement or a small one.
More Language
Many
babies start to babble around the sixth month. You may even
hear the long awaited, "mamamama" or "dadadada" Often, baby
says, "dadadada" first. It has no reflection upon whether
baby wants to acknowledge dad or mom first. Baby will take
his time trying to pronounce a variety of different babbles.
He’ll probably stick with one set for awhile and then discover
another.
Most
parents ask if baby is just making sounds or is he calling
out to dad or mom. He likely doesn’t make the connection with
the sound and the person just yet, but keep responding and
repeating these sounds back. Pretty soon, he’ll be calling
out for you, specifically (hopefully not in the middle of
the night!)
Bon appetit!
If
baby is sitting in the high chair, this is a fun time to take
baby out to eat. It is very important to prepare before going
to the restaurant. Do your research. Here are some tips from
other experienced parents:
Choose
a restaurant that will seat you right away or takes reservations
Make sure they have high chairs available Go early -- late
dinners do not bode well for most babies Consider a window
seat or outside seating
People walking by or cars moving on the street make great
distractions for baby. A water feature, such as a fountain,
is ideal.
If baby is eating solids, have a selection ready as soon as
you sit down. A hungry baby and a long wait for food do not
mix. Finger foods (if appropriate) often take up a nice chunk
of time and keep baby happily challenged using his fingers.
Remember, baby loves to grab interesting objects -- be careful
of plates, utensils, salt and pepper shakers and other items
on the table. Consider the wait and bus staff after the meal
is over. If baby has really gone to town and made a huge mess
under the high chair, either clean up as much as you can and/or
tip big.
Signs of Food Allergies
This
month you may be continuing to offer baby a hodge-podge of
different solid foods or just beginning to offer solid food.
Many babies are not ready for solid food until this month.
One
warning
-- if you have a family history of allergies or if you
notice any signs of food allergies, bring it to the attention
of your child’s healthcare provider. For these children, you
may want to wait on offering solid foods until after six months.
Symptoms include congestion, stuffy noses, itchy eyes, rashes,
and diarrhea.
Offer
foods that are known to be the least allergenic, including
sweet potatoes, rice and barley cereal, and squash. Avoid
highly allergenic foods such as berries, dairy products, chocolate,
citrus fruits, egg whites, nuts, shellfish and soy.
For
those parents with a family history of food allergies, knowledge
from experience is the best defense to prevent allergies in
a child.
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