Your baby at 6 months
You’re half way through a year already, and by now, thanks to all your love and attention, your baby knows his name and who he is.
What’s happening with your baby?
By 6 months, he may have reached the following stages:
Here I go… nearly: All babies develop at different rates, but by this month, he may be rolling onto his tummy and holding himself up on one or two hands, and then his knees, in preparation for crawling. One thing’s for sure, if you turn round for a moment, he’ll usually have found his way (somehow) to a different corner with that look of innocence all over his face.
Don’t leave me this way: He may be coming to the stage where he hates being away from you and is less likely to go to strangers or even people he knows. Only you and daddy will do.
I know what you mean! He can understand a lot of what you’re saying now – words like ‘no’, ‘yes’ and ‘bye bye’ make sense to him.
How you can help your baby this month
Just look at you: Help him develop and nurture his sense of self by using his name lots, showing him his cute face in the mirror and his body parts, “Wow, look at Jack’s toes!”
Prop and play: Your little learner is building his muscle strength and this month may well be strong enough to sit up when he’s supported by cushions or pillows. You may also be able to pop him into an inflatable play nest, which will help to support him in a sitting position and give him lots of play activities. Keep a careful eye, though, as beginner sitters will often slump down and get tired.
Your baby’s health
Tasty time: Hurrah! It’s time to start weaning, although you may have already begun if you have a big or very hungry baby. Your life is now going to be an endless round of chopping, cooking and puréeing for the next few weeks, but it’s also a really exciting milestone for you and your baby. Did you know some mums miss out the puree stage altogether? Baby led weaning means you go straight onto soft solid food, such as cooked vegetables, but you need to do it with great care to avoid a risk of choking.
Play ideas for your baby
Yep, that’s my hair: He loves any opportunity to get close to you to explore your face and hair – so let him touch your nose and lips, naming each body part as he does. Teach him to be gentle too – we all know a baby’s grip on your hair can be a force to be reckoned with!
Your baby’s development may not be exactly the same as these descriptions since all children will develop at their own pace. This is an approximate guide of some of the new skills your little one may be developing. If you have any concerns, always speak to your health visitor or GP.
