Months 4-6
Well baby check-ups
- The American Academy of Pediatrics has a recommended schedule of well-child care visits. This link is a good resource for that schedule, and includes a checklist for you to look at prior to each visit: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/health-management/Pages/Well-Child-Care-A-Check-Up-for-Success.aspx
- Healthychildren.org is the AAP website that you can go to for lots of great information.
Feeding your baby
- By 6 months, your baby is probably ready for solid foods (strained or pureed vegetables and fruits, and baby cereals) in addition to breastmilk or formula.
- Generally, a baby will have doubled his or her birth weight, be able to hold his or her head steady, reach for your food when you’re eating (seem eager), and be able to get food from a spoon back into his or her throat (this takes some practice so as not to dribble).
What does baby do, and what can you do for baby?
- Baby knows familiar faces and enjoys playing with people, especially parents.
- Baby should respond to his or her own name, roll over in both directions (front to back, back to front), “babble”, make sounds to show joy and frustration, show curiosity and look around at things nearby.
- Notify your pediatrician if you baby doesn’t do those things.
Mom (and other caregivers) give baby lots of hugs and kisses, talk to baby about things you are doing (bathing, eating, playing, etc.), point to items and people and name them, and show baby how to wave “bye-bye”. Continue to “baby-proof” your home so it is safe for baby.