Teddy bears and other friendly faces, for example, provide an always-available audience for his chatter, and at this stage of the game he doesn't mind if they are the silent type. And toys like these are just right for boosting those emerging social skills. Soft lullabies are the exception!Īnd unless his diaper is especially dirty or sodden (or if he's prone to rashes), leave it on until morning - even a diaper change is just too much activity.ĭoes your baby seem to shower affection on a favorite stuffed animal or doll? At 6 months, babies can be surprisingly social ( stranger anxiety has yet to develop) and delightfully generous with smiles, giggles, shrieks and squeaks. Keep the lights off or very dim, and keep bubbly conversations and sing-songs to a minimum. Don't give your baby the idea that nighttime is playtime. So instead of offering the breast or bottle right away, attend to him in other loving ways, like patting him or cuddling him.Īnother deterrent you can try: Make those unwelcome nighttime feedings undesirable by shortening nursing sessions or cutting back the formula in his bottle. If he continues waking up to be fed overnight, chances are at this stage that he's searching for comfort. The idea is to maximize the number of calories he takes in during your waking hours, so he doesn't need to interrupt your sleep - and his - for more food. You might even try gently waking him just before you go to bed for an extra feeding. Has baby been waking up often during the night?įirst, make sure he finishes his last feeding of the evening before dropping off to sleep and that he's getting enough to eat throughout the day too. Serve up water first - it's the easiest, least messy option. Most babies can't yet muster the powerful suck they need to get liquid through the valve (plus studies show that extended use of a sippy cup can lead to tooth decay because of the way the liquid is extracted and then pools in the mouth). It will be messier, but he'll get the idea of drinking much more quickly.
If you choose a cup with a spout, remove the spill-free valve before you offer it to your baby. You may need to try a few different shapes, sizes and styles before you hit on the one he likes best. To help him make the leap, start with a lightweight, unbreakable plastic cup. But soon he'll learn that his fascinating new toy can be a source of delicious drinks. Starting the transition around now means your baby may accept the cup more readily, and it will give him plenty of time to master the skill before you need to completely wean him from the breast or bottle.Īt first, he'll do little more than play with the cup (and sputter and spit as you dribble a few drops into his mouth). Your 6-month-old baby's growthĪt about the 6-month mark, you can begin introducing your baby to a sippy cup. Think: stacking toys and games (ones with different-size rings or multi-colored cubes) toys that encourage crawling (cars, trains and balls that roll, light up and make music) roly-poly toys (they right themselves when rolled over) toys that encourage pulling up to standing (make sure they’re sturdy!) and colorful board books that will keep your baby entertained. Stimulating your now-older baby requires new activities and toys that will help boost large and small motor skills as well as social, intellectual and language development.
Your baby will probably be able to bear weight on his legs when held upright and may even be ready to hit the road at a crawl (though babies who spend little time on their tummies during playtime may reach this milestone later - or skip straight to cruising - and that’s not cause for concern). But he’ll almost definitely be able to sit well in a high chair, which is perfect timing since he'll be eating solids in earnest now. Some very normal babies start sitting at 4 months and others wait until as late as the 9-month mark. The “average” baby sits unsupported somewhere around 6½ months. If he’s like half of all babies, he’ll likely be able to sit up without support. What’s keeping baby busy these days in the milestone and development department? Plenty!
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