At six months
At this stage, baby’s development is on ‘fast-forward’. It’s an ideal time for sitting up and looking around. So, what’s the most interesting thing for baby right now? Baby’s mouth! It’s a great exploring tool - and little fingers fit in there so well.
At six months he puts his hand in his mouth.
LANGUAGE SKILLS
Begins to babble in series of different sounds. He starts to imitate sounds. He may vocalise tunefully and should respond well to a hearing test.
- Stimulate him with music, music rhymes, singing, and calling and talking to him.
SLEEPING ZZZZZZZZZ
daily (approx.)
15-16 hrs
Will probably take 2 naps during the day.
CRYING
By now, baby will be an experienced crier. During the first nine months, crying is baby’s best way of communicating. Comforting baby every time he cries will not spoil him. Baby will learn that you are attentive and ready to respond to his needs. It’s a good idea to speak with your doctor if you are concerned about baby’s crying.
NAPPIES
Starting solids can change the colour and texture of baby’s stools. It can also change how often baby has a bowel movement. Babies don’t need to have a bowel movement every day. If stools are soft and easy to pass, there is no need for concern..
HUNGER CUES & FEEDING MILESTONES
- By around 6 months: baby is ready for first solid foods. Start with iron-rich foods.
- Reaches for spoon/food when hungry.
- Slows down eating when becoming full.
- Clenches mouth, turns head away from spoon/food when full.
Nestlé NESTUM baby cereals offer moms a versatile choice. Whether your baby is on breast milk, a hypoallergenic or lactose free formula, Nestlé NESTUM is the appropriate choice as any baby milk can be added.
From 6 months onwards, when your baby is ready to be introduced to solids it is important to start with a single grain. Nestlé NESTUM single grain baby cereals come in different flavours such as Regular, Maize, Rice, and Banana.
MOTOR/PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT
- Can sit independently.
- By 6 months: can roll from back to side; pushes up on hands when on tummy. He can support his weight when standing.He reaches for objects and passes or transfers an object from one hand to the other.
- He starts to hold out his hands to be lifted up. He grabs his own feet.
SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
- Enjoys social play and is interested in mirror images.
- He recognises his own image in the mirror, smiles and talks to it.
- Responds to others’ expressions of emotion and often appears joyful.
- May develop stranger anxiety. He may show fear of strangers and is afraid when his parents are not present.
- Play the peek-a-boo game, so he learns you do come back.
Related articles