Healthy Start, Grow Smart Healthy Start, Grow Smart

Your Six-Month -Old Your Six-Month -Old
Prepared by:

U.S. Department of Agriculture

U.S. Department of Education

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

2002

Healthy Start, Grow Smart

Your Six-Month-Old
Here’s What’s Inside

Your Six-Month-Old........................................................................................1Your Baby’s Six-Month Checkup ...................................................................2Finding a Doctor You Trust ...........................................................................3Eating New Foods ..........................................................................................4Baby Bottles Can Cause Tooth Decay ............................................................5Let Your Baby Feed Herself ...........................................................................6Falling Asleep on Her Own ............................................................................7Grandparents and Other Adults ....................................................................8What’s It Like To Be Six Months Old? ...........................................................9Guiding Your Active Baby ............................................................................10Your Baby’s Developing Brain .....................................................................11Games To Play with Your Six-Month-Old ...................................................12Floor Time Is Playtime ................................................................................13Safety Corner.................................................................................................14Keeping Your Home Safe .............................................................................16Quiet Time Together ....................................................................................17Information Resources for Families ............................................................18

ts

 of Laura Bush as the First Lady of Texas

rtment of Health. President Bush and Mrs.

of booklets be revised and distributed by

re, U.S. Department of Education and the

uman Services.

 Department of Health for their

nging this publication to families across

 recognize the contributions that Susan

 Ph.D. and many other individuals made

ine.
Healthy Start, Grow Smart 1 Your Six-Month -Old

Your Six-Month-Old

Your baby is halfway through her first

year. She is really active now. She may begrabbing at things and shaking her rattle.She may be sitting up with support. Shebabbles and makes a variety of sounds. She is interested in everything aroundher. She wants to touch things. She wantsto put things in her mouth. She wants topull on them. Keeping up with hercuriosity can be a challenge. Have funwith her. Be patient. 

Your baby has learned a lot in her first six months. So have you! You havelearned a lot about being a parent. You have learned how to take care ofyour baby even though she can’t tell you what she needs. You have learnedwhat her crying means. You can tell that she is hungry by the way she cries.You can also tell by her crying if she is tired or needs her diaper changed. You can help your baby be healthy and safe. You can help her learn manyimportant things like how to talk, how to walk and how to feed herself. Youcan help her learn how to drink from a cup.
Finding a Doctor You Trust

Try to find a doctor you like and trust. It helps if your baby sees

the same doctor or nurse every time. That makes it easier to keep track ofyour baby’s needs. If you don’t know where to take your baby for care, call your local healthdepartment. The phone number is in the “government” listings of thephone book. You can also try a local hospital. Ask a close friend or relative who has children whom she takes her childrento for health care. Ask if she really likes her children’s doctor and if thedoctor is good at taking time to explain things and answer questions.If your baby is eligible for Medicaid, she can get free checkups. You can callyour local social welfare, health or family services office to see if you qualifyfor Medicaid services. 

2 Your Six-Month -Old Healthy Start, Grow Smart 3 Your Six-Month -Old

Month Checkup

Your baby needs anothercheckup at about six monthsof age. Several things willtake place at this visit. Thedoctor will check to see howyour baby is developing. 

doctor will look at:

l her head

b objects

e holds on to someone

aby’s weight, length, and the size of her

t is called a “hematocrit” blood test to

e by pricking her toe. 

she needs to stay healthy. Ask the doctor

you about your baby. They may ask about

well she is eating and growing. You should

fore you go to the doctor.

leeping and her behavior and mood. They

 your baby healthy. Be sure to write down

gives you.
4 Your Six-Month -Old Healthy Start, Grow Smart 5 Your Six-Month -Old

s

y eats will change over the next few

mula is still the most important food for

tween six and eight months of age, your

r mashed fruits and vegetables in addition

 doctor says your baby needs more iron.

he will show interest by leaning forward

h may begin to appear. She needs to be

teady in order to avoid choking. 

epare your baby’s foods. The consistency

d be like mashed potatoes. Foods such as

quash, carrots or potatoes are good to use.

m your baby’s food. Don’t add salt, spices or

also use baby foods in jars.

r her one to two teaspoons. Wait one week

Watch her for any reactions like diarrhea or

 than mixtures. Your baby may not like

t. Wait for one to two weeks before trying

Baby Bottles Can Cause Tooth Decay

If your baby needs a bottle to

help her fall asleep, fill it with wateronly. Don’t put breast milk or infantformula in the bottle at night. Don’tput fruit juice or sweetened liquids in the bottle. These liquids poolaround your baby’s teeth while she issleeping. They can damage and decay

her teeth. Water cannot hurt her teeth in this way. Any drink other thanwater in the bottle at bedtime can cause “baby bottle tooth decay.” Baby bottle tooth decay can cause your baby a lot of pain. Damage to herteeth may have to be treated in a hospital. Protect your baby’s teeth evenbefore you can see them. Gently wipe inside her mouth with a clean, softcloth each day. Be sure to wipe her gums and teeth.At six months, show your baby how to use a cup. You can put some breastmilk or formula in the cup. By the time your baby is one year old, she willstop needing a bottle and will use a cup instead. Introducing the cup nowhelps prepare her for this development in her life. It also helps prevent babybottle tooth decay and give your baby a bright, healthy smile. Before bedtime, give your baby a hug. Instead of a bottle, give her extraattention for comfort. You can also give her a soft blanket or toy to hold.You are more of a comfort to her than a bottle ever can be.
6 Your Six-Month -Old Healthy Start, Grow Smart 7 Your Six-Month -Old

ed Herself 

ater as she learns to feed herself. She

outh to suck on while she eats. It helps

ht also spit out foods. It will take time for

or let her eat with just her diaper on. You

er high chair to make cleaning easier. Let

tch your baby when she is eating. 

hile you feed her with another spoon. If

she will want you to pick it up for her. 

f your baby starts to choke. Call 911 right

o. To become prepared, you can get

from your local American Red Cross.

ill be able to help your baby. Always keep

hone. 

juice, breast milk or formula from a cup.

 from, help her hold it. Use a tippy cup

your baby to hold.

l problem may need special help. They

make it hard to feed themselves or chew.

od like other children. Ask your doctor

solid foods.

Falling Asleep on Her Own

Question“My baby wakes up almost every night andcries until I go to her. Then she wants toplay instead of sleep. What can I do?”AnswerIf she wakes in the night and cries for you,wait for about five minutes. She may be ableto fall back to sleep by herself. If her cryingcontinues, go to her. Speak softly to her tocomfort her. You can rub her stomach, butdon’t pick her up.

If she needs a diaper change or seems sick, take care of that. Avoid feedingher unless you think she is truly hungry. Then tell her it is time to sleep,and leave her alone. Don’t play with her, or she will begin to expect you toplay every night. Most babies will learn to fall back to sleep by themselves. Babies who wakeup a lot or cry for a long time during the night may be sick. Talk withyour doctor or clinic about what to do.

Try this idea as you train your baby to fall asleep on her own:Your baby needs to learn how to fall asleep by herself. You can help her bydoing the same things each night when you put her to bed. Doing thesame things before bedtime will help her know that it is time to sleep. At the same time each night, rock her for a few minutes and sing to her orread her a book. Don’t let her fall asleep in your arms. As she gets sleepy,put her down in her bed. Put a favorite toy in bed with her. Stay with herfor a moment. Then leave her alone to fall asleep by herself.
d Other Adults

rtant role in your baby’s life–mothers,

her relatives. Your baby needs to spend

 dad. She should also spend time with

feel safe and secure. They can feed her or

change her diaper or rock her to sleep.

ur baby. 

your baby. They can take her for a walk or

wn on the floor to play with her. They can

ant. She can learn to trust people and

 Together, you can find things for

y that they all will enjoy. Grandparents

They may bring safe toys that will help

se are great for a six-month-old. Baby

 different textures for her to feel will

n:

 by imitating the sounds she makes.

t will help her learn to talk.

8 Your Six-Month -Old Healthy Start, Grow Smart 9 Your Six-Month -Old

What’s It Like To Be Six Months Old?

★ I turn toward voices.★ I reach for toys and pick them up. ★ I can hold an object in one hand and put it into the other hand.★ I briefly look for a dropped toy.★ I pick things up and I shake them.★ I turn objects upside down to get another view of them.★ I may roll over from my stomach to my back and from my back to my

stomach.

★ I play with my toes. ★ I may help hold my bottle.★ I know my name.★ I may play games with people I know.★ I babble, squeal and repeat sounds.★ I sit by leaning forward on my hands. I can sit with support.★ I may be afraid of adults I don’t know.★ I know the faces of the people who are around me a lot.★ I may know what the tone of your voice means.

Each month, Healthy Start, Grow Smart will provide information about

how babies grow and develop. If you have immediate questions or concernsabout how your child is developing, call your baby’s doctor.
10 Your Six-Month -Old Healthy Start, Grow Smart 11 Your Six-Month -Old

tive Baby

ur baby is more active than in past

 more, it’s a good idea to make your home

g supplies, medicines, poisons and sharp

 to them. Be sure that everyone who cares

 her safe.

ngs she shouldn’t. She may pull at your

e of paper. A baby this young does not

ring her world. You need to gently control

 She will also know that you are in charge.

 her world. 

g things to upset you on purpose. She

doesn’t know the limits. She needs you to

s not okay for her to do. She needs you to

she cries to be sure that she is okay. Never

ur baby’s activities. Praise her and hug her

.

omething you don’t want her to do. If she

rd, or if she spills out the contents of a

t firm voice. You don’t need to raise your

and give her a toy. Maybe she’ll be too

ll try to grab something that could break.

 away from the thing she shouldn’t touch.

Your Baby’s Developing Brain

Each brain, like eachchild, is unique. Here

are some findings byresearchers that may helpyou with developing yourbaby’s brain:

★ Your baby may make sounds such as “ba,” “ma” and “ga.” Sometimes

parents think these sounds mean more than they do. Wait. Soon yourbaby will attach a meaning to the sounds she makes.

★ Talk to your baby often. This will help her learn to use sounds.

★ Being in a safe and loving place helps your baby to learn. Toys bought

in stores are not needed. Playing with pots and pans can be just asmuch fun. Playing with simple things is just as good for your baby’sdevelopment.

★ Praising your baby’s good behavior is good for both of you. Show her

that you like the way she is acting. This will help her do more thingsyou like.

★ When you take her to new places, your baby will want to reach for new

objects that she sees. She is not trying to misbehave. Plan ahead andbring a favorite toy when you go out with her.
12 Your Six-Month -Old Healthy Start, Grow Smart 13 Your Six-Month -Old

th Your Six-Month-Old

for much of the day, and she wants to

g fun with your baby:

by. Point to her nose and say, “nose.” Do

d toys.

you reach the “pop,” raise your baby’s arms

swing her by the arms.

or piece of cloth. Let your baby grab the

off.

to a shoebox. The cups can be different

e one cup out at a time. Pick out another

this a few times, your baby will imitate

d dad near her crib or high chair. When

t to the pictures. Say, “There’s mommy”

Floor Time Is PlaytimeBabies who are six months old need lots of floor time so they 

can learn to crawl and creep. If your baby doesn’t like being on the floor byherself, join her. Play on the floor with her.Here are two activities that you can do during floor time:

Put your baby in a sitting position. Support her with pillows. Roll a

soft ball to her and clap when she tries to roll it back.

Give your baby two plastic cups. Show her how to bang them

together or to bang them on the floor.
ure your baby is safe from harm or injury:

 in a high place, such as a tabletop, a

h the sides down. She can hurt herself if

carry hot things while holding your baby.

aby. Don’t allow others to do so.

od or anything that could make her

hat have been mashed.

ure of your hot water heater to 120

tect your baby from burns.

y.

 with any pet. Even friendly pets can

14 Your Six-Month -Old Healthy Start, Grow Smart 15 Your Six-Month -Old

In the car...

★ Buckle your baby in a child seat in the back seat of your vehicle. The

child seat should face the back of your car, not the front.

★ Babies should never ride in the front seat of a car.★ Never hold your baby in your lap while you are driving.★ Never leave your baby alone in a car. Don’t do it even if the windows

are partly open.

In the crib...

★ Crib mattresses should fit the crib snugly. There should be no gaps

between the mattress and the sides of the crib.

★ Do not cover the mattress with plastic bags of any kind.★ The slats on the side of the crib should be 2 3/8 inches apart, or even

closer.
Quiet Time Together

Be sure to have a little quiet time with your baby every day. Turn

off the TV. Turn off the radio. Have a place and time for you and your babyto be quiet together.Your baby needs to get to know you. And you need to get to know her.Every baby has a different style. Some are active. Some are quiet. Some donot like changes in their daily routines. You are your baby’s first teacher. She has a lot to learn before she goes toschool. She has to learn to talk, to walk and to feed herself. But she hasmuch more to learn so she can do well in school later in life. During her first three years, your baby learns a lot of important ideas. Rightnow, she can pick up a toy or make different sounds. Your baby needs to learn how to get along with other people. She learnsthis from you and your family. She learns this by playing with otherchildren. Your baby will learn about the idea of “cause and effect.” When your babyshakes a rattle and laughs at the sound, she is learning that she can makethings happen.Hold your baby often. It will help her learn to trust. It will help her learnto love. You can learn more about how to teach your baby as she grows. Talk toyour doctor or clinic. They may have a list of helpful books, videos orclasses.

16 Your Six-Month -Old Healthy Start, Grow Smart 17 Your Six-Month -Old

me Safe

re are things you can do to make

r home safe for your baby:

Close the bathroom door.Put gates across steps and stairs.Cover unused electrical outlets. Use

products that cover outlet holes.

Keep cords from drapes and blinds and

electrical cords out of your baby’s reach.

iture with sharp edges. You may be able

other room. Or let her play in another

baby can’t reach them.

m under the sink. Put them where your

oons away from your baby.

 make your home safe for your baby. Call

y Commission at 1-800-638-2772. The
urces for Families

WIC program (Special Supplemental

nfants and Children) can get information

g and nutrition at their local WIC office.

nutrition counseling and supplemental

 and cereal. To find the WIC office nearest

ment or visit the WIC Web site at

lic libraries offer free access to the

t-time users.

dhood education initiatives, you may

ducation at 1-800-USA-LEARN or visit the

ESE/teachingouryoungest/.

 you may contact the U.S. Department of

d Care Aware by phone at 1-800-424-2246

ldcareaware.org/.

18 Your Six-Month -Old Healthy Start, Grow Smart 19 Your Six-Month -Old

For more information and resources on postpartum depression, breastfeeding and many other women’s health issues call The NationalWomen’s Health Information Center (NWHIC) at 1-800-994-9662 (1-800-994-WOMAN). You can visit their Web site at www.4woman.org/.To learn more about breastfeeding, you may call La Leche League at 1-800-LALECHE or visit their Web site at www.lalecheleague.org/.To learn more about free or low-cost health insurance for children, you 

can call the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Insure KidsNow program at 1-877-KIDSNOW. You can also visit their Web site atwww.insurekidsnow.gov/. The American Association of Poison Control Centers’ (AAPCC) poisoncontrol hotline, 1-800-222-1222, should be on your list of emergencynumbers. To learn more, you can visit the AAPCC Web site atwww.aapcc.org/.Families who cannot afford a car safety seat can contact the NationalHighway Traffic Safety Administration. They can provide information onresources that help low-income families purchase or borrow child car seats.You may call them at 1-800-424-9393 or visit their Web site atwww.nhtsa.dot.gov/.To learn more about safety, you can call the Consumer Product SafetyCommission at 1-800-638-2772 or you can visit their Web site atwww.cpsc.gov/.
This pamphlet is distributed by the U.S. Departments of Agriculture, Education 

and Health and Human Services, and is in the public domain. Authorization toreproduce it in whole or in part is granted. While permission to reprint thispublication is not necessary, the citation should be: U.S. Department ofAgriculture, U.S. Department of Education and U.S. Department of Health andHuman Services, Healthy Start, Grow Smart, Your-Six-Month-Old, 

Washington,

D.C., 2002To order copies of this publication,

write to: ED Pubs, Education Publications Center, U.S. Department of Education, P.O. Box 1398, Jessup, MD 20794-1398;or fax your request to: 301-470-1244;or e-mail your request to: edpubs@inet.ed.govor call in your request toll-free: 1-877-433-7827 (1-877-4-ED-PUBS). If 877 serviceis not yet available in your area, call 1-800-872-5327 (1-800-USA-LEARN). Thosewho use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) or a teletypewriter (TTY),should call 1-800-437-0833.or order online at: www.ed.gov/pubs/edpubs.html/.This publication is available to download on the Department of Education’s Website at: www.ed.gov/offices/OESE/earlychildhood/healthystart/. It will also beavailable in Spanish on the Department of Education’s Web site in October 2002.On request, this publication is available in alternate formats, such as Braille, largeprint, audiotape or computer diskette. For more information, please contact theDepartment’s Alternate Format Center (202) 260-9895 or (202) 205-8113.

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d much more!