While you can make my house safer for me, I will need help to learn how to be safe.
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- Tell me what you want me to do, over and over. Don't get tired of telling me. I am too young to understand or remember.
- Until I learn what to do, take me away from the place I shouldn't be or take away the thing I shouldn't be playing with. Get me interested in something else. Don't tap my fingers or hit me. Try not to yell at me either.
- Tell me, hug me, and praise me when I do what you want.
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Help me be healthy.
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At this checkup:
- I will be weighed and checked over.
- I will have the next set of immunizations. Write the date I have the immunizations in my health journal. If I had any reaction to the immunizations when I had them before, tell the doctor what happened to me.
- I may:
- Have my eyes checked to see if I have crossed eyes or a lazy eye.
- Have a blood test to see if I have enough iron in my blood.
- Ask:
- If I need fluoride supplements to help my teeth.
- About my eating habits. Describe when and how much I eat.
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Start vegetables and fruits.
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At 6 months, I am old enough to try vegetables and fruits.
Try starting with vegetables. An orange vegetable such as squash or sweet potatoes would be a good one to serve first.
Only give me one new food each week.
If I have an allergy, this way you will know what food caused the allergy.
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Take care of my teeth.
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As soon as my teeth come in, it is a good idea to gently brush my teeth with a little soft bristled toothbrush and some water. I should not have toothpaste now.
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Play with me. It helps me learn.
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- Read to me every day.
- Talk to me in complete sentences. Tell me what you are doing.
- Make sounds for me to copy like eee, uh-oh, and aaa.
- Tell me about a toy and show me how to use it. I will want to look at it, smell it, chew it, squeeze it, pat it, and bang it.
- Put a favorite toy just out of my reach. Help me wiggle to it.
- Hide a toy under a cloth so I can look for it.
- I like to use blocks that I can hold in my hands.
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Help me be safe
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Teach me to use the high chair safely.
- Put the safety belt on when I am in the chair.
- Be sure the tray is securely locked in place. Make sure my hands are out of the way when you lock the tray in place.
- Be sure there are no sharp edges to cut me or you.
- Don't let me stand in the chair
- Don't leave me alone in the chair.
- Don't leave the chair too close to a table or counter. I can push on the table and tip my chair over.
The car seat is the safest place for me when I am in the car.
When I can sit up alone, hold my head up well, and my legs hang over the seat, you can turn my car seat around so I can face the front of the car.
Put gates at the stairs so I don't go up or down stairs.
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Watch for me to:
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- Pick up my head and chest when I am on my stomach. I can hold myself up with my arms.
- Stand up if you hold me under my arms.
- Roll from my stomach to my back or from my back to my stomach.
- Notice small things like Cheerios̉ if they are placed in front of me.
- Lie on my back and look at my hands. I can bring my hand together over my chest or at my mouth.
- Reach for toys or other interesting things that are near me.
- Squeal and make high pitched sounds when I am happy.
- Start to have my teeth come in.
This list describes what most children can do by 6 months.
I am my own person. I might do some activities earlier than others. Play with me to help me learn new things. If you are concerned , talk to my doctor or nurse.
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