Old Pueblo Pediatrics Dr. Bean Dr. Delp
Check Ups Immunization Schedule Patient Forms
Asthma Expecting a Baby Nutrition and Fitness How to Choose a Pediatrician

Well Child Check Ups

6-Month Well Child Check

Safety

  • This is an age when most parents start to make their house “baby-proof.”
  • Many ordinary things in your house can be poisonous to your child. Be sure to keep all cleaners, chemicals and medications out of sight and reach. Keep cabinets locked or latched to prevent exploration injuries. If your baby does eat or drink something that could be poisonous call the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222 if he is conscious. It is important not to make your baby vomit.
  • Babies like to explore their environment which usually involves putting things in their mouths. Your baby is getting better at grabbing at toys and objects that he could choke on. You can help him by making sure all toys are too big to swallow and other small objects are out of reach. Learning CPR can help you save your baby if he chokes.
  • Some babies learn to crawl as early as 6 months, which means they are more mobile and can get into more things. Be aware of stairways and other rooms in which your baby might get hurt. They may also be able to get to other objects that can cause burns.
  • Your baby will be starting to sit up alone, but they always need an adult within arm’s reach. A child can drown in any amount of water. Pools should be completely surrounded by a fence with a self-locking gate.
  • To prevent a sunburn, you should keep him out of direct sunlight and dress him in clothes that cover the body. You should also use children’s sunscreen of at least 30 SPF.
  • Continue to put your baby in a rear-facing car seat in the back seat. You should use the car seat every time he rides in the car. Never leave your child alone in a closed car.

Feeding & Nutrition

  • Breast milk is still ideal for infants. They should nurse about 4-6 times a day and may stop feeding during the night.
  • Your baby can probably take about 6-8 ounces of formula 4-6 times a day, and he likely will stop feeding during the night. Your baby will like to help you hold his bottle during feedings, but you should continue to hold your baby’s bottle and never “prop” the bottle.
  • If not already done, this is a great age to start introducing solid foods. Infants should be able to sit relatively unsupported and have good oral-motor coordination to start solids. If this is true, we recommend starting with iron-fortified rice cereal mixed with water or breast milk. Remember that at this stage, the feeding is more for practice than for nutritional value. New foods should be introduced one at a time a few days apart. New foods can be other baby cereals, strained fruits and vegetables. Eventually he will get to finger foods like crackers, breads and softer fruits.
  • You may give your baby some extra water (4-8 ounces) throughout the day; however he doesn’t need any juice or sweeteners (such as honey or corn syrup).

Health

  • Any smoke in the house is dangerous to a baby. We encourage all parents never to smoke around their baby, and to not to smoke at all for their own health.
  • Your baby’s sleeping patterns may become more regular at this point. He may still sleep up to 14 hours of the day, often with longer stretches through the night and with 3 naps.
  • Babies usually get their first tooth at around 6 months. This is also the time when parents need to start brushing their teeth. At first rubbing a wet washcloth over the teeth before naps and bedtime is sufficient. You can then advance to a toothbrush with water, then a toothbrush with infant toothpaste (no fluoride).

Development

  • Your baby has probably become quite social and likes to babble, laugh and “talk” with you. He might say single sounds repetitively like “dada” and “baba.” Having conversations with your baby will help them learn to talk. Imitate them and let them imitate you.
  • Reading to your baby will also help his language development. Books can be a part of every activity throughout the day. It’s ok to read for very short periods of time, any time. Choose books that have large, bright colored pictures. Describe what you see in the book, not just the words.
  • Your baby will probably be able to sit on his own now. He will enjoy working to get a toy just out of his reach and it will help him learn to be more mobile. Encourage him to use his body to get what he wants.
  • Your baby is learning how to grab new things and uses his mouth to help “feel” the objects. He will rake at smaller objects and can pass them between hands. Let him “help” you feed him by holding a spoon.

Discipline & Behavior

  • This is an age of discovery and realizing that some things may not stay permanent. Your baby might develop some separation anxiety and become more clingy. A familiar animal or blanket may help with this.
  • This is also an age when you can start to introduce discipline by redirecting your baby from danger when they get too adventurous.

Immunizations

  • Diphtheria,Tetanus, Pertussis (DTaP)
  • Pneumococcal (PCV7)
  • Polio (IPV)
  • Rotavirus
  • Hepatitis B (HepB)
  • view chart

Next Visit – at 9 months of age