6 Months Week 1

Your baby has hit the halfway mark, wow you’ve been a mom for half a year already! Take a second and reflect on how you and your beautiful baby have grown and changed in the past 6 months. You’ve both discovered so much about this new world you found yourselves in. While there’ll always be more discovering, give yourself a pat on the back for the amazing progress you’ve made so far.

6 months baby check-up

Remember how important baby checks ups are, it is very important not to miss any.

It’s time for another well baby check-up and yes that heartbreaking moment when you have to hold her as she gets her shots in order to stay healthy. First is the head to toe physical exam.

Here are some of the other things the doctor or nurse will look at:

• Your baby’s weight, length and head circumference.
• Your baby’s ability to control her head.
• Her ability to reach and grab objects, does she put objects to her mouth.
• Her ability to roll over and sit with support.
• Her ability to stand while she holds on to someone.
• Her ability to make sounds.

Your baby might also have what is called a “hematocrit” blood test to check for anemia. The test is done by pricking her toe.

Your doctor or nurse will ask you about your baby’s development, her behaviour, moods, and about how well she’s eating and her sleeping pattern.

They will be open to address any concerns you might have so ask questions. Remember you can ask for a copy of the shot record. At home update your baby’s health chart making note of any illness.

Your baby’s feeds

• Feeding your baby should be on a routine mealtime schedule which hopefully happens around the same time with family mealtime, continue to breast feed your baby or giving her formula.
• Continue introducing new solid foods at weekly intervals so you can monitor which foods your baby doesn’t take kindly to.
• Your baby will begin to show preferences for some food over others as new solids are introduced.
• If there is a strong family history of food allergy, avoid highly allergic foods such as eggs, strawberries and so on.
• Avoid giving foods that can cause your baby to choke on.
• Always supervise and monitor your baby when she eats and learn the proper emergency procedures for choking.
• If your baby is being fed by a care giver, go over the schedule with her to ensure that your baby is being fed to your desire.