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Growth Milestone - Six Months
The Social Butterfly
The 6-month-old infant likes to be with people and there is a sudden burst in
awareness of his or her surroundings. The baby loves to play face to face with parents and
begins to develop a sense of trust and the beginning elements of learning (through games
like peekaboo). The following comments are designed to help you and your partner enjoy your 6-month-old
while continuing to gain confidence in yourselves as parents. This information is not intended as a
substitute for well-baby visits by your newborn's pediatrician. Never hesitate to ask your
child's physician for guidance concerning specific problems. This is the reason for
regular well-baby checkups.
Parenting and Behavioral
- Encourage speech development by talking to your 6-month-old while dressing, bathing,
feeding, playing, walking and driving.
- Begin playing social games such as pat-a-cake, peek-a-boo, so-big, etc.
- Begin to set some limits for future discipline by using distraction, reducing
stimulation and establishing routines.
- Establish a bedtime routine and other habits to discourage night awakening. Make sure
your baby has learned self-soothing techniques by providing your child with the same
transitional object, such as a stuffed animal, "special" blanket or favorite
toy.
- Encourage play with age-appropriate toys. Babies like to bounce, swing, reach for you,
pick up and drop objects, and bang things together. Unbreakable household objects such as
plastic measuring cups, large wooden spoons, pots, pans and plastic containers make great
toys.
- Shoes are not necessary at this age except for show and to keep their feet warm.
Development