6 Month Old Baby Development New 2020

Healthy & Safety Info

Introducing More Solids

Expanding his solid food skills is top priority for your baby now. By starting his repertoire of purees with mild-tasting veggies, such as carrots and sweet potatoes, you’ll up the chances of introducing him to foods he’ll enjoy and pave the way for more bitter veggies, such as peas and green beans. Babies are programmed to love sweet flavors — not unlike their parents — so don’t be surprised if he turns up his nose at certain foods the first few times. According to some research, it can take up to 20 exposures before babies and children accept new foods, so keep trying, introducing more exotic foods as you go. It’s also prime time to let your baby practice his pincer grasp with a few finger foods. Focus on avoiding choking hazards by giving either baby-friendly finger foods specially designed for 6-month-olds, or soft, easy-to-dissolve grown-up foods. Some winners: bite-size pieces of bread, soft crackers, slices of cooked carrot, or bits of banana. Since babies are better at grabbing handfuls than selecting a single bite-size piece, you might want to dole out the Cheerios one at a time.

Treating Bumps & Bruises

Now that your baby is on the move, he might also be more prone to injuries. Keep supplies on hand for treating them, including tough-to-remove adhesive bandages and baby-friendly ice packs. Falls, bumps, and bruises are normal for a 6-month-old, but if you’re worried about a serious injury, call your pediatrician.