Baby's 6-month checkup

Congratulations! Your baby is halfway through the first year of life. They can squeak, coo and make sounds almost like words.

Get ready for other big changes. Soon your baby will learn to sit and crawl. If you haven't already, be sure to secure your home before your child moves in.

Here's what to expect during your baby's checkup at 6 months.

You can expect your child's doctor to:

Measure your child's weight, height and head circumference.
Get your child a flu shot every year, either at this visit or at one of the next checkups in the fall months.

Questions your baby's doctor may ask you

Does your child roll back and forth?
Is your baby sitting up on their own or with a little help?
Has your baby started teething?
Does your child pass objects from one hand to another?

Diet and nutrition questions you may have

What solid food is my child ready for now?
What foods should and shouldn't I give them?

Baby feeding tips

When your child is ready to give up baby cereals, try vegetables, meats and fruits.
Puree, mash, or cut food into tiny pieces. Do not give your baby raw fruits or vegetables just yet.
Feed your baby one new food at a time.
Wait 2-3 days to see the child's reaction before trying a new food.
Do not give cow's milk, honey, shellfish, peanuts or tree nuts at this time. If you choose to offer an egg, start with the yellow part first.
Your baby's stool may change color or texture depending on what he eats.
Try using a non-spill cup.

Questions you may have about the playtime

How should I play with my 6 month old baby?

Play time tips

Play peek-a-boo!
Place toys on the floor out of reach to encourage them to crawl.
Read to your child daily and give him board books to "read" on his own and explore.
Give the child objects that he can handle.

Child safety tips

Your baby may soon be able to walk, so continue to keep your home child-proof:

Create a safe area out of the reach of children where they can roam and explore whatever they please.
Keep children's toys away from the child.
Apply padding to the sharp corners of the furniture.
Keep electrical cords out of reach.
Make sure the child cannot grab or try to pull on unstable furniture. Attach bookcases and televisions to the wall so that the child does not knock them over and injure themselves.
Install safety locks on accessible cabinets.
Keep all medicines and chemicals out of reach in closed cabinets.

Your child is becoming more and more sociable every day. Soon they will be babbling and speaking their first words. Just think how far your little one has come in six months, and how much more is yet to come!