Your Baby's 6-Month Checkup

Checkups are a way to make sure your baby is growing properly and help you find out if there are any health problems. After the visit, make an appointment for your baby's 9-month checkup.

• Breast milk and/or iron-fortified formula still provide most of your baby's nutrition. You can breastfeed, give a bottle, or put breast milk or formula in a cup at mealtime.

• Your baby needs solid food too. Use a baby spoon to offer one kind of food at a time. This can include:

  • iron-fortified infant cereal mixed with water, breast milk, or formula until thin. Give a variety of cereals, including oat, barley, rice, or multigrain. Do not only give rice cereal.

  • puréed soft meats

  • puréed fruits or vegetables

• After a few days, try another kind of soft food. Each time your baby tries a new food, wait about 2–3 days before adding another one. This helps you to see if your baby has problems with a food. Some foods can cause reactions like diarrhea, a rash, or fussiness.

• If your baby has eczema (a red, itchy rash); a food allergy; or a brother, sister, or parent with a food allergy, talk to your health care provider about the best time to give your baby foods with:

  • nuts

  • dairy (such as milk or cheese)

  • egg

  • soy

  • wheat

  • fish and shellfish

• When feeding your baby, pay attention to signs that your baby is full, such as turning away from food and closing the mouth.

• Continue any vitamin supplements as recommended by the health care provider.

• Don't give your baby foods that can cause choking such as hot dogs, whole grapes, raw vegetables, popcorn, or nuts.

• Don't give your baby honey or unpasteurized food and drinks.

• Don't give your baby cow's milk or soy beverages to replace breast milk or formula. (Kids shouldn't start drinking cow's milk or soy beverages until they're at least 1 year old.) It's OK to give yogurt or cheese.

• Don't add cereal to your baby's bottle unless the health care provider recommends it.

• Don't give juice before 12 months old. It can lead to tooth decay and weight gain.

• Help your baby get about 12–16 hours of sleep in 24 hours (including naps). By this age, your baby is probably sleeping for least 6 hours straight at night.

• Between 6 and 9 months, babies who have been sleeping through the night may start waking up. Wait a few minutes before going to your baby to give them some time to settle down. If fussiness continues, go to your baby so they know you're there, but try not to pick up, play with, or feed your baby.

• To help prevent SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome):

  • Be sure your baby always sleeps on their back. Babies may roll over on their own, but that's OK.

  • Put your baby in a crib that meets all safety standards. Never put wedges, sleep positioners, pillows, blankets, bumpers, or toys in the crib.

  • Keep the crib in the room where you sleep. Don't have your baby sleep in bed with you.

  • Breastfeed your baby, if possible.

  • Give your baby a pacifier at naptime and bedtime.

  • Don't let your baby get too hot while sleeping. Keep the room at a temperature that is comfortable for a lightly clothed adult. Don't put too many clothes on your baby and watch for signs of overheating, such as sweating.

  • If your baby falls asleep in a car seat, stroller, sling, or baby carrier, move them to the crib as soon as possible.

  • Do not allow anyone to smoke around your baby.

  • Make sure everyone who cares for your baby follows the same safe sleep practices.

• Babies this age learn best by talking and playing with others and touching things in their world. It's best to avoid screen time such as videos, video games, TV, and phone apps. Video chatting (such as FaceTime or Skype) is OK.

• Your baby may start to get upset when you leave. To help your baby understand that you will be back, keep goodbyes short and calm and tell your baby when you will be back. Your baby may be upset at first, but will likely calm down after you leave.

In the car:

• Put your baby in a rear-facing car seat in the back seat.

• Follow the manufacturer's instructions on installing and using the car seat, or go to a child safety seat check.

In your home:

• Put gates at the top and bottom of stairs.

• Put window guards on windows above the first floor.

• Keep blinds, drapes, and cords out of your child's reach.

• Lock up or keep out of reach:

  • small objects such as toys, button batteries, and coins

  • plastic bags

  • medicines

  • cleaning supplies

  • anything that is hot, sharp, or breakable

• Set your hot water heater lower than 120°F (48°C).

• Do not drink hot liquids while holding your baby.

• Put smoke and carbon monoxide alarms near all sleeping areas and on every level of your home.

• Move your baby's crib mattress to the lowest position and if your baby still has a mobile, take it down.

• Don't use a baby walker.

• When using a changing table, keep a hand on your baby and use the safety buckle.

• Keep your baby within reach if there is water nearby, including tubs, toilets, buckets, and pools. Empty water from tubs, buckets, and pools when done, if possible.

In the sun:

• Use a water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 30 that protects from both UVA and UVB rays. Re-apply every 2 hours or more often if swimming or sweating.

• Help your baby stay in the shade, especially between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

• Dress your baby in a long-sleeved shirt and long pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection.

Prepare for emergencies:

• Take an infant first aid/CPR class. Be sure you know what to do if your baby is choking.

• If you are ever worried that you will hurt your baby, put your baby in the crib for a few minutes and call a friend, a relative, or your health care provider for help. Never shake your baby — it can cause bleeding in the brain and even death.

• Call the Poison Help Line (1-800-222-1222) if you are worried about a poisoning.

• Get all immunizations and tests that your baby's health care provider recommends.

• Take care of your baby's teeth and gums:

  • Schedule the first visit to the dentist when the first tooth comes in OR by 1 year of age (whichever comes first). Follow up with the dentist as recommended.

  • Follow your health care provider's recommendations about using a fluoride coating (called a varnish) on your baby's teeth.

  • If recommended, give your baby fluoride drops at home.

  • If your baby does not have any teeth, gently brush their gums using a soft toothbrush and water. Or wipe the gums with a clean, wet washcloth.

  • If your baby has teeth, brush them using a soft toothbrush with a smear of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice).

  • If your baby is thirsty between meals, offer a bottle or cup filled with water only. Do not give your baby a cup or bottle in the crib.

  • If your baby has sore gums from teething, try rubbing the gums with one of your fingers or give your baby a firm rubber teething ring. Don't use frozen teethers or medicines that you rub on the gums.

• Your health care provider can tell you about help that is available in the community or through a social worker. Talk to your health care provider if you're worried that:

  • You don't have enough food for your baby.

  • You don't have a safe place to live.

  • You don't have health insurance.

  • You have a problem with drugs or alcohol.

• Call your health care provider if your baby:

  • has a fever above 102.2°F (39°C) (taken in your baby's bottom)

  • is not eating well

  • vomits (throws up) more than a few times in a 24-hour period

  • has hard, dry poop or trouble pooping

  • does not seem to be growing or developing normally