6 Month Well Visit

Most babies have doubled their birth weight.
Your baby’s growth will slow down.
If you are still breastfeeding, that’s great! Continue as long as you both like.
If you are formula feeding, use an iron- fortified formula.
You may begin to feed your baby solid food when your baby is ready.
Some of the signs your baby is ready for solids
- Opens mouth for the spoon.
- Sits with support.
- Good head and neck control.
- Interest in foods you eat.

Introduce new foods one at a time.
- Iron-fortified cereal
Good sources of iron include
- Red meat
Introduce fruits and vegetables after your baby eats iron-fortified cereal or pureed meats well.
- Offer 1–2 tablespoons of solid food 2–3 times per day.
Avoid feeding your baby too much by following the baby’s signs of fullness.
- Leaning back
- Turning away
Do not force your baby to eat or finish foods.
- It may take 10–15 times of giving your baby a food to try before she will like it.
The only foods to be avoided are raw honey or chunks of food that could cause choking. Newer data suggest that the early introduction of all foods may actually prevent individual food allergies.
To prevent choking
- Only give your baby very soft, small bites of finger foods.
- Keep small objects and plastic bags away from your baby.

Many babies begin to cut teeth.
Clean gums and teeth (as soon as you see the first tooth) 2 times per day with a soft cloth or soft toothbrush with a small smear of fluoride toothpaste (the size of a grain of rice).
Do not give a bottle in bed.
Do not prop the bottle.
Have regular times for your baby to eat. Do not let him eat all day.

Place your baby so she is sitting up and can look around.
Talk with your baby by copying the sounds your baby makes.
Look at and read books together.
Play games such as peekaboo, patty-cake, and so big.
Offer active play with mirrors, floor gyms, and colorful toys to hold.
If your baby is fussy, give her safe toys to hold and put in her mouth and make sure she is getting regular naps and playtimes.

Use a rear-facing car safety seat in the back seat in all vehicles, even for very short trips.
Never put your baby in the front seat of a vehicle with a passenger air bag.
Don’t leave your baby alone in the tub or high places such as changing tables, beds, or sofas.
While in the kitchen, keep your baby in a high chair or playpen.
Do not use a baby walker.
Place gates on stairs.
Close doors to rooms where your baby could be hurt, like the bathroom.
Prevent burns by setting your water heater so the temperature at the faucet is 120°F or lower.
Turn pot handles inward on the stove.
Do not leave hot irons or hair care products plugged in.
Never leave your baby alone near water or in bathwater, even in a bath seat or ring.
- Always be close enough to touch your baby.
Lock up poisons, medicines, and cleaning supplies; call Poison Help if your baby eats them.

What to Expect at Your Baby’s 9 Month Visit