Monthly Milestones & Your Baby, Or Twins: 6 months!

                    

 

  Monthly Milestones at 6 Months!

9-28-2010

Almost out of month 6..heading into the 7th month.  STOP PLZ!

 

 

 

It’s that time again, sadly to me, and  far too quickly, for me, where I reflect over the past month, and the milestones, of the very fun & exciting, 6th month, of infant life.  (x’s two over there!)

 

 

 

Here are some milestones, you may have noticed your child or children, accomplishing these past 4.5 weeks, or what is to come in them:

 

 

 

#1)- A big increase in sociability! 

Your baby is quite the social butterfly at this point.  He or she knows how to get attention, enjoys attracting every ounce of it, and demands it, from you, and others she knows, and sees around you, and it will be quite amusing to watch. 

 

When you give the attention back, you will see some big cheesy grins, and if you don’t respond, you may get some screaming, or teary eyes.  They are definitely in touch with their emotions at this age, and know how to get what they want.   It’s very fun to watch.

 

 

  

#2)  Enjoys game playing more then ever! 

Break out the funny faces, and the silly voices, because now your baby is really ready to play and interact with you now.  You can keep her attention for some time at this point, and she likely will be in awe of you.  Playing on a swing, and talking with you, as she swings back and forth, is now very exciting for a 6 month old child.

 

Remember the days where you stared down at your newborn, and only wished  you could make them giggle while playing peek a boo & singing while clapping your hands?  Well, your baby should be ready now, and more thrilled about it then ever!  Interacting is an important part of the bonding process, so if you have more then 1 baby, you have to be sure to include both in your ‘FUN Mommy/baby time’, and when possible, even have individual play time, with each child (This becomes more important as time goes on, but it’s a great time to start).

 

 

 

#3)  Wanting to feed herself. 

You may not notice this milestone till the end of month 6, or even month 7, but you may notice your baby or twins, taking a real big interest in food.   They stare at you while you eat, and maybe even grab at your plate, and fork.

 

You may notice them starting to grab their own spoon while being fed.  (If not don’t worry.  I have one baby that occasionally does, and one that does not.  They all go at their own pace).  If they do show this interest, load up the spoon, and let them give it a try.  It will help them develop a keen sense of direction, while trying to aim their food into their tiny mouths.  It may be messy, learning to eat on your own, but it sure is fun for baby, and fun to watch.  (View my video clip at the end of my blog to see.)

 

 

 

#4-)  Your baby may start sitting up by himself, for a brief period of time. 

Again don’t freak out if this hasn’t occurred yet.  I have one that does, and one not so much, so it’s ok if your 6 month old doesn’t, and still considered early to develop this feat, but may be possible, so try and help your baby develop their sense of balance, and sit her up on your lap, and see if you are able to let your hands go, while keeping them very close by of course. 

 

 It’s a great exercise to practice sitting up, as it’s easier then sitting on a hard floor, by sinking into your lap a bit, and you are right there to protect your baby.  They will be sitting unassisted before you know it.

 

 Here is the beginning stage of ‘Sitting up’

 

Hands can be used to help balance baby’s body

 

 

 

#5)-  Those powerful baby legs are stronger then ever

and you may notice that while holding on to an object, like a large piece of furniture, your baby may be able to stand, for a few seconds time, all by himself.  (They may need the help of leaning against it, but some may not, even at this point.)  You may notice that she can hold your hands and stand very erect, maybe even take a step or two forward. (Or out to the side).

 

Again, if not, this will surely come soon, if it hasn’t already, no need for concern, but the legs on your baby have definitely, become stronger and stronger by the week, and soon enough, will have him sprinting all over the house, but please, let’s not rush this 

 

 

 

#6)-  An increase in his ability to imitate sounds, and mimic yours. 

Make an ‘ow and ah’ sound at your baby, and if they are paying a lot of attention, then may just ‘ow’ you back, maybe even the ‘ah’ part.  Go slow & do try only one syllable at a time, to make it easier for them to practice, this new feat.  You will find you connect deeply with your baby, while they are in their own little ‘Vocal mood’, if you will.  (A mother can tell, and hear this mood).  Enjoy these amazing sounds, for soon enough, they will become real words!

 

During this time they are receptive and eager to gab along with you.  Go slow and enunciate your sounds, they may start throwing them back at ya.  You may even hear your 1st ‘Da Da’  or ‘Ba Ba’ sound towards the end of this month, but if not it’s still early.  It’s coming up soon.

 

 

 

#7)-  The fear of strangers starts rolling in. 

If you haven’t noticed this before, you likely will, at some point during this month.  Stranger anxiety.  In past months, your baby was willing to be held and would look at, any person who had him in his arms, however, this is changing now.

 

Your baby, is getting more and more attached to his or her parents and family members, and may cry, even scream out, for your familiar face, if another person he doesn’t recognize goes to hold him.  The beginning of separation anxiety may start forming at this time.

(Pardon the pic, but I didn’t have permission to use the Doctor’s face, hence the smile, covering it )

 

 

 

#8)-  Baby likes to roll, and may roll many times to reach their destination.

Rolling may be the way they get from point A to point B, at this age, and likely, especially by the end of month 6, your baby should be able to roll in both directions, and do so, almost with ease, if not completely with ease.

 

Baby enjoys her new found freedom of movement, and can, at times, be faster then you are, so be sure and keep your eyes peeled on her, and start baby proofing the areas that your child plays in, for safety sake, at this point.

 

  

#9)-  Rocking on hands and knees. 

I personally haven’t seen any real ‘Rocking’, but some scooting on hands and knees, or attempting to,  by almost swimming, with the legs, which all these things are in preparation of crawling.

 

 

  

#10)-  Senses are keener then ever. 

Hearing, and eyesight, are at their prime now, like an adult, and coordination, and balance continues to improve.  If a child drops a toy now, they are able to realize it is there, and needs to be picked back up again.  If he hears a familiar sound, he will quickly turn his head, and express his sadness or joy, over it.  Everything is becoming more clear to him, and more understandable.  Your little human being, is growing by the day. 

Enjoy watching every precious moment, of your baby’s development, as it unfolds in front of you.

 

 

 Funny Video, Of Attempting To Self Feed!