You
Intimacy is an important part of the parent relationship, but your life has been all about baby for the last six months. That needs to change. Intimacy is difficult with work, life, baby and home, but you can make time with a little planning. Flirt with your partner via phone or email. Leave love notes on the refrigerator or stop by for lunch without baby. On days off together, use nap time for a little intimacy, but be prepared for interruptions along the way.

Your Baby’s Development
Your baby’s neurological and physical development continues. Some baby’s speak their first word as early as six months – keep talking to baby, reading to baby and listening to music with baby. The more words he hears the better his language development. Baby is also much more mobile by six months. He can likely sit up, roll both ways and scoot around the room to reach things that interest him. As he grows more attached, he may cry when you leave the room only to express delight when you return. He may not be able to say, “I Love You!”, but he shows love in an extremely tangible way with his emotions.

Your Baby’s Food
The sixth month is a cornerstone in feeding. Baby is still primarily breastfeeding or bottle feeding, but most pediatricians agree it is time to introduce solid foods. The first solid food most pediatricians suggest is iron-fortified rice cereal. Wait at least one week between foods to ensure there is no reaction to the new food. After introducing several cereals, babies are ready for first foods like peas and green beans. Some parents choose to purchase commercial baby foods, but baby can consume fresh foods prepared at home. If preparing fresh baby foods remember to leave out spices, sugar and other condiments. Vegetables are better than sweeter foods like fruits as first foods. If baby does not like a particular food at first, be patient. It can take 10 to 20 tries for baby to enjoy some foods.

Your Baby’s Health Issues
Baby will have a well check-up in his 6th month. He will receive several vaccinations during the well check-up, including the final HepB, Rotavirus, DTaP, HiB, PCV, Polio and the flu vaccine, if applicable. Doctors will check length, weight and head circumference. They will also note if baby can roll both ways, moves his hand to his mouth (with objects) and recognizes his name and mom’s face.

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