6 Month Visit
Growth Check
Please see “Growth and Development: Birth to 6 Months”
Immunizations
3rd set of vaccines (same as 2 month and 4 month immunizations): 3 shots and 1 oral vaccine
DTaP (diphtheria/ tetanus/pertussis (whooping cough) (seedtap vaccine)
HBV (Hepatitis B) (see hepatitis b vaccine)
IPV (Polio) (the DTaP/HBV/IPV are combined into one shot) (see polio vaccine)
Hib (see Haemophilusinfluenzae type b vaccine)
PCV (seepneumococcal vaccine) (prevnar conjugated vaccine)
Rotavirus - oral vaccine
If your child does have a reaction, we recommend infant Tylenol (0.4 cc for under 12 pounds, 0.8 cc for over 12 pounds, 1.2 cc for over 18 pounds, given every 4 hours by mouth as needed).
Developmental Milestones
*Sitting up
*Babbling
*Transferring objects in between hands
*Laughing/squealing
Developmental Enrichment
* Reading: The more the better.
Issues to Consider-
*Sleep: At this age, most infants should be able to sleep at least 6 hours through the night and in their own room. For this behavioral training, we recommend the modified Ferber method. Please see “Frequently Asked Questions” for details.
*Starting Solid Foods: We recommend starting solids around 6 months. Start with rice cereal or oatmeal cereal, followed by Stage 1 vegetables then fruits. The average infant will take 2-4 ounces (1 small jar to 1 large jar) up to three times per day with an average of 24-32 ounces of milk per day. Remember however that every baby is different. If your baby takes lots of solids, he may take less milk and vice versa. Add one new food every 2-3 days. This way, if you notice a rash or other signs of allergy, you will be able to discern which food was the culprit. At this point, you are just trying to expose your baby to many different tastes and a wide variety of foods. Stage 2 foods can be added at 7-8 months. By 9 months of age, most babies have an immature pincer grasp and are ready for finger foods.
*Teeth: The first tooth usually comes in around 6 months although sometimes earlier and sometimes much later. Signs of teething include low grade fever, excessive drooling and fussiness. This can be treated with infant Tylenol, topical Orajel, teething rings or teething tablets (dissolvable tablets are available at Henry’s or Whole Foods and most pharmacies). After the teeth have arrived, we recommend some fluoride supplement usually obtained with fluorinated water. This is available with filtered tap water (now that San Diego has fluoride supplemented into the drinking water) or with fluoride water available at most pharmacies (called nursery water). This water can be used to mix formula or just given by itself throughout the day. At this age, the teeth should be cleaned twice per day with a finger brush or washcloth to wipe away any excess sugar from the teeth. As more teeth arrive, you can use a toothbrush to for cleaning.
*Water: After 6 months, it is safe for your baby to take up to 8 ounces of water per day. However, most babies do not need this much as both formula and breast milk contain lots of water. Water is always preferable to juice!
*Baby-proof the House: Your baby will soon be crawling before you realize it. We recommend starting to baby-proof the house now. This includes fences for stairs and pools, cupboard locks, outlet plugs, covering sharp edges, and removing loose debris from the floor.
*Sign Language: Sign language is a way to start language development early as babies have the mental capability for language long before they have the coordination with the mouth and tongue to produce words. After 6 months is a good time to start introducing your baby to sign language and you could expect a first sign by 9-10 months.