What to Expect from Your Baby–6-9 months
These months fly by so quickly! Already over half of a year has gone by since your baby was born. And what a difference 6 months makes! She has progressed from a tiny infant to a baby that can hold herself up and can express herself with laughter, noises and many different cries.
During these stages, and, well, pretty much for the first few years of childhood, it is helpful to remember that babies and young children can remember what we say for only a very short span of time. She isn’t dropping that spoon for the hundredth time to make a mess. She does it just because it is fun to see what happens, and she can’t remember that it makes a mess to clean up. Rest assured all your patience now will pay off!
Your baby may want to begin exploring finger foods at some point during these 3 months. Make sure everything is in small enough pieces so as not to be a choking hazard. Things like small pieces of banana or “Cheerios” are great first finger foods. Your baby also may have her first tooth pop up around this time. Teething often brings drool, sore gums and an increased need for comfort - or for some children, there are no effects at all! It will be, as always, a unique experience for each baby.
Because of your baby’s ability to understand her world more, it may be difficult now to leave her with others. Separation anxiety can hit many babies around this age. She enjoys familiar faces, familiar situations and predictability. If separation anxiety does become a problem for you and your baby, try to listen to her and be with her as much as possible. And remember, this too shall pass!
By the end of this time your baby is likely sitting up and may have attempted crawling or even walking. The path to mobility is different for each child. Some don’t really go anywhere until closer to their first birthday or even after. Although your baby still isn’t speaking yet, she understands a great deal. Keep talking to her and also talk with her. When she makes noises about something respond to her. She loves being a part of the conversation now. This is also a great time to begin teaching her baby signs. Teaching a baby some basic words in sign language will help her to communicate her needs while her vocal skills continue to develop.
As your baby grows and changes, you are probably getting more and more used to parenting. You and your baby have most likely also gotten into a rhythm of interaction and life in general that you have been working at developing these last few months. While there are also always challenges, this is a wonderful time in a child’s life. She will transform so quickly into a toddler, enjoy this part of the journey, it’s very special!