Infants aged 6 months are considered ready to be introduced to solid foods as complementary foods to breast milk (MPASI). At this age, The baby's digestive system is generally able to process and digest solid food.
Babies aged 6 months are usually starting to put things in their mouths and like to sit and play on the floor and look at their surroundings.
Compared to a 5-month-old baby, a 6-month-old baby's weight has increased. Baby boys aged 6 months generally weigh around 6.4–9.7 kg, with a length of 63–71 cm. Meanwhile, baby girls at this age usually weigh around 5.8–9 kg, with a length of 61.5–70 cm.
6 Months Baby's Motor Ability
A 6 month old baby's feet are generally able to support some of his body weight. Therefore, if your little one wants to learn to sit or stand, you can help him by holding his armpits.
The muscle strength of the legs and arms of a 6-month-old baby has an important role in the next stage, namely crawling. Mothers can help train muscle strength by placing toys around the little one for him to reach.
In addition, 6 month old babies are generally able to do the following things:
- Likes to drop any object on the floor to pay attention to the sound it will make
- Starting to crawl. Some babies crawl backwards at first, then crawl forward
- Easy to lift objects with one hand and transfer to the other
- Becoming interested in small objects. Supervise your little one while playing, make sure he doesn't put small objects in his mouth so he doesn't choke
- Starting to be able to roll the body forward and backward
Because a 6-month-old baby can move everywhere, of course he needs closer monitoring. As much as possible, do not leave your little one alone unattended.
Speech Ability
Generally, 6 month old babies can recognize names and understand simple words, such as "No do not", or "Dad".
His motor skills and understanding of language are developing faster than speech skills, but he can already use body language to communicate. For example, pointing to something you want, shaking your head if you don't agree, or waving to someone else.
Reading fairy tales to your little one and letting them pay attention to interesting pictures in books will make their language skills develop better. He will also grow up to be a child who loves books.
At the age of 6 months, babies generally do not focus on paying attention to something or patiently listening to stories read by their parents, but they will enjoy paying attention to colors and pictures, even if only for a moment.
Social Skills
At the age of 6 months, the baby's interaction ability will experience many developments, such as:
- If previously he was still reluctant to respond or was afraid of the presence of new faces, at the age of 6 months, the baby may become more open and respond to smiles and other people's invitations to joke. He can also instantly get to know people he finds interesting.
- Babies will try to attract attention, both with pleasant and unpleasant actions. At this age, you can start teaching your little one which actions are good and bad.
- Crying is no longer the only way to show expression and attract other people's attention. Babies can scream, bang, drop objects, and make noise.
- Babies can respond to other people's expressions.
- Babies can respond when their name is called and respond to sounds by making a sound as well.
Other Things Parents Need To Pay Attention To
A 6-month-old baby starts eating solid food as solid food, so that your baby's stool will change color and become smelly. To overcome this, Mother can give more fruits and vegetables, so that the Little One is not difficult to defecate.
Food cut into small pieces or finger food can also be an option. These can be sliced potatoes, bananas, cheese, and other fresh foods that he can grip and put in his mouth easily. However, if your little one has not been able to take and consume finger food at the age of 6 months, you can wait until he is about 7-8 months to try again.
Instant or packaged baby food is convenient, but may contain excess salt or sugar and preservatives. Therefore, it is advisable for mothers to prepare their own baby food at home, such as pureed fresh fruits and vegetables.
In addition, make sure all food is clean, has also been boiled or steamed until cooked, so that the food is not hard and can be easily swallowed by the little one.
When on the move, a 6-month-old baby who is already actively moving needs clothes that are more comfortable, such as cotton that absorbs sweat, isn't tight and isn't too loose. So, avoid clothes with laces, ties, lots of buttons, and too many other details that can be dangerous.
At the age of 6 months, you can also observe whether your little one is dominant with the right or left hand. However, this trend will only really be seen after the baby is 2-3 years old.
Things to Watch Out for Parents
The development of each baby is different, so you don't have to worry too much if your little one has not shown all the abilities as above. However, it's a good idea to check your little one to the doctor, if he shows some of the following:
- Unable to hold his own head upright
- Can't sit alone
- Unable to reach object
- Doesn't respond to other people's smiles or surrounding sounds
- Her body looks stiff and her muscles are tight, or vice versa looks limp like a doll
- Not saying any vocabulary
- Unable to roll over his body
- Can't put things in his mouth
A 6 month old baby will generally enjoy playing, especially with all objects that can make sounds. Anything can actually grab his attention, like the sound of water from a faucet filling a bucket or the sound of an old can being hit. If you want to buy toys, make sure you buy toys according to the age of the baby.
Mother can also provide teether or toys that are safe for a 6-month-old baby to bite. Don't forget to make sure the toy is clean by washing it every day. In addition, you can use various types of cloth with various surfaces, which can be used as a place to play.
If you still have questions about the development of your 6-month baby or want to know more about complementary foods that are suitable for your baby's condition, don't hesitate to consult a doctor.
Read on for the next age development cycle in 7 Months Babies: Start Crawling.