The length and weight of a 6-month-old baby can be used as a benchmark for infant growth and development. In addition, the baby's head circumference must also be considered because this can be a benchmark for the health condition of the Little One.
In addition to these three things, there are several factors of infant development that parents should pay attention to. Sleep habits, communication skills, and eating patterns are some of the forms of your little one's development that also need to be considered.
Average Length and Weight of a 6 Month Baby
The length and weight, as well as the baby's head circumference, should be the main concern of parents in following the baby's growth and development. The length of the baby at the age of 6 months increased 1−2 cm from the previous month, which was 61.5 to 70 cm for baby girls, and 63.5 to 72 cm for baby boys.
Compared to a 5 month old baby's weight, a 6 month old baby's weight should have increased. Normal weight at this age is 6−9.5 kg for baby girls, while for baby boys it is around 6.5−10 kg.
Generally, a 6-month-old baby gains about 85-140 grams of weight per week. At this age, babies are also introduced to solid foods as complementary foods to breast milk.
As for head circumference, the normal size for a 6-month-old baby is 40 to 45 cm. Head circumference, length, and weight of 6-month-old babies have been measured routinely since newborns. From here the doctor can monitor the baby's development.
Head circumference in infants describes brain development. A baby's head that is smaller than it should be is called microcephaly. This condition occurs because the brain does not develop properly or its development stops before it reaches its normal size.
While a larger-than-average head size can occur due to hydrocephalus. In this condition, there is a buildup of fluid in the brain, and it will affect the baby's brain development.
Monitoring Baby's Development 6 Months
In addition to the baby's weight at 6 months and other benchmarks in the baby's physical growth, the baby's level of development must also be considered, including:
Sleep habits
A 6 month old baby needs 6-8 hours of sleep every night. Some babies may find it difficult to fall asleep and some can only fall asleep when they are being held. At this time, you have to create a comfortable sleeping space and be patient in finding the right way to sleep your baby so he can sleep soundly through the night.
When your little one is asleep, keep an eye on him so he doesn't fall out of bed. The reason is, at this age the baby has begun to be able to lie on his stomach and roll over on his own so that if he is separated from parental supervision, it is feared that the baby will fall out of bed.
Communication
In addition to the increased weight of the 6-month-old baby, communication skills have also increased. Babies can smile, laugh, interact with other people, and invite to play. To improve communication and language skills, you can read stories regularly.
A 6 month old baby has also begun to respond to the atmosphere around him. Make the baby play in front of the mirror, then talk to him and get to know his reflection. From here, babies will learn about the world of social, visual, and emotional development.
Dietary habit
6 month baby weight gain can be supported with the right diet. At this age, babies can be introduced to solid foods as complementary foods to breast milk (MPASI).
At the beginning of complementary feeding, you can give crushed cereal with breast milk or formula. Make sure the texture of the solid food given is really soft so that your little one is easy to swallow.
There are many factors to consider besides the length and weight of a 6-month-old baby. In addition to physical growth, there are also other developments of the baby that need attention, such as habits and ability to interact. Keep consulting your pediatrician to make sure the baby's growth and development is going well and according to his age.