Breast milk is best for your baby

The World Health Organisation recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life. Unnecessary introduction of bottle feeding or other food and drinks will have a negative impact on breastfeeding. After six months of age, infants should receive age appropriate foods while breastfeeding continues for up to two years of age or beyond. Consult your doctor before deciding to use infant formula or if you have difficulty breastfeeding.

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Childhood Development

Milestones ahead

From the first moments after the birth of your child, you know your life will never be the same. Your child will change from week to week-even from day to day-as he begins to notice the world around him, and to interact with it. Get a head start, and know what to expect as your baby matures.

Month

Mom turned entertainer – secrets to keeping your baby stimulated

Mom turned entertainer – secrets to keeping your baby stimulated
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Sitting tall – practice makes perfect

It may seem like the change happens overnight – one day, your baby needs help sitting up, and on the next he's sitting up for the first time on his own. In fact, your baby has been silently working for months to sit up on his own.

He's been strengthening his muscles by sitting in his infant chair and by sitting propped up against pillows. While the first time he sits tall, he'll be leaning on his hands for balance, in the next two months, he will sit up completely and use his hands to play.

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Meaningful play – games with a goal

This month, your baby's playful side may come out. Help him learn while he's playing with:

  • Activity boards that encourage him to push, pull, turn, and poke bells, wheels, and dials
  • Cloth, wood, or plastic blocks that help show your baby how to build towers and knock them down
  • Toy telephones, spoons, and measuring cups that introduce him to common household objects
  • Hand games that help him practice his fine-motor skills
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Taking the anxiety out of separation

Last month, your baby's first fear may have emerged - the fear of strangers. This month brings a new one – separation anxiety.

This fear typically begins at 6 to 8 months of age.

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Sleeping through the night – dream come true

Once your baby is 6 months old, he'll begin sleeping through the night. But he may still occasionally wake in the night. At this age, if he still wakes up several times a night, talk with your health care professional about possible causes and solutions.

During the day, your baby will be wide-awake and active for extended periods, taking two or three short naps totaling three to four hours.

  • Begin to explore objects (including his feet!) by putting them in his mouth
  • Pick up things by "raking" them with his fingers. (It's a good time to be even more careful about what you leave around the house.)
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Sounds Familiar

He may even start understanding parts of the conversation you're making with him. This month, discover your baby's developmental milestones, and tips for:

  • Helping your baby feel secure
  • Keeping your baby entertained
  • Stepping up playtime
  • Helping your baby sit tall
  • Dealing with baby separation anxiety
  • Coping with 6-month-old sleeping patterns
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Safe and secure – helping baby's mental and emotional health

Helping your baby feel secure and engaged in the world now can help him achieve emotional health and mental aptitude as he grows. Doing this is surprisingly simple at this age:

  • Soothing and calming your fussy baby helps send the message that all is well with the world-a message that stays with him as he grows
  • Helping baby relax by gently stroking his back, arms, or legs from top to bottom will minimize stress
  • Singing to your baby or rocking him will help him connect bedtime with a peaceful time
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