My Baby's 6 Month Visit

Physical Exam and Immunizations

Six months already?

As your baby reaches the 6-month mark, this is an exciting time of growth and development. During this visit, we’ll focus on key areas to ensure your little one is thriving, and address common questions and concerns that many parents have at this stage:

Physical Screening

We’ll perform a thorough head-to-toe exam, checking your baby’s weight, length, and head circumference to ensure they are growing well. We’ll also assess their muscle tone, movement, and reflexes, helping us track their physical development.

Milestone Assessments

At six months, we’ll look for important developmental milestones like sitting up and standing with support, rolling both ways, and reaching for objects. These milestones help us ensure your baby’s motor and cognitive skills are progressing as expected.

Nutrition & Starting Solids

Many parents are starting to introduce solid foods around this age. We’ll discuss how to safely introduce solids, which foods to start with, and how to balance them with breastfeeding or formula. We’ll also talk about how to recognize signs of readiness and avoid common choking hazards.

Sleep

Sleep is still a big topic at this age! We’ll review your baby’s sleep habits, naps, and nighttime routines, and offer tips for supporting longer sleep stretches and establishing consistent sleep patterns.

Teething and Oral Health

If your baby hasn’t started teething already, it’s coming soon! We’ll discuss teething signs, how to soothe discomfort, and early oral care tips to keep your baby’s gums and emerging teeth healthy.

Mother’s Health 

Your health is still a priority. We’ll check in on your physical and emotional well-being, discuss postpartum recovery, and provide support or resources if you’re experiencing any challenges.

We’re here to ensure both you and your baby are doing well during your motherhood journey. Don’t hesitate to bring any questions or concerns you might have to your appointment.

Picture of Peter Silas, M.D.

Peter Silas, M.D.

Peter is board-certified in pediatrics and is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Milestones to Expect

  • Understands a few words such as “no-no” and “bye-bye.”
  • Responds to their name.
  • May say “dada” or “mama.”
  • Babbles, imitates vocalization.
  • Crawls, creeps, and moves forward.
  • Interacts with games such as peek-a-boo and pat-a-cake.

Sleep Habits

  • Your baby may now be sleeping through the night.
  • Continue to encourage your baby to self-soothe at night.
  • Do not put your baby to bed with stuffed animals, blankets, or toys until they are at least 12 months old.

Medicine Dosages

WEIGHT 12-17 lbs 18-23 lbs
Children’s Acetaminophen
(160 mg / 5 mL)
Can be given every four hours.
2.5 mL 3.75 mL
Infant's Ibuprofen
(50 mg / 2.50 mL)
Can be given every six hours.
1.25 mL 1.875 mL
Do not exceed more than 4 doses in 24 hours.

Vaccine Information Sheets

Vaccine Information Statements (VISs) are information sheets produced by the CDC that explain both the benefits and risks of a vaccine to vaccine recipients.

DTaP VIS

HIB VIS

IPV VIS

Hepatitis B VIS

Pneumococcal VIS

Rotavirus VIS

RSV VIS

Influenza/Flu VIS

COVID-19 VIS

  1. Diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and acellular pertussis vaccine (DTaP)
  2. Haemophilus influenzae type b conjugate vaccine (HIB).
  3. Inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV)
  4. Hepatitis B vaccine (HepB)
  5. Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV)
  6. Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
  7. Rotavirus vaccine
  8. Influenza/Flu vaccine
  9. Covid-19 vaccine

Bright Futures

At your visit, we’ll provide a summary of what to expect at this stage of your child’s development, as well as in the upcoming weeks and months. This resource, known as Bright Futures, is available below for viewing or printing online.

Six months with my baby and I’m not sure what I did before he was here. His sweet little smiles when he sees me light up my world. He’s sitting up on his own and grabbing everything in sight. He’ll be crawling all over before I know it!”

When to Call Your Pediatrician

  • If your baby has a fever.
  • If your baby doesn’t want to eat.
  • If your baby is vomiting excessively.
  • If your baby is irritable or lethargic.
  • If your baby has unusual skin rashes.
  • Any time you feel something is out of the ordinary.

From the Pediatric Blog

Developmental Milestones to Expect

Keep track of your child’s milestones and consult your pediatrician if you have any concerns about their development. Early intervention can make a significant difference!

Starting Solid Foods

Ready to start your baby’s journey with solid foods? Schedule a consultation to learn more about safe first foods and tips for a smooth transition!

The Importance of Early Dental Care in Children

Is your child ready for their first dental visit? Schedule an appointment today to ensure a healthy start to their oral care journey!