6-Month Checkup

• Family Well-Being
  • Keep a usual family routine
• Keeping Child Safe
  • Do not shake or hit baby
  • Put baby on back in crib with no loose covers or soft bedding
  • Use a crib with slats no less than 2⅜ inches wide
  • Do not place baby in a walker
  • Do not leave baby alone in bathwater
  • Keep a hand on baby when on bed or changing on table or couch and never leave alone
  • Keep child in rear-facing car seat in back seat of car until at least 2 years old or until child is over the height and weight limit set by seat maker
  • Ensure home is safe from fire, carbon monoxide poisoning and choking hazards
  • Set water heater at less than 120 degrees
  • Choose safe, quality child care
  • Report family violence
  • Assess home risk for exposure to lead
  • Lock up guns
• Healthy Feeding
  • Avoid alcohol use while breastfeeding
  • Do not use infant feeders
  • Do not force baby to eat or finish food
  • Do not put baby in bed with bottle
  • Store breastmilk in freezer
  • Follow label guide for mixing formula
  • Store mixed formula (for one-day use only) in refrigerator
  • Breastfeed eight to 12 times in 24 hours
  • Do not heat milk in microwave
  • Introduce solids slowly, one at a time
  • Mash up table foods before giving them to baby
  • Cut table foods into small pieces; do not offer hot dogs cut into circles
  • Offer baby water or juice in a cup at snack time
• Regular Care and Routines
  • Clean mouth and teeth with soft cloth/ toothbrush two times a day
  • Establish ongoing care with dental provider
  • Soothe baby when teething
• Healthy Progress
  • Talk to baby often using simple words to promote language
  • Read picture books and tell simple stories
  • Sing simple songs to baby
  • Give baby age-appropriate toys with no small pieces
  • Use distraction for discipline