MONTH SIX



Your Baby's 22nd Week

Now, when your little one wants to play with a specific toy he’s able to reach for it himself. And, his aim may be accurate enough to grasp it. He’s probably discovered the joy of being somewhat independent and whenever allowed, will push himself around with his hands and feet to move closer to out-of-reach objects. Be sure to supervise him closely and take a few moments to be sure your house and yard are equipped with properly installed gates, latches, outlet covers and other items necessary to ensure his safety.

Your baby is probably now strong enough to sit in an upright position as you carry him around with the support of your baby sling. Try moving him to a position of sitting on your hip. You’ll experience greater freedom of movement and your back, shoulders and arms will thank you as your hip supports most of his weight.

Your Baby's 23rd Week

Watch your little one achieve new heights of independence as she learns to sit without your assistance. She’s not quite able to pull herself into a sitting position, but will be able to support herself if you seat her on a mat on the floor. She’ll begin by supporting herself with her hands and will soon graduate to sitting steadily while toys occupy her hands. Stay close by. She’ll be a bit unsteady and may slump forward without warning. She will thrust her arms out and will attempt to break her fall with her arms and hands when this happens.

In addition to sitting by herself, she may be able to stand without assistance if you place her next to a piece of furniture.

During playtime your little one will begin to make more intentional movements. She’ll study toys for longer periods of time and attempt to make them work together. Watch as she tries to pick up three or more objects at one time.

Your Baby's 24th Week

Your little one has learned how to effectively communicate his needs. Now he’ll begin to display his every emotion as well. You’ll find that he’s like an open book and you can read his moods as they change simply by observing the expression on his face and his body language. You’ll witness smiles and animated movements when he’s happy and a more quiet, withdrawn demeanor when he’s tired, sad or lonely. (Expect him to continue crying as he has in the past to signal the need for attention, food, a diaper change or a nap.)

He’ll continue to experiment with his voice as well. You’ll hear loud outbursts, soft babbling and long strings of seemingly unrelated sounds. He’s attempting to speak as you do and make the noises he hears around him every day. Capture these sounds on video or cassette tape. You’ll enjoy listening to them when he’s older and speaking in “real” sentences.

Consider introducing your baby to a jumper chair hung in a doorway. This can provide amusement, while allowing him to exercise and strengthen those leg muscles. Be certain the chair is properly hung in an appropriate doorway. Keep him away from stairways and other dangerous areas (like near the kitchen stove) where he could get hurt if someone slipped or the chair were to come unhooked from the doorframe. Remember to stay nearby and watch for cues the he may need a rest. Little legs can wear out very quickly.

Your Baby's 25th Week

Infant swings and bouncing chairs will be favorites at this age. Your little one may be quietly lulled to sleep by the gentle motion of a swing or be kept happily playing by himself as he bounces in a stationary entertainer chair. Be sure to encourage plenty of floor time as well. He’ll begin studying object and toys as he learns how they work. Watch his expressions turn from puzzled determination to absolute amazement and pride as he unlocks each little mystery.

Your baby will use his whole hand like a little rake to reach for and drag nearby objects closer to him. Be forewarned, your determined little one may become frustrated and cry when he can’t reach items that have peaked his interest. Though he may be able to scoot about the floor this movement is somewhat difficult and cumbersome. Stay close and hand him new toys occasionally. These cries should subside as he learns to crawl.

Your Baby's 26th Week

Your little one may begin to show an interest in the foods you are eating. Chances are he’s now ready to begin eating solids himself. Although it’s tempting to offer new and interesting tastes in rapid succession, experts advise that you wait at least four to five days between each new food (and even more time is recommended). This will allow time for him to be come accustomed to the taste, his body time to adjust to the new nutrients and will provide a window in which to observe any reactions he may have to an individual food. As you introduce solids, remember, experts advise that breastmilk should still make up 75 percent of your baby’s daily nutritional intake during the second half of his first year.

Consult your pediatrician for recommendations in regard to your individual child. You’ll probably be advised to begin with rice cereal mixed with breastmilk. As you move forward, consider introducing the orange vegetables such as sweet potatoes, winter squash and carrots first. These have a greater amount of iron than other vegetables and fruits.

A slow and steady pace will enable you to adequately watch for signs of food allergies or intolerance. Be alert for any changes in your baby’s health or moods as you introduce each new foods. Watch for unexplained rashes (including a diaper rash) or hives, changes in his stools, abdominal discomfort, otherwise unexplained crying, runny nose, itchy, watery eyes, or any other abnormal changes for your little one. Consult your doctor right away if you suspect such a reaction.

Remember, there is no rush to introduce new foods. While you want to move at a steady pace, there is no harm in feeding a few simple foods for several days or even weeks. Your little one is accustomed to having only one food to this point. Do not worry that he will become bored eating the same foods each day. Unlike you, he’s not yet aware of all the magnificent taste treats in the world.

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