3-6 Months baby Eat Care Develop using daily Routines
3-6 Months baby Eat Care Develop using daily Routines
Three to six month olds begin to pay more attention to the world around them. Positive interactions, filled with language and sensory exploration, are beneficial to your baby’s learning. If your baby is interested and involved in an activity—and having fun—he/she is learning! It isn’t necessary to “teach” very young children. Treasure these early days of playing and cuddling with
your little one—it is exactly what he/she needs to grow and learn.
Milestones By end of 6 months
- Recognizes familiar faces
- Responds to other’s emotions, often seems happy
- Likes to look at self in the mirror
- Rolls over in both directions
- May react to strangers
- Strings vowels together when babbling (ah, eh, oh)
- Responds to own name
- Begins to sit without support
- Passes items from one hand to another
Let’s EAT!
While cuddling before feeding time, try the following finger play:
‘Round and round the garden, went the teddy bear. One step, two steps
Tickle under there (Walk your fingers around your baby’s palm. Take steps with your fingers up their arm, and then tickle their armpit, chin, or feet).
Hang a wind chime close to where you feed your baby.
You can make a home-made one by hanging aluminum pie plates close together. Your baby will enjoy watching and listening to the sound during feeding.
When your baby can sit upright in a highchair or while holding your baby in your lap, allow your baby to hold and explore spoons. When your baby begins to eat solids, he/she will enjoy holding a spoon while being fed.
Let’s GET CLEAN!
After changing your baby’s diaper, hold onto your baby’s hands and wrists and count, “one, two, three, up!” GENTLY pull your baby to a sitting position. Smile and lower your baby to repeat.
After diapering, a bath or while getting dressed, recite “Hickory, Dickory, Dock” with accompanying movements (see song list)
Play “What’s that Toy?” by placing a textured toy under your baby’s shirt during diapering or while getting dressed. Talk about what the toy feels like and where it is hidden.
Let’s GO!
Play Airplane Baby! Rest your baby, tummy down, on your arm
with your hand on the chest (similar to football hold). Use your
other hand to secure your baby (supporting head and neck).
Gently swing your baby back and forth. Walk your baby around
the room making airplane noises.
Hang safe toys that make music or different sounds when they
are touched from your baby’s car seat. As your baby discovers
them, he/she will begin to experiment with cause and effect. Be
sure to point out and recognize your baby’s efforts.
Weather permitting; take your baby on a nature adventure by
taking a walk outside. Collect natural items along the way, such
as leaves, grass, sticks, acorns, etc. When you get home, place the
items in clear plastic bottles and secure the lids very tightly (you
can use glue or tape, as well). Let your baby explore the items
inside the botlles. You can punch small holes in bottles containing
items which smell.
Let’s SHARE WORDS and STORIES!
While holding your baby on your lap or while your baby practices
sitting up (with support), read a simple story. Board books made of
thick cardboard are best. Allow your baby to explore the
book (most babies will attempt to place the book in
their mouths). Point out pictures.
Place interesting photos and pictures around the house
in areas where your baby will notice them (on the floor
where your baby has tummy time, on ceiling above
diaper area). Talk to your baby about these pictures when
he/she notices them. Photos of family members engaged
in various activities will interest your baby the most!
Have conversations with your baby. Listen for your baby’s
babbling. When he/she stops babbling, repeat what you heard,
then wait. Your baby will most likely respond and you can repeat
this back and forth conversation.
Let’s SAY HELLO – GOODBYE!
Show your baby a ball then cover it under one of three plastic
cups. Make sure your baby sees which cup you hid the ball
under. Next, encourage your baby to grab or tap the cup with the
hidden ball with a “You found it!”
After spending time away from your baby, tell your
baby about your day.
A favorite toy, stuffed friend, blanket, or other item helps
your baby feel comfortable moving from one place to
another. Pictures of family members work great too!
Let’s REST!
As you cuddle with your baby before nap or bedtime, pull out a
flashlight, turn it on, and say “Look at the light!” Slowly move the
light around the darkened room, focusing on various objects. Talk
about the objects.
Place an unbreakable mirror on the floor in front of your baby. Your
baby will enjoy seeing his/her reflection moving and smiling back.
Have an open space for your baby to practice rolling and resting.
Add small cushions or pillows (with close supervision) for an
added challenge.
