Advice: 6 months

15204 Omega Drive

Suite #100 Rockville, MD 20850

Advice for 6 month olds

Nutrition

Breast/bottle feeding

Breast milk or formula with iron should remain the only source of milk for the first year of life. As baby foods are added over the next few months, babies may drink less formula/breast milk.

All breastfed infants (or infants receiving < 32 oz of formula daily) should have a vitamin D and iron supplement. We recommend Poly-vi-sol with iron or Novaferrum with iron, 1 mL orally each day.

At 6 months, you can start offering your baby a little bit of water (4-6 oz/day) in a straw or sippy cup.

Solid Foods!

Most babies eat 1-3 tablespoons 1-2 times each day. Remember that food at this age is for fun and practice, and most of baby’s nutrition still comes from milk.

You can start with “stage 1 foods” (veggie or fruit purees or oatmeal) but babies can also try different soft/mashed foods.

Do not give honey to a baby under 12 months old, and do not put baby food in bottles.

It is ok to try 1 new food a day, but avoid adding new foods at the same time.
If your baby develops a rash, diarrhea, or vomiting then stop the latest food and consult your pediatrician.

Most babies eat 3 meals a day by 9 months.

Allergens

Introduction of peanut-containing products is recommended before 6 months of age, as early introduction is proven to reduce the risk of developing peanut allergies.

If this worries you, you can join one of our Peanut Butter Parties where an experienced nurse will be present while you introduce major allergens. The seminar is also a great way to introduce any of the other major allergens you may be anxious about, including egg, milk, wheat, soy, and tree nuts. Just bring your baby & feeding supplies and we will be on hand for guidance and medical support in the unlikely event that medical intervention is required.

What to expect at your 6-month visit

Check-up: Your provider will complete a comprehensive history and physical exam, review growth curves, answer any questions, and provide age appropriate guidance.

Vaccines:

Pediarix: Combo of Hepatitis B, DTaP, and Polio
Hib: Haemophilus influenza, type b
Prevnar: Pneumococcal Disease

Vaccine side effects: The majority of babies do not have any side effects from today’s shots, but some may experience pain at the injection site, fever or fussiness for 1-2 days. You can give Tylenol at the above dosing if needed. Avoid Motrin until your baby is 6 months old. If your baby has a fever >103 or has any other unusual signs, please call us.

Optional/Seasonal Vaccines

Flu (optional): Your baby is old enough for their first dose of Flu vaccine. The first year that babies receive their Flu vaccine, they need 2 doses, spaced by 30-days
COVID-19 (optional): Your baby is old enough for their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine. The first year that babies receive a COVID-19 vaccine, they must complete a 3-dose primary series. Dose 2 is 3 or more weeks after Dose 1. Dose 3 is 8 or more weeks after Dose 2.

Labs: There are no routine labs at this visit

Development

At this age, infants are generally rolling both ways, learning to get into a sitting position, grabbing objects in front of them and transferring them from hand to hand. They will often babble and start to make consonant sounds within the next few months! You can stimulate language development by talking to and responding to your baby’s sounds and reading to your child. Peek-a-boo is a favorite game at this stage and gives babies a chance to practice the comings and goings of parents.

For great book recommendations, please visit potomacpediatrics.com/books-we-recommend

Newborn Safety

ALWAYS… put the baby in a car seat while driving! The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children remain facing backwards until age 2.

ALWAYS... bathe infants in very shallow water and never leave the child unattended. Fence in backyard pools.

ALWAYS…apply sunscreen to your child when spending time outside since they are now old enough for this. Choose a product that is hypoallergenic and SPF 30 or higher.

ALWAYS… pay attention to choking hazards. Your baby will start putting objects into the mouth, so items should be larger than the size of a golf ball.

ALWAYS… guard windows and stairs with railings and gates. Plug up electrical sockets and tie up extension cords. Tie up the cords for all blinds. Keep heavy and hot containers out of reach.

ALWAYS... lock up all medications and household poisons including cleaners, paint thinners, and drain cleaners. If you are worried your child has ingested something they shouldn’t, please contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222

ALWAYS… know that guns in the home are a danger to the family. If guns are kept in the house, store the gun and ammunition in two separate locations, and keep each of them locked up.

ALWAYS… know that you infant walkers (devices with wheels that your child can push while walking) are not recommended given safety risks of falling.

Potomac Pediatrics will always be fully focused on helping your child and you to overcome any healthcare hurdle, with innovative, comprehensive and compassionate care.

Questions?

301-279-6750