Baby's 6-Month Checkup: What to Expect

Medically Reviewed by Amita Shroff, MD on October 03, 2022
Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors
2 min read

Congratulations! Your baby is halfway through their first year. They may be squealing, cooing, and making noises that almost sound like words.

Get ready for some more big changes. Your baby will be sitting and crawling soon. If you haven't already, be sure to safety-proof your home before your baby gets moving.

Here's what to expect at your baby's 6-month checkup.

  • Measure your baby's weight, height, and head circumference.
  • Give your baby a yearly flu shot, either at this visit or any of the next few checkups in the autumn months.

 

  • Is your baby rolling back and forth?
  • Is your baby sitting up on their own or with a little help?
  • Has your baby started teething?
  • Does your baby pass objects from one hand to the other?

 

  • What solid foods is my baby ready for now?
  • What foods should and shouldn't I give them?

 

  • When your baby is ready to move on from infant cereal, try vegetables, meat, and fruits.
  • Puree, mash, or cut food into tiny pieces. Do not give your baby raw fruits or vegetables just yet.
  • Give baby one new food at a time.
  • Wait 2 to 3 days to see if baby has a reaction before trying a new food.
  • Don't give your baby cow's milk, honey, seafood, peanuts, or tree nuts right now. If you decide to offer egg, start with the yellow part first.
  • Your baby's poop may change color or consistency, depending on what they eat.
  • Try using a sippy cup.

 

  • How should I play with my 6-month-old?

 

  • Play peek-a-boo!
  • Place toys just out of reach on the floor to encourage crawling.
  • Read to your baby every day and give them board books to "read" on their own and explore.
  • Give your baby things they can manipulate -- like stacking cups, blocks, pots and pans, and squeaky toys.

 

Your baby may soon be propelling themselves around, so continue child-proofing your home:

  • Create a baby-proof safe area where they can move and explore to their heart's content.
  • Keep older children's toys -- ones with small parts -- away from the baby.
  • Put padding on the sharp corners of furniture.
  • Secure electrical cords out of reach.
  • Make sure baby won't be able to grab or try to pull up on unsteady furniture. Anchor bookcases and TVs to the wall so your child can't pull them over and hurt themselves.
  • Put safety locks on reachable cabinets.
  • Keep all medications and chemicals out of reach, in locked cabinets.

Your baby is getting more social every day. Soon they'll be babbling and saying their first words. Just think about how far your baby has come in half a year, and there's still so much more to come!