For growth and development tracking at this appointment, you’ll be able to look back at all the progress Baby has made over their first half year of life. Half birthdays aren’t quite as cool when you’re older, but it’s pretty neat now to see how much Baby has changed in just 6 short months. It’s also time for new questions, milestones, and potentially a few vaccines.
At the appointment
It might be time for the third dose of many vaccines, including hepatitis B, haemophilus influenzae (Hib), pneumococcal conjugate, polio, rotavirus (RV), and DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis [whooping cough]). At 6 months old, it’s also recommended that Baby get their first comprehensive eye exam. Their pediatrician or other healthcare provider may be able to refer you to a specialist.
Milestones your healthcare provider will be looking for might include rolling over, sitting up, leaning forward, enjoying playtime, babbling or “talking,” enjoying looking around, recognizing names, smiling at friends and family, and putting things in their mouth.
Questions to ask
You’re right around Baby‘s half birthday – woohoo! You can ask the healthcare provider for birthday party or present advice, or you can stick to some more health-related queries. Some examples include:
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How can I improve Baby‘s oral health?
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What are some strategies for introducing new foods?
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How can I help my baby while they are teething?
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What are the best games for Baby‘s development?
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Should I be using “baby talk” or speaking normally?
Sources
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“AAP Schedule of Well-Child Care Visits.” HealthyChildren.org. American Academy of Pediatrics. December 18, 2015. Web.
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“Well-child visits.” MedlinePlus. U.S. National Library of Medicine. February 5, 2015. Web.
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Heiting, Gary. “Eye exams for children.” All About Vision. AllAboutVision.com. July 2015. Web.
