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Safety Considerations Your baby may be learning to crawl. Plan ahead to make your home safe. Cover electrical outlets and check electrical cords. Be sure to look around at floor level. Hide cords, if possible. Block stairways and lock up all cleaning supplies and medications. Lead poisoning is a serious problem. It can make it hard for your child to learn and can also cause health problems. Your child’s risk will be measured at six months. Your doctor will ask you to answer some questions that will tell if a blood test needs to be done at this age. Otherwise, the blood test will be done at ages one and two. YOUR BABY AT 6 MONTHS Development Learning language starts at birth through everyday activities like sharing books, telling stories, talking to one another, and pointing out and naming objects. Parents and other adults play a powerful role in preparing your baby for future school success and in becoming a motivated learner. By 6 months of age your baby should begin to: Sit briefly without support and sit well in a highchair Smile and “talk” to self in mirror Grasp and play with feet while lying on his/her back Begin to recognize that someone is a stranger Transfer an object from one hand to another Support his/her own weight while standing “Scootch” on belly by pushing legs Try to get a toy that is out of reach Immunizations Due Third Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTaP) Hepatitis B Third Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib) Third Pneumococcal Third Polio Third Rotavirus Flu vaccine is recommended every year before flu season. Two doses separated by at least 4 weeks are necessary this first time. Healthy Beginnings … for a healthier community. ---PAGE BREAK--- HELPFUL HINTS You may want to take this newsletter to your baby’s 6-month check up to use as a reminder list of immunizations that are due or topics that may need discussion. For additional helpful information go to from the American Academy of Pediatrics. Protect your baby’s teeth from cavities. Care for your baby’s teeth - When you see the first teeth, gently brush with a soft baby toothbrush and a smear (the size of a grain of rice) of fluoride toothpaste. Germs can pass from your mouth to your baby’s mouth, including those that cause cavities. Use a different spoon to taste your baby’s food. If your baby’s pacifier falls on the floor, clean it with water. Fluoride Varnish - Ask the doctor about fluoride varnish. It is a simple way to protect baby teeth from cavities. For more information, visit: www.mouthhealthy.org Offering new foods. When giving new foods to your baby, give one at a time. Wait several days before offering another new food, so if your child has an allergic reaction, it is clear which food caused the problem. Check with your baby’s doctor before starting solid foods. Do not give foods to your baby that may cause choking. Popcorn, grapes, nuts, hot dog chunks, and other small hard pieces of food can cause choking. Baby walkers are not recommended. They are often the cause of falls. It is best for your baby to learn to walk on his or her own. Teething advice. A hard teething ring or a cold washcloth may relieve the pain of teething. Continue reading to your baby. Point to pictures in the book. Your baby enjoys looking at the pictures and listening to your words. The warmth and closeness add to a positive experience. Health insurance. If you or your children do not have health insurance, the Health Insurance Marketplace can help you get coverage, and you can add dental to a health plan. The cost is determined by your income. For some families there will be no cost. Whatever your income, the premiums are lower than those of other insurance companies. All children need this protection. To apply call the official Health Plan Marketplace at 1-855-355- 5777 or visit For in person assistance, visit website, click Get Help and Navigator locations. Parenting is hard work. Remember to take time for yourself, eat right, and get plenty of rest. If you need parenting help, call the Parent Help Line anytime at 1-[PHONE REDACTED]. Someone will listen to you and give you information to help you. Set up a bedtime routine. A bedtime routine helps your baby recognize it is time to go to sleep. It does not matter what the routine is; just that it be comforting, loving, and relaxing. Put your baby down when he or she is sleepy but not asleep. This will teach your baby to self-sooth and put him or herself to sleep. Immunization records. Keep a written record of all immunizations and testing done for your baby. Take the records with you on each visit to your doctor or clinic and get it updated. The immunizations are also put in an electronic program by your doctor’s office so they will be available if you change doctors. Childcare: If you plan to return to work, the Cortland Development Council – Cortland Office can give you the names of registered and certified day care providers. For more information, call [PHONE REDACTED]. Developmental concerns: Parents know their children best and are in the best position to observe and report what their child is doing. If you have any concerns about your child’s development, talk with your child’s physician or call the Cortland County Early Intervention Program at [PHONE REDACTED]. For more information about your child’s development, visit the following websites: www.zerotothree.org or Reproduction of this newsletter is not permitted without authorization from the Cortland County Health Department. Revised 4/2017