Feeding:
- Continue with breast milk and/or formula with iron.
- Solid foods are generally started sometime between 4 and 6 months of age.
- Start with baby cereal such as rice cereal. You may then give stage 1 baby foods, starting first with vegetables and then fruits.
- Solid foods are usually given once or twice a day at this age.
- Your baby still does not need any water or juice.
- Breastfed babies should take a vitamin supplement, either Tri-Vi-Sol with iron or Poly-Vi-Sol with iron, 1 ml (one dropper) daily.
Sleep Position:
- Continue to place your baby on the back only to sleep.
- Once your baby is able to roll over well, your baby may choose his or her own sleep position.
- Tummy time: Let your baby spend time on his or her tummy during every awake period.
- REMEMBER: “Back to Sleep, Tummy to Play”
Car Seat:
- Your baby should always ride in a car seat facing backwards in the back seat of the car.
- Your baby should never ride in the front passenger even with an airbag.
Development:
- Normal development for babies between 4 and 6 months of age:
- Smiling, laughing, cooing
- Pushes up with arms, improved head control
- Rolls over, sits with less support
- Reaches for objects and puts everything in mouth
- Turns head to noise
Flu Vaccine:
- Flu vaccines are available every fall for all infants 6 months and older
- The first year that infants get the flu vaccine, they need two doses given at least one month apart to be protected.
Next Checkup: In 2 months when your child is 6 months old
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