6-Month-Old Baby Milestones

Six-month old milestones can be amazing!

By Sharon Rose   

     Your baby is 6-months-old and you have made it half-way through Baby's first year.  Your baby has grown so fast, about 1 1/2 to 2 pounds a month.  Now, expect your baby's weight gain to slow to about 1 pound a month, but look forward to many developmental milestones beginning at 6 months.  Get ready for giggles and more smiles.  Let's talk about what's next.    

     This is such an exciting time in your baby's growth and development. You can expect your baby to start sitting up alone by six months.  Babies will first hold themselves up, in a sitting position, with their hands.  One day you will turn towards your baby to see him sitting with no support.  Such a memorable moment!  ....and there's more! 

     A 6-month-old can be expected to roll from his back to his stomach.  You can no longer leave him alone on your big bed and think he will stay where you left him. Don't be surprised, if you put him to sleep in his crib on his back, to awaken to find him on his stomach.  That's an "Aha!" moment that most parents will always remember. 

     This is, also, the time that you can expect your baby to start crawling.  You will notice your baby on hands and knees rocking, back and forth.  Take the rocking back and forth as a clue that the crawling will begin soon.  At any moment they will just take off.  If you haven't already, you will need to child-proof your home.  Put anything of danger, such as poisonous cleaning products or sharp objects, out of reach.  You will find that your baby's curiosity is developing very fast and you will not want anything harmful to be in their path. 

     At 6-months, your pediatrician will usually recommend that you start your baby on solid food.  From my own parenting experience and research, I recommend that you start your baby with an iron-fortified rice cereal mixed with breast milk or formula.  Introduce strained fruits and vegetables one at a time.  Each time you introduce a new food wait a few days before introducing another to make sure your baby is not allergic to it.   A cautionary note: Do not give your baby honey until at least one-year-old because it can carry the bacteria that causes botulism.

     The grandparents will be so pleased to notice that their grandchild recognizes their faces.  At 6-months your baby knows the faces of parents, grandparents and other familiar family and friends.  A fear of strangers usually shows up about this time.  Babies are, also, fascinated with their own image. A mirror is a great toy to add at this age. 

     There will be more interaction between you and your baby.  Schedule playtime and enjoy playing with your baby.  Parents are baby's first playmates.  Babies love games like Peek-A-Boo and Pat-A-Cake.  Also, once your baby is sitting up on his own, bath-time play is so much more fun!  If you have other children, train them in the appropriate way to play with your baby and include them in Baby’s playtime.  

Playtime with your baby will bring smiles and happy giggles.

     There is so much to be expected with the milestones of 6-month-olds, and going forward.  It is helpful and important to know what to expect and to prepare yourself to do your best parenting.  Watching and waiting for your baby to do something new everyday has begun!  

*Tips for Your Baby’s Sixth Month:

1.  Be on the lookout for signs that your baby is not hitting important milestones, like babbling, sitting unassisted, smiling, making eye contact, or responding to sounds. If you’re concerned that your baby has missed any milestone, call your pediatrician. 

2.  Play peek-a-boo and similar games with your baby. It will help teach the idea of object permanence, that objects still exist, even when they’re out of sight. 

3.  Place toys just out of reach on the floor to encourage your baby to start crawling. 

4.  If you have older children, make sure to put away toys with tiny pieces to prevent your baby from choking.

*Research Note: "Tips for Your Baby’s Sixth Month,"  http://www.m.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/baby-development-6-month-old?page=5

Find more information on 6-month-old milestones:

http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/milestones-6mo.html?mobile=nocontent

http://parentswanttoknow101.blogspot.com/2011/09/starting-your-baby-on-solid-food.html?m=1

Copyright, "6-MONTH-OLD BABY MILESTONES," Parents Want to Know 101, Sharon Rose, June 18, 2014.  All rights reserved.  

The Family That Prays Together

By Sharon Rose     

     The family that prays together really does stand a greater chance of staying together. Praying together creates a situation that includes prayer, but extends beyond the words of the prayer. Praying together creates: forgiveness, intimacy, communication, and a commitment to focus on strengthening the family. The Bible tells us in James 5:16, "pray for each other so that you may be healed."  That would certainly include the 'family.'  

     How to get started: Make a plan for family prayer time, start slow, and with silent prayer, to get everyone comfortable; and do not use prayer as a way to preach and get complaints heard.  Pray for blessings and healing within the family. 

*More information on strengthening marriage and family: https://www.focusonthefamily.com/marriage

Copyright, Parents Want to Know 101, Sharon Rose, "Families That Pray Together," May 18, 2014.  All rights reserved.

How To Talk To Your Children

by Sharon Rose

Listening is an important part of talking to your children.

      Start with positive talking and listening. How your child "feels" about daily experiences, traumatic events, and the environment around him will be reflected in his behavior. Be prepared to talk to your child in a way to bring greater understanding to any situation and soothe fears away. If your child questions your authority, has a temper tantrum, starts a fight with a sibling, or is whiny and fretful all day don't react by yelling or becoming snappy and fussy. You will have missed a teaching moment. Importantly, start early in their lives having age appropriate talks during a relaxed time to build trust and a bond. Don't wait until there is a problem to talk to your child. Use this age-by-age-guide at the "source" we provide to help you get started and find a comfort zone for you and your child.


Source:http://raisingchildren.net.au/talking_with_kids/talking_to_school_age_guide.html

About Us:
FYI our fan page: www.facebook.com/parentswanttoknow101
Our blog: www.parentswanttoknow101.blogspot.com


Copyright, Parents Want to Know 101, Sharon Rose, "How to Talk to Your Children," May 2, 2014.  All rights reserved.

Storytelling By Grandparents

By Sharon Rose

     Storytelling by grandparents carries valuable life lessons and one's family history. When I was growing up one thing I took great joy in was sitting at my grandfather's feet as he told stories of his boyhood and of him as a young father and husband. With a touch of humor, he told stories of his childhood fears, difficulties, mistakes, and triumphs. My grandfather's stories and seeing all that he had achieved in raising a family, being a good father, husband, and grandfather, gave me courage and hope for what is possible in life if you are persistent and keep a positive attitude. Grandparents' wisdom and memories should be passed down like an heirloom, and it is often young grandchildren who make the best listeners. Make a connection with grandparents. They are the keeper of dreams!



Copyright, Parents Want to Know 101, "Storytelling By Grandparents," Sharon Rose, April 23, 2014. All rights reserved. 

Parents Want to Know 101: Toy Guide 2014 - 2015

By Sharon Rose

Our all new list for 2014 - 2015.  Unique, fun, and educational toys. *Prices taken from Walmart price list, unless otherwise stated.  Prices will vary throughout holiday.  *Some prices given found online. 

1.   Xbox One Bundles; Ages 5 to adult; prices vary.  Includes, Xbox One Halo: The Master Chief Collection Bundle - $329; Xbox One with Kinect and Forza 5 Motorsport - $429.99; Xbox One Bundle with Choice of 1 game & 12-month Xbox Live Gold Card $379.
  

Xbox

 2.   Fisher Price Smart Screen Laptop; Ages 6 mos. to 3 yrs.; Price: $18.88. Description: Baby appropriate laptop animated LED screen, sing-a-long songs in English and Spanish.

3.   Laugh & Learn Crawl Around Car, Fisher Price; Ages 6 mos. - 3yrs.; Price: $38.99, Amazon.com.  Description: Shaped like a car and child sits in it to play.  Plays more than 75 songs to sing-a-long with, can twist steering wheel, honk horn, shift gears and turn the key, etc.  Imaginative play.

Laugh & Learn Crawl Around Car, Fisher Price

4.  Parum Pum-Pum Drum; Ages 18 months +; Price: $34.00; Description: Comes with drumsticks, jingle bells, tambourine, maracas with clackers, and 2 egg shakers.  All fit inside for easy travel.

Parum Pum-Pum

 

5.  Bright Eyes Blanket; Ages 3 and older; Price: $19.99, online purchase only. Description: Use for blanket, towel, or dress-up; choose from puppy, duck, panda, or kitten attached hood.   

6.   Fisher Price Classic Two Tune TV; Ages 1 yr. and up; Price: $18.74, Amazon.com.  Description: this picture, music box has been around for generations to enjoy. Plays, "Row Row Row Your Boat," and "London Bridge Is Falling Down," while related scenes scroll across the screen.

Fisher Price Classic Two Tune TV

7.   Melissa & Doug Classic ABC Wagon Pull Cart, Ages 3 yrs. and up; Price $12.99, Amazon.com. Description: 30 alphabet blocks, a colorful way to learn the ABCs. Use as building blocks and pull in cart. 

8.   Hot Wheels Street Hawk, Remote Control Flying Car; Ages 5 - 15. Price: $49.92. Description: Lots of excitement when kids see this flying car take to the skies.

Hot Wheels Remote Control Flying Car

 

9.  Teksta Robotic Puppy Blue; Ages 5 yrs. and up; Price: $114.00, Amazon.com.  Description: Robotic puppy responds to voice commands, lights up, makes sounds; interactive fun.

Teksta Robotic Puppy Blue

  

10.  Zoomer-Interactive Dino, by Leap Frog; Ages 3 +; Price: $79.88.  Description: Roars, moveable, and ready to be trained by his owner to dance, follow you around, and more.  The perfect pre-historic pet.  Has storage section to hide away treasures. 

Zoomer Interactive Dino

 

11.  LeapFrog LeapPad Ultra Kids Learning Tablet - pink or green;  Ages 4 - 9 yrs.; Price: $149.99, Target. Description: WiFi /Kid Safe Web, pre-screened by Leapfrog has appropriate content only. Play games, download music, write, draw, search, etc. 

LeapFrog LeapPad Ultra Kids Learning Tablet 

12.  Vtech Kidizoom Smartwatch; Age 4 +.  Price:$49.99, Kmart. Description: Perfect for young photographers, this durable smartwatch makes it easy to take photos and record videos on the go.

Vtech Kidizoom Smartwatch

 

  

 13.  VTech Pop & Count Vacuum; Ages 12 mos. - 36 mos.; Price: $19.49, Amazon.com. Description: Interactive push toy introduces counting, has sing-along songs, and more.

VTech Pop & Count Vacuum

14.  Nintendo Wii Gaming System in Black Bundle with Wii Sports and Wii Sports Resort; Ages 6 yrs. and up; Price: $129.00.  Description: Action packed games; you control action on screen; includes Wii console, remote,  nonchuck and game. Other games available include: Michael Jackson: The Experience, $14.96, Walmart, and Just Dance Kids 2014,$39.25, Amazon.com.

  

15.  Furby Boom, by Hasbro; Ages 6 yrs. and up; Price: $63.99. Description: Comes in many colors and bold designs. Plush interactive toy that talks, dances, blinks, etc. Develops a personality based on how you play with it. Comes with an app that you use to take care of your Furby Boom: bath, dress, and even have it hatch an egg to create a new generation of Furbies.

Furby Boom, by Hasbro

 16.  Leap Frog Tag Learning System & Books; Ages 3 yrs. and up; Price: From $38.00 up. Description: Encourages beginners to read; uses “touch to word” wand with audio.  

17.  Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn - Learning Puppy; Ages 6 mos. - 36 mos. Price: $17.99, Amazon.com. Description: huggable toy that teaches alphabet, numbers,  counting, parts of the body, sing-a-longs and more. Heart lights up and twinkles to the music. 

18.  Mini Micro 3 in 1 Scooter; Ages 1 - 5; Price: $91.99, Amazon.com. Description: Available in various colors.

Mini Micro 3 in 1 Scooter

 

 19.  FurReal Friends Get Up and Go Go My Walking Plush Pup Pet; Age 4 +. Price: $26.99, Amazon.com.   Description: Experience what it's like owning a cuddly pet.  Plush pup is controlled by lease to walk it, wags tail, tilts head, barks when you talk to it, and more.   *See other FurReal Friends.  Prices of other animals vary.



FurReal Friends Get Up and Go Go My Walking Plush Pup

 20.  LEGO Legends of Chima The Lion CHI Temple; Ages 8 - 14 yrs.; 

Price: $119.99, ToysRus. Description: An epic Battle of the Chi is played out with Legos. Includes 7 mini-figures with weapons. Imaginative play and Lego skill. 

 21.  Flutterbye Flying Fairy Doll; Ages 5 - 9; Price: $24.77. Description: Launches from base and magically flies through the air.  See instructions.

Flutterbye Flying Fairy Doll

 22.  Disney Frozen Sparkle Princess Elsa Doll; Age 4+. Price: $14.99. Frozen Sparkle Anna; Price: $12.79.  Amazon.com

Frozen Elsa & Anna

 

23.  Baby Alive Wanna’ Walk Doll; Ages 3 and up; Price: $34.88. Description: Doll walks and talks. Over 40 fun phrases and sounds. 

 24.  Barbie Collector Holiday Doll 2014, Ages 6 & up; Price: $33.97,  Amazon.com.  Description: From the Barbie collection of dolls, wearing a beautiful, red, shimmery gown.  Popular with collectors.



Barbie Holiday Collector Doll 2014

 

 25.  Sofia the First Talking Sofia Doll and Animal Friends Play Set; Ages 3 yrs. and up; Price: $32.88. Description: Sofia, dressed in a beautiful ball gown and crown can talk to the animals. Imaginative play.

Sofia the First Talking Sofia Doll and Animal Friends Play Set

26.  Hot Wheels Wall Wheel Starter Set, by Mattel; Ages 4 yrs. and up; Price: $47.97. Description: Race track that mounts on wall at eye level; wall protective strips provided.

27.  VTech Sit-to-Stand Learning Walker; Ages 9 mos. - 36 mos.; Price: $29.99; Amazon.com. Description: Helps your baby go from crawling to walking while having fun and learning with the removable activity board.

VTech Sit-to-Stand Learning Walker

28.  First Act Disney Mater Acoustic Guitar; Ages 4 yrs. and up; Price: $39.94, Amazon.com. Description: Starter instrument - Cinderella, Lightening McQueen pictures on guitar, etc.  *Prices vary depending on Disney character and level of instrument. 

29.  Baby Einstein Take Along Tunes; Ages 0 - 6 mos.; Price: $8.00, Amazon.com.  Description: Baby version of MP3 player. Promotes an appreciation for music, has colorful dancing lights, and handle to carry along.  Baby will hear classical tunes by Mozart, Chopin, etc.

Baby Einstein Take Along Tunes

30.  Leap Frog Pad 2 Power Kids' Tablet for Learning; Ages 4 – 9 yrs.; Price: $89.73.  Description: Kid-friendly tablet that imitates the iPads of their parents.  Includes rechargeable battery with battery pack; never buy batteries again ($40 value); take pictures and videos, play games, and much more.  Price shop this one as prices widely vary. 

31.  Simon Swipe Game; Ages 6 yrs. and up. Price: $14.76,  Amazon.com.  Description: It's the modern twist on a classic game, Simon.  It is a fast-paced game in which you remember and repeat the patterns. 

Simon  Swipe Game

32.  Disney Doc McStuffins Time for Your Check-up Doll; Ages 3-6 yrs.; Price: $32.97.  Description: African American doll is one of the hottest selling dolls, taken from Disney Channel TV show hit. Talking doll is dressed as doctor with bag of magical tools to fix toys. Includes talking lamb, Lambie. Batteries are included.

Disney Doc Mc Stuffins Time for Your Check-up Doll

33.  Disney Doc McStuffins Deluxe Get Better Check-Up Center; Ages 3 and up. Price: $69.99, ToysRus.  Description: Center has everything needed to heal the sick toys, to include The Big Book of Boo Boos to help in giving a diagnosis. 

34.  Evenflo Exersaucer, Mega Around Town; Price: $61.95; Evenflo Exersaucer Bounce & Learn Bee; Price $81.99. Evenflo Exersaucer Activity Center, Mega Splash; Price: $54.99. Ages 6 mos. - 14 mos., all at Amazon.com.  Description: Baby walker and bouncing toy; rocks, spins, and bounces.

Evenflo Exersaucer, Mega Around Town

35. Toy Story Power Blaster Buzz Lightyear  Action Figure; Ages 4 yrs. and up. Price:$33.74. Description: Battery-operated character from the movie has bonus items, including  a power blaster and energy shield, which fit into Buzz Lightyear's hands. Posable and talking action figure features retractable helmet and buttons that activate a variety of 20 well-known sayings and sound effects.

Toy Story Power Blaster Buzz Lightyear  Action Figure

36.  Strider ST-3 No Pedal Balance Bicycle; Price: $87.50 - $181.99, Amazon.com.  Description: Pre-bike, balance bicycle for toddlers.  Comes in girl and boy colors.  Fits height 30" to 44" tall.  *Note that there are no pedals.

Strider ST-3 No Pedal Balance Bicycle

37.  Spider-Man Boy's Bicycle (Multi-16 inch); Ages - Base on height of child; likely will need to try out for height; Price: $79.99, Amazon.com.  Description: Comes with training wheels, adjustable seat, movie graphics. 

38.  Razor Crazy Cart,  Ages 9+; Price: $349.99, ToysRus.  

Description: Go cart style riding toy goes forward, reverse, sideways, diagonally, and everything In-between. Goes speeds of up to 12 Mph. 

39.   Y – Volution Y Fliker F1 Scooter; Ages 5-9 yrs.; Price $99.99, ToysRus.  Description: Unique 3 wheel scooter.

Y – Volution Y Fliker F1 Scooter

40.  Fisher-Price Little People Animal Fun Sounds Farm; Ages 1 yr. - 4 yrs. Price: $37.99. Description: Imaginative play with farm, Farmer Jed, and animals who make sounds.

Fisher-Price Little People Animal Fun Sounds Farm

41.  Imaginarium Mountain Rock Train Table, Ages 3 and up; Price: $109.99, ToysRus. Description: NEW, table and train set has over 100 pieces and 23+ feet of track. There are 5 different play areas, including Two Tower Bridge with lights and sounds, a 2-Level Mountain Tunnel, and Passenger Train Station. Hear the sounds of a real working train station. *Price shop; prices vary widely.



Imaginarium Mountain Rock Train Table

42.  Bright Star, Having a Ball, Get Cookin' Kitchen; Age 1 year +; Price: $34.99, Target.  Description: Playtime in the kitchen, with 2-sided display.

Bright Star, Having a Ball, Get Cookin' Kitchen

 

43.  Tabeo E2 8 Inch Kids Tablet- Silver (personal computer); Ages 6 - 11; Price:$189.98, Amazon.com. Description: kids' tablet, like adult version, to explore the Internet, watch movies, play games, etc. 

44.  Fisher-Price Imaginext Super Friends Batcave; Ages 3 - 8; Price: $45.99, Amazon.com. Description: Kids can pretend to protect Gotham City while living in the Batcave. Super heroes Batman and Robin mini-figures included and more. 

45.  Monopoly Empire Game, by Hasbro; Ages 8 yrs. and up; Price: $21.99, Amazon.com. Description: Classic game with a new twist. Players buy their favorite brands and offices to build to the very top of their tower. Win by filling your tower with billboards.  

Monopoly Empire Game

46.  Our Generation 20" Thoroughbred Horse, and Our Generation Lipizzaner Horse, and various other models w/accessories; Age 3 +; Prices $13.99 - $27.99, Target.  Description: Includes saddle and saddle pad, bridle with reins, blinders, a pair of leg warmers, a brush, a carrot, a bottle, and a trophy.  Various horses have varied accessories.

 

 

 

Our Generation Thoroughbred Horse and Our Generation Lipizzaner Horse



47.  Our Generation Horse Stable; Age 8 +; Price: $112.00, Amazon.com.  Description: Pretty pink stable includes 3 stalls for horses and every thing needed for a little girl to care for her horse.  Fits 18" American Girl Doll.

Our Generation Horse Stable

48.  American Girl Doll; Age 8 +; Price: varies from about $174.00 - $275.00.  Many choices for doll outfits and accessories with varying prices.  Description: Dolls who represent girls from many walks of life, circumstances, cultures, historical eras, and achievements.

 

 

 

American Girl: Sonali, doll with horse riding outfit, doll having hospital visit.

 

 

 49.  Woofer, Hound Dog Guitar; Ages 2+; Price: $19.99, Target.  Description: Plays 20 familiar to and 9 doggie ditties.  Has realistic strings.

Woofer, Hound Dog Guitar

50. Elenco Snap Circuits Green - Alternative Energy Kit; Ages 8 +; Price: $48.95.  Description: Learn about energy sources by building any of 125 projects included in the kit. Create working electronics circuits that include, solar cells, windmill, LEDs, and more.

Copyright, Parents Want to Know 101: Toy Guide, 2014 - 2015, Sharon Rose, Parents Want to Know 101, December 1, 2014.  All rights reserved.