Wow – six months have just flown by, yet you cannot remember life before your little miracle came along. What was it that you used to do in your spare time? I can’t remember.

This is the perfect time to start up a reading routine. She will begin to react to your facial expressions and changes in voice pitch/tone. Regular reading will not only improve your child’s love of books in the future, but push along his language development; both visual and auditory. By six months, she can hear and see about as well as you can. Her communication skills will begin to develop rapidly as she begins to repeat one syllable sounds such as ma, ba, ga.

Most babies can roll in either direction by six months. That means they are now mobile and can make their way easily across the floor by rolling to their destination. Time to double check the baby proofing in your house to make sure everything is safe. She can also grab things and will likely want to taste test each new object. She will begin to pass an object from hand to hand. Unfortunately she will also soon discover the fun of dropping an object for Mom to retrieve over and over.

As time and milestones progress, you may begin to wonder if your baby is progressing normally and “on time”. Just remember that each baby will develop at her own rate and not to panic if a milestone is reached late. If you are concerned, speak with your healthcare provider.

Anne NJ