Navigating the 6-8 Month Routine with Your Baby

Welcome to the 6-8 Month Routine

Welcome to the 6-8 month routine, where your little one's growth seems to be accelerating by the minute! As you prepare for the 6-month pediatrician appointment, take a moment to marvel at how your baby has doubled their birth weight. During this visit, your pediatrician will be keeping an eye on core strength, vision development, and those adorable milestones like playing with feet, passing objects between hands, and babbling away.

Playtime Adventures

One of the most remarkable occurrences during the 6-8 month routine is that your baby's vision is blossoming, allowing them to see the world in full color! Embrace this newfound sight by surrounding them with vibrant toys, books, and sensory objects. Engage their curiosity by introducing scarves in a tissue box or playing pat-a-cake for some giggles and claps.

As your little explorer learns to grasp objects and manipulate them, encourage their fine and gross motor skills by providing toys of various sizes and textures just out of reach. These activities are great to do after feeding times in the 6-8 month routine. Remember, a bit of frustration can be a powerful motivator for learning!

And let's not forget the diaper changes – a true test of parental agility! Keep a light-up toy handy or install a mobile above the changing table to distract your little acrobat. And remember, child-proofing is an ongoing process – stay vigilant!

Mealtime Adventures

Did you know that the journey into solid foods starts now, during the 6-8 month routine, regardless of whether your little one has teeth? Over the coming weeks, you'll progress from purees to finger foods, engaging all their senses in the process. The 6-8 month routine is a great time to introduce utensils like silicone sporks and dippers, encouraging their independence.

Experiment with seasoning their food with fresh herbs and spices to tantalize their taste buds, and don't forget to offer a sippy cup during mealtimes to familiarize them with it.

As you expand their culinary horizons, remember to introduce new foods every few days while avoiding choking hazards. And of course, capture these messy, memorable moments with plenty of photos! Reminder to brush up on your CPR/First Aid .

Recipe: Roasted Veggie and Fruit Delight

The 6-8 month routine is a great time to start exploring different tastes and textures. Indulge your baby's taste buds with a delicious blend of roasted veggies and fruits. Simply toss together frozen diced sweet potatoes, butternut squash, spinach, and pears on a sheet pan. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with herbs and seasonings – cinnamon on sweet potatoes and pears adds an extra pop of flavor. Roast until tender, and watch as your little one savors every bite!

Routines and Sleep

Now that your baby is following the Moms on Call 6-8 month routine , you have a bit more flexibility in your day-to-day schedule. While they may be sleeping well at night, early morning wake-ups can still occur – remember, it's normal for everyone to stir an hour before wake-up time.

Naps can be a bit of a challenge, with the goal being a consistent routine and environment for about an hour in the morning and 1 ½ to 2 hours in the afternoon. Don't fret if their sleep isn't solid – it's common for them to fuss, toss, and turn before settling.

A dose of sunshine can work wonders for their sleep patterns, so don't hesitate to get outside for some fresh air and natural light. And if the late evening catnap noted in the 6-8 month routine is a thing of the past, it's okay to adjust their bedtime and take some well-deserved time for yourself.

As you transition to and navigate this exciting 6-8 month routine, take a moment to reflect on the journey so far. Celebrate the milestones, cherish the memories, and embrace the adventures that lie ahead!