Child Health: Baby 6-9 Months (Child Development Information) - Child Development

6 to 9 Months

PHYSICAL HEALTH
Babies this age continue to grow and develop at an impressive rate, and their ability to move full speed ahead in both motor and cognitive skills usually serves as a good indication of their physical health.

Teething. If your baby follows the typical pattern of teething (if there is such a thing), you'll likely see the appearance of several teeth during this time period, if you haven't seen some already — first on the bottom as the center teeth erupt, followed by the two front teeth and then the two on either side of them. That said, some babies don't have their first tooth erupt until after their first birthday, and for many infants, teeth show up in a completely different order. While parents often assume fevers are caused by teething, this is not a cause of fever accepted by most health professionals — at least not for anything more than a low-grade fever. It may help to give your baby hard things to chew (some parents swear by frozen bagels). You should discuss the use of medicines or other teething treatments and remedies with your baby's doctor, as well as discussing recommended dental care at this age.

Well-Baby Check-ups. Babies generally go for well check-ups at both 6 and 9 months of age. Not only will your baby's doctor be able to check your baby's growth and development, ask about his eating and sleeping habits, and answer questions you might have, but you should expect to be given information sheets about the immunizations that your baby is due to receive. While it is standard for just about all infants to get shots at the 6-month visit, there is enough variation in vaccine recommendations that your baby may or may not get any shots at 9 months. She may be tested for anemia at 9 (or 12) months. If you have questions about how your baby is doing, don't hesitate to ask your pediatrician during these visits. Unless your child has a specific need for earlier follow-up, most babies won't be scheduled for another doctor visit until they celebrate their first birthdays.

Growth. Your baby's doctor will continue to record your baby's height, weight, and head circumference on his growth chart at each well-baby check to make sure that he is following an expected pattern of growth.

Fever and Illness. By this stage, your baby's immune system is becoming more skilled at producing its own infection-fighting antibodies. But because of most infants' increased interactions with other children and adults at this age, they are nonetheless likely to be exposed to and catch their share of colds. Attempting to keep your baby's hands and toys clean and out of direct contact with others who are sick may be a losing battle, but it may be worth making some degree of effort when possible. Babies who are breastfed still get the benefit of their mothers' antibodies through the breast milk, and may get fewer colds or milder symptoms than they would otherwise. While many doctors are less concerned about fever in babies after they reach 3 or 4 months of age, it is still a good general principle for parents to take their baby's temperature with a thermometer — preferably a rectal one — and discuss any fevers with a health care professional.

Safety. Now that your baby is becoming mobile, you'll want to make sure to double-check that her surroundings are safety-proofed accordingly — from your living room floor to her bedroom and crib. Take the time to crawl around your house and protect sharp corners, secure electrical cords, place all dangerous or fragile objects safely out of reach, and check to make sure that she won't be able to grab or pull-up on unsteady or breakable furniture. Play close attention to keeping small objects away from your child, and remember that while your baby will likely be eating solid foods, 6- to 9-month-olds generally need to have their foods pureed, mashed, or cut into tiny pieces to prevent choking.

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