Welcome to the first week of the seventh month with your baby. The last six months went by in the blink of an eye, didn't it? And obviously, there have been days or even weeks, when it felt like forever. But you have to admit, the last six months have been pretty good. You've got a happy and a healthy baby now, who's probably playing right next to you as you read this, and you absolutely love your new role as a
mom. You love the way your baby looks at you and smiles, don't you? He can now recognize your touch, reach out for "ma ma" and is completely dependent on you.
Also, you're probably keeping a tab on her development per week. That is definitely the only thing
new mothers worry about when it comes to their children - if they're doing it right, or of their child is getting what she deserves.
The Tough Transition Between Breastfeeding and The Bottle
Oh, the dreaded bottle! You loved nursing your child, especially since it
strengthened the bond between you and your baby. Also, you knew that this was the best food for your baby's fragile tummy, and that there could be no harm to her. But it's also time to try something else. You should try weaning her from your breast, if you start now, she's likely to have transitioned to the bottle in a few weeks.
This could be hard for both of you, but don't worry, you'll both get accustomed to it. You could try to feed her when she is almost completely full, or on empty stomach. Do not make a big deal of it, no matter how much it breaks your heart. Also, if you are handing her the bottle, you could have someone else do it for you. That is because, your baby tends to associate breast milk with you, and is likely to reject the bottle at the first try.
Milestones This Week
Well, your baby has started sitting all by herself, and is able to balance herself - something she might have had trouble with earlier. So, kudos to that! Also, she has a keen sense of observation, which allows her to notice little things here and there. If you drop bits of cereal in front of her, chances are she is going to pick them up and put them in her mouth. Be careful about what you drop in front of her. You don't want her to swallow something she shouldn't. While it would probably be wiser to keep an eye on her activities, you also need to allow her some space. She needs to figure out some things for herself.
Time for Baby Shoes?
Your baby is now approximately 6-months-old. That means, she is likely to start walking soon enough. Already, she is standing up with assistance. But that doesn't mean you have to start making her wear shoes right now. You could buy soft and special shoes for infants, which you could use on occasion. There's no need to make her wear shoes regularly. Try to keep her barefooted or on soft woollen socks as much as you can. If you make her wear shoes, that could tamper with the development of the muscles in her feet. So when she actually starts
walking, it would be much harder than it actually is.
Solid Food or Not?
Notice your baby's reactions when you eat in front of her. You'll probably see her following every movement of yours and watching you intently. That probably means, she is eager to start on solid food. What's more, she might even reach out for your food. Why not capture her first taste on camera? It would be a great memory to look back on her 18th birthday!
Rolling Over to the Other Side
Earlier, your baby was rolling over to just one side. That might have been amusing, but now you are going to have to be on watch, since she knows how to roll over on both sides. If you find her one morning happily sleeping on her tummy, let her be. It won't hurt her for sure. While changing her nappies, or while powdering her, you might want to keep a hand on her preventing her from rolling over and falling off. If she's playing on the bed, make sure either you or someone else is present at the time, and that she doesn't roll over too close to the edge. Babies have been known to fall off and injure their heads more than once, you know.
Well then, now that you know how to tackle your baby who is learning new things everyday, you can go right back to playing with her!
Know about the growth milestones that a baby is expected to achieve on entering the seventh month or 25th week of her development? Discuss here.
