Your challenge: You've been at the parenthood game for half a year. Yet, just when it feels like you have one challenge figured out, another curve ball comes your way. Now that your itty-bitty baby isn't quite so itty-bitty, you're seeing hazards all over the place—from potential allergens in foods to those pointy corners of the coffee table right at baby's crawling eye level. Sigh.
The solution: Your little one's personality is really beginning to shine, and the best thing you can do is remember to have fun along with them. By doing a little homework on the best practices for keeping baby safe and healthy now that they are eating and mobile, you can get on with being their personal cheerleader.
Introducing food: Experts recommend beginning to incorporate "solid" foods into baby's meals between months six and seven, either through traditional spoon-feeding, baby-led weaning or a combination of the two. Whatever route you go, it's generally best to introduce one ingredient at a time so you can tell if your child has any kind of adverse reaction. Also important? Remembering this is fun! Keep your camera handy as you pull baby's seat up to the dinner table.
Baby-proofing to protect your mobile baby: Most babies figure out how to get on the move between the ages of 7 to 10 months. For parents, the excitement of watching your baby put one knee in front of the next often quickly gives way to fear about keeping your newly mobile baby safe from outlets, stairs and cleaning supplies. Work through a baby-proofing checklist so you can feel confident your home is a safe place for baby to explore.
Finding new ways to play: After months of chugging milk, your little bodybuilder is probably a big fan of working their muscles. Play gyms are a great way for them to practice on some of those bigger gross motor skills—also meaning they can be safely entertained on their own for a few minutes while you tackle prep for their new meals (with them safely in sight, of course).
Encouraging more hand-eye coordination: Your little brainiac is really starting to master cause-and-effect, meaning toys that allow them to get a response are all the more exciting—both for them as they try to figure it out and for you as you get to watch them concentrate so adorably.
Pro tip: Developmental milestones are just averages and mobility can look like anything from scooting, rolling or crawling. Provide encouragement by getting down on the floor to play—and ask your doctor, not Google, if you have any concerns.
You've got this.
Motherly + Kids 2 provides information of a general nature and is designed for educational purposes only. This site does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
The milestones presented are averages. Any questions you may have about your child's development should be shared with his or her doctor.
Return to Go2Guide: Ages 6-9 Months