How your baby is developing
At this age, babies are smiley little beings, with effective ways of communicating that clearly show their likes and dislikes. They can start conversations with gurgles and smiles - they don't wait to be asked.
By the time they're six months old, babies have sufficient hand-eye coordination to hold objects and bring them to their mouths. This is an important way of learning how the taste, texture and appearance of an object can provide very different experiences.
Babies can now reach for things and understand that if they hit an object something may happen - perhaps it will move or make a sound. They'll then repeat the action. This is a huge step in learning, as they're realising they have an impact on the world.
Most babies learn to roll during this stage, too. They can even roll purposefully, to reach something that has caught their eye.
What you can do
Watch out for times when your baby is ready to initiate play. They'll enjoy 'chatting' to you, so when you talk to them leave little pauses so they can respond with a gurgle or laugh.
Don't stop your baby chewing and sucking on things, unless they're dangerous. In such cases, swap the item for something else. Talk about what your baby's doing and name the object - "Is that teddy's ear nice to chew on? Is it all soft and furry?"
Fun and games
Your interactions with your baby are as important as ever, but your baby will also be able to amuse themselves for short periods by looking at, holding and exploring objects.
Continue to sing and chat to your baby, describing what you're both doing: "Aren't you a clever baby, shaking the rattle."
Look in the mirror with your baby and talk about what you see. They'll enjoy this but won't yet understand that the people in the mirror are the same as the people looking into it.
Check toys for safety - any spare string or ribbon on hanging toys should be short so it can't wind around little fingers
Your baby will start to enjoy action rhymes around this time, so try 'Round and round the garden' (draw a circle on his palm and then finish with a 'Tickly under there!' as you walk your fingers up his arm).
Play gentle splashing and pouring games in the bath.
When your baby is on the floor, place interesting items in sight but just out of reach, so they can have fun rolling towards them.
Toys to buy
At this age, babies like toys they can hold and explore using their developing manipulation skills. They like to hear sounds and feel different textures, too - you may notice your baby has favourite ones they return to again and again. They also love vigorous movement and bouncing.
Toy suggestions:
- Baby swing to bounce in (one with an integral frame is safer than one you hang from a door frame)
- Selection of small rattles or squeezy toys with different sounds
- Small doll or teddy as a sleeptime companion
- Bubbles - blow these for your baby and watch their delight
- Toys that hang from strings on the pram, for grabbing and grasping
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