Food
When your baby is six months old he's ready to start eating solid foods. Most mums start by making up simple purees. Sweet potato and carrot are both popular choices to start with.
Food
You can also let your little one try to feed herself. She will enjoy the challenge, and the more she practices the sooner she will become proficient. Try slices of lightly cooked or raw fruit.
Food
Choose the cup that your child uses carefully. Non-spill cups are not recommended by health visitors. Instead go for an open cup or a lidded cup without a valve.
Food
Teaching your baby how to eat is not a tidy project, and you will probably end up with food in your hair, on the ceiling, everywhere! Keep a smile on your face and cleaning wipes to hand.
Development
Since babies all sleep on their backs these days they spend less time on their tummies. Being on his front for some time each day will help your baby to develop head control and strengthen his upper body.
Development
When your baby is a few months old you can start to prop her up in a sitting position, leaning against you or using pillows, to begin to teach her to sit upright. 'Tummy-time' helps towards learning this skill.
Development
If you want to encourage your baby to crawl or roll over, put interesting items just out of his reach. You could also purchase a toy that will move away from him – he might just decide to chase it!
Development
Of course time on her back can be put to good use too. Colourful toys hanging above her that she can reach for will get her to practice her hand eye coordination.
Sleep
If your baby is not sleeping through the night yet you might want to consider trying new techniques to let everyone in the family get some more rest.
Sleep
'Controlled crying' is not recommended until after six months of age. You put your baby in his cot, leave, check in every few minutes, but don't pick him up. It is often very effective but can be heartrending.
