Health
- Continue to put your baby to sleep on his/her back. This is the most crucial time to continue this to try and prevent SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Many babies are more comfortable on their stomachs and seem to sleep better. This does not matter- they still need to be placed on their backs to sleep.
- If you suspect your infant has a fever, take a rectal temperature (ear thermometers are not accurate in infants under 8-10 months). Call for any fever of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or more.
Feeding
- Continue feeding breast milk or iron-fortified formula. Do not introduce solids until after four months of age.
- Do not give plain water until after six months of age.
Safety
- Do not leave your infant in a bouncy chair or any other device on an elevated surface (counter, table, bed, etc.) Even infants who are not yet “mobile” are in danger of falling off of high surfaces.
- Get in the habit of always buckling your infant into everything – stroller, changing table, swing, bouncy seat, car seat, etc. Even babies who do not move around are in danger of falling out.
Development
- Babies can follow you with their eyes and recognize you. They can coo back and forth with you.
- Encourage tummy time (lying your baby on their stomach for short periods of time) while your baby is awake.
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