Six months is a big visit: solids are usually starting, sitting is coming, and if it’s flu season your pediatrician will bring up the flu shot for the first time.
What happens at the visit
Weight, length, and head circumference plotted on the growth curve. Full exam. Conversation about feeding (continued milk plus starting solids), sleep, and safety as your baby becomes more mobile.
Developmental milestones to discuss
Sitting with support or briefly unsupported, rolling both directions, babbling with consonants (“ba,” “da”), responding to their name, passing objects between hands, and showing interest in food.
Vaccines at this visit
Per the CDC schedule, the 6 month visit typically includes the third dose of DTaP, Hib, IPV, PCV, HepB, and the third rotavirus dose if using the three-dose series. Annual flu vaccine starts being recommended at 6 months during flu season, and COVID-19 vaccination may be offered per current guidance.
Questions worth asking
- How do I start solids safely — purees, baby-led weaning, or both?
- Which foods should I introduce early for allergy prevention (peanut, egg)?
- Is my baby’s sitting and rolling on track?
- When should I stop swaddling if I haven’t already?
- Should we get the flu shot today?
What to watch for between now and the next visit
More confident sitting, crawling positions, first teeth for many, more consonant babbling, and stranger awareness starting. Call if you notice persistent feeding refusal, flat head shape worsening, or loss of skills.
How VisitRecall fits in
Record the visit with one tap; your partner gets the summary within minutes. Track growth, vaccines given, and the pediatrician’s specific advice on one timeline with family profiles, and use the parents hub for the rest.
FAQ
Should we start solids now or wait?
Most pediatricians recommend starting around 6 months when baby shows readiness signs — sitting with support, head control, interest in food.
Is it safe to give peanut-containing foods?
Current guidance generally encourages early introduction of peanut and egg for most babies. Ask your pediatrician, especially if there’s a family history of allergies.
My baby isn’t sitting yet — should I worry?
Range is wide. Bring it up; your pediatrician will look at the whole picture.
