Hello!
Your baby is now five months old! This month we’ll be talking about your baby’s vision, when to introduce solid foods, sleep, and parent “me time”. |
Appointment alert!
Now is the time to book the appointments your baby needs when they are six months old:
- An eye exam
- A checkup with your primary care provider
- Immunizations
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Your baby's vision
The Ontario Association of Optometrists recommends all children have their first eye exam between the ages of six to nine months. Visit their webpage if you need help finding an eye doctor. An eye exam with an eye doctor (optometrist) is free for children and youth up to 19 years of age with a valid OHIP card. Regular eye exams can identify conditions that may be treated if found early. |
Introducing solids at six months
As your baby nears six months old, you might be wondering if you should start offering solid food. Introducing solid foods at six months old is recommended by Health Canada, the Canadian Paediatric Society, Dietitians of Canada, and the Breastfeeding Committee for Canada.
Your baby is ready for solid foods when they:
- Have good head control
- Can sit up and lean forward
- Can pick up food and try to put it in their mouth
- Can turn their head away when they are full
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Sleep
As your baby gets older, you may notice changes in their sleep pattern. They may:
- Normally sleep 12 to 16 hours during a 24-hour period, including naps
- Transition from many short naps to fewer, longer naps
It’s normal for your baby to continue waking several times during the night (sorry!). Babies who previously slept for longer stretches at night may start to wake more often again when they are:
- Teething
- Not feeling well
- Having a growth spurt
- Learning new skills such as language skills, rolling over, sitting up, or walking
If your baby wakes up and you don’t think they need to eat or have their diaper changed, you can try letting them self-soothe and return to sleep. Babies may try to soothe themselves by:
- Sucking on their fingers or hand
- Changing position
- Paying attention to your voice
If your baby does not go back to sleep and is upset, it is important to respond to them. |
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Parenting is hard! It’s okay to take care of yourself.
“Me time” is hard to find when you have small children. Taking care of yourself often means making small changes just for you, like eating a healthy breakfast, taking a shower, or going for a walk. It’s hard to make these things happen. It might mean that the dishes don’t get done, or the toys don’t get put away. It’s okay to let those things go. Crumbs and overflowing laundry are part of having a young family.
You matter. |
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In-person child development screening
To access the Ages and Stages Developmental and Social-Emotional Screening, find a location near you:
Hastings and Prince Edward Counties:
Kingston, Frontenac, and Lennox & Addington Counties:
Leeds, Grenville and Lanark Counties:
- 1-800-660-5853, ext. 2467 to speak with a public health nurse
If you have concerns about your child’s development talk to your health-care provider. The SmartStart Hub can also help you explore your child’s strengths, needs, and connect you to helpful services.
SmartStart Hubs:
- Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington, Leeds, Grenville and Lanark Counties:
- Hastings and Prince Edward Counties:
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Have a great month! We’ll connect with you next month when your baby is six months old. |
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