Parent’s often have questions about when they should take their child to the doctor.
Call 911 or your local emergency number if your child:
has severe trouble breathing or blue lips;
is limp or unable to move;
is hard to wake up or does not respond;
has a stiff neck or severe headache;
seems confused; or
has a seizure (convulsion/fit)
Take your child to an emergency department, nearest hospital, nursing station or health centre if your child:
is less than 3 months old and has a temperature of 38°C or more;
has trouble breathing when resting, is wheezing, has chest pain when breathing or is coughing up bloody sputum (phlegm or saliva);
is showing signs of dehydration (fewer than 4 wet diapers in 24 hours, increased thirst, no tears, dry skin, mouth and tongue, faster heartbeat, sunken eyes, grayish skin, sunken soft spot (fontanelle) on baby’s head);
is constantly irritable and will not calm down;
is listless, not interested in playing with toys or unusually sleepy.
Contact your child’s health care provider:
if your child still has a fever after five days or was feeling better and then suddenly develops a new fever.
if your child has a bad earache or sore throat.
if your child has symptoms of influenza and has a condition listed below that may put them at a higher risk of complication
asthma
diabetes, kidney, heart disease or lung disease
morbid obesity
neurologic conditions including cerebral palsy, muscle weakness, seizures and developmental delay
heart disease such as congenital heart disease and congestive heart failure
blood disorders such as sickle cell disease
immune system problems or taking medications that suppress the immune system (such as chemotherapy)
receiving long-term aspirin therapy for chronic disorders
Parties and celebrations are a great way to spend time with family and friends, but they can also bring safety risks – especially for children. Here are some tips to help keep everyone safe while having fun.
Supervision and Childproofing
Always know who is watching your children. A room full of people doesn’t mean someone is paying attention. If you’re busy, ask a trusted adult to help.
Remember that other peoples’ homes may not be childproof. Ask if you can move dangerous items higher and keep bathroom and stairway doors closed. Always keep a watchful eye on your children.
Children are naturally curious, so it’s important to keep anything dangerous out of reach.
Drinks with alcohol or cannabis are harmful to children. Some foods – like cherry tomatoes, grapes, hard candies and nuts – can be a choking hazard for young children. Ask guests to keep food and drinks away from children.
Watch out for purses and coats. They might have medicine or small items that can cause a child to choke. Put coats and bags in a closed room or closet.
Be careful with house plants. Some house plants are poisonous, and some may have thorns or spikes.
Fireplaces or woodstoves may be hot. Use a safety barrier so children can’t get close enough to be burned. Discourage children from playing anywhere near a fireplace or woodstove.
Keep sidewalks and stairways clear and clean to help prevent slips and falls.
Kitchen Safety
Keep children out of the kitchen area during meal preparation and cooking, but especially away from the stove and oven.
Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove so children can’t grab or bump them. Never leave an active (cooking) stove top unattended.
Keep knives away from the counter edge when in use. When you’re done using them, put them in the dishwasher or sink. Do not put knives in a sink with soapy water because they’re hard to see and could cut someone’s hand.
Keep coffee urns and hot drink containers out of children’s reach.
Watch out for cords and tablecloths — children might pull on them and spill hot food or drinks.
In the Car
Everyone needs to wear a seatbelt every time you ride in a car.
Babies and young children must ride in a car seat or booster seat appropriate for their age and weight. For more information on car seat safety, check out:
Put suitcases, gifts, and food in the trunk or somewhere they won’t move around.
In Manitoba, it’s against the law to use your cell phone or any handheld device while driving. If you do, you could lose your license right away, pay a $672 fine, and get five demerit points.
Never drive after drinking alcohol or using cannabis. It’s dangerous and illegal. Plan for a safe ride home, ask someone to be a designated driver, take a cab/ride-sharing service or use public transit.
Did you know?
In November and December, you can request a ride home in some cities and towns from Operation Red Nose volunteers here: Operation Red Nose – Safety Services Manitoba. You can also call the following phone numbers:
The holidays are full of fun and excitement, but many seasonal items — from trees and decorations to toys and gifts — can also bring safety risks. Careful planning can help prevent injuries. These simple tips will keep your family safe while enjoying the season.
Parties and Celebrations
For many families, parties and celebrations are a big part of the holidays. While you celebrate, it is important to keep everyone safe. Check out these helpful tips to make sure your holiday gatherings are safe and enjoyable: Keeping your Family Safe at Parties and Celebrations.
Holiday Trees
If you choose a real tree:
Pick a fresh, green tree. The needles should stay on, and the branches should bend, not snap.
Water your tree every day so it does not dry out. It might need about one litre of water each day. Use clean water to water the tree.
Clean up fallen needles every day — they can be sharp on fingers and toes.
Keep your tree away from heaters, fireplaces and any other sources of heat.
Make sure your tree is secure in the stand and will not tip over.
If you choose an artificial (fake) tree:
Look for a label that says “fire resistant.” These trees are safer but can still catch fire.
Other safety tips
Never leave young children or pets alone near the tree.
If you have pets, let them check out the tree before you decorate it. This helps them get used to it and makes them less curious later. That way, they are less likely to eat ornaments or knock the tree over.
Decorations and Ornaments
Do not use tinsel. Children and pets can swallow it and get sick with digestive problems. It can also get wrapped around their fingers and cut off blood flow.
Put small or breakable ornaments high on the tree or out of reach on high shelves so young children can’t reach them. Save glass ornaments for when your children are older.
Remember decorations are not toys and do not have the same safety standards as toys. This means that they may not be safe for children to touch or play with.
Young children may eat decorations that look like food (red berries, for example). Keep these out of sight and reach.
Limit stair handrail decorations. They can make the rail hard to hold and may cause someone to fall.
Holiday Lighting
Make sure your lights work properly and have safety labels like CSA, cUL or cETL.
Screw bulbs in tightly and turn off lights before bed or when leaving home.
Old lights (incandescent or non-LED) can get hot, so keep them away from things that can burn. Use outdoor lights outside and indoor lights inside.
Some lights have chemicals that can make you very sick if swallowed or touched. Check product safety labels for warnings and keep lights away from children.
Secure cords and light strands so people don’t trip.
Always be careful when using a ladder. Be sure the ladder is on a flat surface and you can comfortably reach what you are working on.
Candles
Use battery-powered candles instead of real ones. They are safest.
If you use real candles, put them in sturdy candle holders that will not tip over.
Be careful with loose sleeves or long hair when around candles — they can catch fire. Never reach over one candle to light another.
Never leave candles burning if you leave the room or go to sleep.
Keep real candles away from children, pets, trees, decorations and wrapping paper.
Did you know?
Holiday injuries are like injuries that occur any time of the year. Prepare your home for holiday and year-round safety by:
Button batteries are found in toys, gifts and novelty items sold for the holidays and other household items like watches and remote controls. They are round and flat, like a button. They can cause serious burns and injuries.
It is important to act quickly if your child swallows a button battery.
If you think your child has swallowed a button battery, do not wait for symptoms. Take your child to the nearest hospital, nursing station or health centre as soon as possible.
A swallowed button battery can cause severe internal chemical burns in as little as 2 hours. Batteries can also cause burns if they get stuck in ears or noses.
Know which items in your home contain button batteries, such as musical gift cards, novelty items that light up, TV remotes, key fobs, flameless candles, string lights and many toys and games.
Look for products with battery compartments that prevent easy access. For example, screw-closed compartments are harder to get into than those that slide to open.
Regularly check that button battery compartments are secure.
Always supervise children when they play with items that use button batteries
For more information on battery safety, check out Battery safety.
Keep toys with small, strong magnets away from children. Always read and follow safety warnings and age recommendations on toys with magnets.
Swallowing magnets can cause serious injuries or even death.
If a child swallows more than one magnet, they can stick together inside the body and cause damage or block the digestive system. If someone swallows a magnet, get medical help right away.
Magnets can be found in products such as jewelry, fridge magnets, clothing accessories and toys including building toys, train sets and board games.
For more information on magnet safety, check out Magnet safety
Gift tags, gift bags, wrapping paper, plastic bags, plastic wrap, ribbons and bows can be dangerous for young children. They can choke or suffocate on these items. After opening gifts, put all wrapping and packaging somewhere children cannot reach.
Winter Safety
For many families, spending time outdoors is a part of the holiday season. Here are some tips for keeping safe in cold weather:
Dress in layers to stay warm and dry.
Be sure your head, hands and feet are warm by wearing warm hats, mittens or gloves and winter-rated boots.
Always wear a helmet for skating, sledding, or skiing.
Pick sledding hills that are far from roads and don’t have trees or rocks.
Never play on frozen rivers or lakes unless an adult says it’s safe. The clear part of the ice should be a minimum of five centimetres (two inches) before it is safe to walk on. If you are not sure, stay off the ice.
Wear bright clothes or reflectors so cars can see you near roads.
Health Links-Info Santé: If you have questions about your health, you can call Health Links-Info Santé 24 hours a day to speak to knowledgeable, experienced nurses free of charge. Call 204-788-8200 in Winnipeg or 1-888-315-9257 toll-free elsewhere in the province.
Manitoba Poison Centre: If you think you or someone you love has been exposed to a dangerous substance, you can call the Manitoba Poison Centre at 1-844-POISON-X or 1-844-764-7669 (toll-free) for help. They can also provide information to help you prevent poisonings. Check out their website here: Manitoba Poison Centre
Health Canada and the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) confirm, there is no conclusive evidence that taking acetaminophen (Tylenol®) as directed during pregnancy causes autism or other brain development problems.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) is a recommended treatment of pain or fever in pregnancy when used as directed. It should be used at the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration needed.
Do not take more than the recommended dose. Taking too much acetaminophen (Tylenol®) can harm to your liver.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) has been used safely by millions of Canadians for decades, including during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
Untreated fevers during pregnancy may cause:
The mother or birthing parent to have a miscarriage
Problems with how your baby’s organs develop, heart issues and autism
If you are not feeling well
Talk to your health care provider about how you are feeling and if you have questions about the use of any medications.
Call Health Links-Info Santé, you can speak to a nurse 24/7, 365 days of the year in over 100 languages. They can answer your health questions and help you find health services in your community.
Halloween is a fun time with costumes, candy, and community spirit. Whether you’re going trick-or-treating, visiting a haunted house, or having a party, it is important to stay safe.
Choosing a Costume: There are many costumes to choose from.
There are many costumes from which to choose. Pick one that fits your child’s age and is respectful of other cultures and diversity.
Choose light-coloured, flame-resistant costumes with reflective strips. This helps kids stay safe and be seen in the dark.
Avoid costumes with masks or things that make it hard to see. Use face paint instead.
Choose face paint that is non-toxic. See this article for more information.
Make sure costumes, hats and shoes fit well and are not too loose. This helps kids avoid tripping or falling.
If the costume has a sword, cane or stick, make sure it is not sharp or long, so your child won’t get hurt or trip over it.
Do not use decorative contact lenses. They can cause pain and may damage your child’s eyes.
Pumpkin Carving Safety
Always have an adult helping when carving and decorating pumpkins.
Always have an adult helping when carving and decorating pumpkins. Let young kids help scoop out the pumpkin seeds or draw a face with markers. Older kids can use pumpkin carving tools designed with safety in mind, but they still need an adult to help and keep them safe.
Choose battery-operated candles, flashlights, or glow sticks to light your pumpkin. They are safer than real candles. If using a candle, a votive candle is safest.
Keep candle-lit pumpkins on a sturdy table far away from curtains and other objects that could catch fire. Never leave a lit pumpkin unattended.
Trick-or-Treater Safety Tips
A parent or responsible adult should take young kids trick-or-treating. Older kids going out alone should tell their parents where they are going and when they will be home.
Consider walking the trick-or-treat route with young kids before Halloween. It helps them feel ready for the fun night ahead.
Stay in a group and carry a flashlight.
Never go inside a stranger’s home or car for a treat. Bring a cell phone for emergencies.
Call 9-1-1 if there is an emergency or if someone gets lost.
Be extra careful on the streets. Drivers might not see trick-or-treaters. Just because one car stops, it does not mean that others will.
Stay on bright, well-lit streets and use the sidewalks. If there are no sidewalks, walk on the side of the road, facing traffic. Cross the street at an intersection.
Only go to homes that have lights on and avoid cutting across yards or using dark alleys.
Make your Home Safe for Trick or Treaters
Prevent slips and falls with a well-lit front step and sidewalk that is free from wet leaves, snow or ice.
Put away toys and bikes so kids don’t trip.
Keep your pets away from the door so they do not jump on or bite a trick-or-treater.
Use battery-operated candles in your pumpkins when leaving them outside.
Check your Kids’ Treats
Throw away spoiled, unwrapped items or candies that could be a choking hazard for your young child.
Watch for cannabis products. Some packages look like candy. Cannabis can make kids very sick and, in some cases, can be deadly.
Some people give out non-food items such as pencils, pens, or colouring books instead of candy. Make sure any small toys are safe and aren’t a choking risk for young kids.
Eating the Treats!
Give your kids a healthy meal before trick-or-treating. This will give them the energy they need and makes them less likely to start eating their candy before you check it at home.
Once you have checked their treats, let kids enjoy their candy after trick-or-treating. In the days and weeks after, let them choose a few pieces to have at snack time and mealtime for dessert. Encourage your child to enjoy the candy and eat it mindfully.
Halloween and Food Allergies
Halloween can be tricky for kids with food allergies. It is important that parents check all treats to avoid a life-threatening allergic reaction. Many popular Halloween candies have common allergens like peanuts or tree nuts, milk, egg, soy, or wheat.
Always read the ingredient label on treats, sometimes the smaller sizes (“fun size”) have different ingredients.
Teach your child to say, “no thank you,” to home-baked treats such as cupcakes and brownies, and never to taste or share another child’s food.
If your child becomes sick after eating Halloween treats, call Health Links – Info Santé for advice 204-788-8200 or toll-free 1-888-315-9257.
Milestones matter! How your child plays, learns, speaks, acts, and moves offers important clues about their development. This is a general guide about how infants develop from birth to two months of age.
Remember, each child is unique and will grow and develop at their own pace. It is normal for a child to be behind in some areas and ahead in others. For babies born prematurely, milestones are based on their corrected age (your baby’s actual age minus the number of weeks or months they were born early).
Babies can’t be spoiled so feel free to play, cuddle and respond to all your baby’s cues and cries. You can help your baby learn and grow.
Your baby has a strong need to be close to you. This relationship is called attachment or bonding. Building a strong close relationship helps your baby develop self-confidence. When you respond to your baby’s cries, smiles and hunger, you help them develop trust in the world to take care of their needs. Breastfeeding/chestfeeding, holding your baby if bottle-feeding and spending time skin-to-skin with your newborn is important to help build a strong bond.
By two months your baby is getting to know you and your family. They:
start to babble, laugh and squeal
copy sounds
have different cries to let you know that they are hungry, in pain or are tired
You can help your baby learn by:
Responding to your baby’s cries. This will teach your baby to trust you. Your consistent response is the building blocks for your relationship.
Paying attention to how your baby communicates and responding to it
Helping your baby learn to calm themself. It’s okay for them to suck on their fingers.
Helping your baby get into a routine, such as sleeping at night more than in the day, and having regular schedules.
Cuddling, talking, and playing with your baby during feeding, dressing, and bathing.
Playing peek-a-boo with your baby
Safety Tip
Never shake your baby.
If you are feeling tired and frustrated, ask someone else to watch your baby while you take time to calm down, or gently place your baby in the crib, cradle or bassinet and leave the room to get your feelings under control. Shaking a baby can cause permanent brain damage and even death.
Language and communication start from birth. Your infant’s coos and gurgles might not sound like talking yet, but these sounds are how your baby is tries to communicate with you. When you respond back, you are having your first conversations. Although your baby won’t understand your words at first, talking to your baby as you go about your day and reading to your baby, helps them learn about language.
By two months your baby is beginning to find their voice and may:
coo and make gurgling sounds
turn head toward sounds
respond to your voice
You can help your baby learn by:
Talking, reading and singing to your baby throughout the day. Your baby won’t understand what you are saying but will know your voice and will be comforted by it.
copying your baby’s sounds sometimes, but also using real words at other times
acting excited and respond when your baby makes sounds. Your baby will eventually “talk back” to your response.
encouraging your baby to copy you by giving a large smile, or sticking out your tongue. With time, your baby may start to imitate you. You can also try to imitate your baby.
repeating songs and lullabies
Did you know?
Even though your baby doesn’t yet understand your words, they enjoy being close to you and listening to your voice.
Your baby’s thinking skills grow as they experience the world and interact with people around them. At this age, babies love seeing faces and high contrast objects. At first, baby sees things better when they are eight to 12 inches away from their face.
By two months your baby is already figuring things out and may:
pay attention to faces
be interested in objects that are eight to 10 inches away
like things that have lots of contrast
begins to follow things with eyes and recognize people at a distance
may act bored (cries, fussy) if activity doesn’t change
You can help your baby learn by:
offering high contrast toys
showing them high contrast images. Draw a triangle, checkerboard or stripes with black marker on a white paper.
playing games that encourage tracking by moving yourself or interesting items in front of baby. Try moving from side to side, then change the motion to up and down, circles or zig-zags.
Safety Tips
Make sure any toys that you offer baby are not choking hazards. Choose toys that are recommended for your baby’s age. If there are older siblings in the home, make sure they know to keep toys with small parts away from the baby.
Avoid letting your baby watch the television, smart phone or computer screen. Screen time is not recommended for children under two years of age.
Model healthy screen use by turning off screens when not in use and avoiding having the TV on in the background.
Infants are very dependent on you to put them in comfortable and safe positions and places. Infant’s bodies start to develop at the head and then down to other parts of the body. Supervised tummy-time is a great way to help your baby build strength in their neck and core.
By two months your baby will learn how to control their head and use their hands and may:
hold head up
begin to push up when lying on tummy
make smoother movements with arms and legs
begin to bat at objects, grab things and bring hands to the mouth.
start to put things in the mouth
You can help your baby learn by:
holding a toy or rattle above your baby’s head and encourage them to reach for it.
giving baby “tummy-time” several times a day. Lay your baby on their tummy when awake and put toys nearby.
slowly moving a small toy in front of your baby so they can follow with their eyes or head
trying to get your baby to copy your movements. Hold your baby so that they can see you. Start with simple movements. Stick out your tongue or make a wide grin. Give your baby time to think and they may start to copy you. As your baby grows, try making larger movements for them to copy such as moving your head, hands or arms.
Safety Tips
Newborns cannot support the weight of their heads, so it is important to support your baby’s head and neck every time you pick them up and while holding them.
Babies need to sleep in a safe sleep environment – placed on their back in a crib, cradle or bassinet with a firm mattress, with no pillows, blankets, toys. Mats and other surfaces made for babies to play on are not safe sleeping spaces.
Supervise tummy time so that baby’s head doesn’t get stuck face down, which could cause suffocation.
Small items are a choking hazard for babies. Keep small things safely away from baby.
Most infants will see their doctor or nurse at two months for a check-up and immunizations. This is a good time to talk about your child’s development.
Act early if you have concerns about the way your child plays, learns, speaks, acts, or moves, or if your child:
is missing milestones
doesn’t respond to loud sounds
doesn’t watch things as they move
doesn’t smile at people
doesn’t bring hands to mouth
can’t hold head up when pushing up when on tummy
Tell your child’s doctor or nurse if you notice any of these signs of possible developmental delay and ask for a developmental screening. Don’t wait. Acting early can make a real difference!
Milestones matter! How your child plays, learns, speaks, acts and moves offers important clues about their development.
This is a general guide to infants from two to four months of age. Remember, each child is unique and will grow and develop at their own pace. It is normal for a child to be behind in some areas and ahead in others. For babies born prematurely, milestones are based on their corrected age (your baby’s actual age minus the number of weeks or months they were born early).
Babies can’t be spoiled — so feel free to play, cuddle and respond to all your baby’s cues and cries. You can help your baby learn and grow.
Your baby is increasingly aware of the people around them and will try to get your attention. When you consistently respond to your baby’s cries and smiles, you help them develop trust and self-confidence.
By four months, your baby is getting more interactive. They may:
begin to smile at people
be able to calm themselves by sucking on hands
look for a parent
enjoy playing with people
show excitement by waving arms and legs
You can help your baby learn by:
Responding to your baby’s cries babbles and coos. When you consistently respond to your baby you help build your relationship with your baby.
Cuddling, talking, and playing with your baby when they are being feed, dressed, and bathed.
Holding and talking to your baby; smile and be cheerful while you do.
Playing games like Peekaboo, This Little Piggy Went to Market and Pat-a-Cake with baby.
Getting your baby to copy your expressions. Try giving a large smile or sticking out your tongue and give your baby time to imitate you. You can also try imitating your baby.
Setting a regular schedule. Also, help your baby get into a routine, such as sleeping more at night than during the day.
Safety Tip
Never shake your baby. If you are feeling tired and frustrated, ask someone else to watch your baby while you take time to calm down or gently place your baby on their back in their crib, cradle or bassinet and leave the room to get your feelings under control. Shaking a baby can cause permanent brain damage and even death.
This is where communication really starts to take off. You may start to notice that your baby actually has different cries for when they are hungry, in pain or tired. In this way, your baby can tell you what they need. Your baby will like to make sounds and have you copy them back as a conversation.
By four months, your baby is beginning to find their voice and may:
start to babble, laugh and squeal
copy sounds
have different cries to let you know that they are hungry, in pain or are tired
Have “conversations” with your baby by replying to their babbles. Repeat the sound and wait them to make another.
Describe your baby’s actions to them. For example, if your baby reaches for something say “You are reaching for your teddy bear. Do you want that bear?”
Parent Tips
Baby talk is fine, but also speak real words to your baby to help them learn language and meaning.
When you ask your baby a question, give them plenty of time for them to respond. It takes a while for the baby to think and then make a sound back.
If baby turns away, closes their eyes or get fussy, they may be telling you that they are overstimulated and need a break.
Your baby is learning all the time. They are beginning to understand cause and effect – if your baby swats a toy on the infant gym, they will start to expect it to make a noise.
By four months, your baby is already figuring things out and may:
be more awake and more curious about people and surroundings
start to explore objects and toys with their eyes, hands and mouth
reach for toys that they want
recognize familiar people and things at a distance
You can help your baby learn by:
Encouraging play by offering toys with different colours, shapes, sizes, textures and sounds.
Using an infant gym with objects that your baby can swat at.
Holding a toy just out of baby’s reach for baby to reach, swat at and grab.
Understanding that if your baby becomes fussy, squirmy or starts to cry, your baby may be telling you that they need a break.
Safety Tips
As babies explore, they love to put everything into their mouths.
Make sure that the toys are age-appropriate to avoid choking hazards. If there are older siblings in the home, make sure that small parts from toys are kept safely away from baby.
Be aware of items that might have lead paint or other toxins.
Avoid letting your baby watch the television, smart phone or computer screen. Screen time is not recommended for children under two years of age.
Model healthy screen use by turning off screens when not in use and not playing the TV in the background.
Babies develop so fast. They gain strength starting from the head and moving down their bodies. At first, they need their parents for everything, but as they develop, they learn to roll over and reach for things they want.
By four months, your baby is already figuring things out and may:
hold their head steady, unsupported
stretch and kick their legs to strengthen leg muscles, which prepares them for rolling over
sit up with support
roll from tummy to back
bring hands to mouth
bat at or grasp toys
push down on legs when feet are on a hard surface
You can help your baby learn by:
Giving them tummy-time to help strengthen their neck, arms and shoulders.
Once your baby can hold up their head, helping them practice sitting by propping them using your body, pillows or a supportive seat.
Safety Tip
Babies develop skills quickly. One day they can’t roll over, the next day they can. Parents need to be one step ahead of their baby’s next move to keep them safe.
Most infants will see their doctor or nurse at four months for a check-up and immunizations. This is a good time to talk about your child’s development.
Act early if you have concerns about the way your child plays, learns, speaks, acts or moves, or if your child:
is missing milestones
doesn’t watch things as they move
doesn’t smile at people
can’t hold their head steady
doesn’t coo or make sounds
doesn’t bring things to mouth
doesn’t push down with legs when feet are placed on a hard surface
has trouble moving one or both eyes in all directions
Tell your child’s doctor or nurse if you notice any of these signs of possible developmental delay and ask for a developmental screening. Don’t wait. Acting early can make a real difference.
Milestones matter! How your child plays, learns, speaks, acts and moves offers important clues about their development.
This is a general guide to infants from four to six months of age. Remember, each child is unique and will grow and develop at their own pace. It is normal for a child to be behind in some areas and ahead in others. For babies born prematurely, milestones are based on their corrected age (your baby’s actual age minus the number of weeks or months they were born early).
Babies can’t be spoiled — so feel free to play, cuddle and respond to all your baby’s cues and cries. You can help your baby learn and grow.
By six months, babies are increasingly aware of other people and new surroundings. Your baby may want to interact with more people and other children.
By six months, your baby is getting more interactive and may:
recognize familiar faces and know if someone is a stranger
like to play with others, especially you
respond to other people’s emotions. You may notice that they smile or laugh when you are playful and happy and may cry if you seem angry or upset.
You can help your baby learn by:
Talking to your baby to help them understand and have language for their feelings. For example, say, “You seem upset. Are you tired? Is it time for your nap?”
Learning to read your baby’s moods. If they seem happy, keep doing what you are doing. If they are upset, take a break and comfort your baby.
Showing your baby how to self-comfort when they are upset. For example, they may suck on their fingers to self-soothe.
Safety Tip
Never shake your baby. If you are feeling tired and frustrated, ask someone else to watch your baby while you take time to calm down or gently place your baby on their back in their crib, cradle or bassinet and leave the room to get your feelings under control. Shaking a baby can cause permanent brain damage and even death.
Having “conversations” with your baby by replying to their babbles. Repeat the sound and wait for them to make another.
Placing baby in a highchair or somewhere they can watch your everyday activities. Explain what you are doing and let baby see, touch and hear common objects.
Using “reciprocal” play — when baby smiles, you smile; when they make sounds, you copy them.
Repeating your child’s sounds and say simple words with those sounds. For example, if your child says “bah,” say “bottle” or “book.”
Parent Tips
Baby talk is fine, but also speak real words to your baby to help them learn language and meaning.
When you ask your baby a question, give them plenty of time to respond. It takes a while for the baby to think and then make a sound back.
Safety Tip
When seating baby so that they can watch you, use a highchair with safety straps, a play pen or a baby chair on the floor. Never place a child seat on a raised surface such as a table.
More and more, your baby is learning how to get things that they want and is curious about things around them.
By six months, your baby is becoming more curious about the world around them and may:
may be curious and try to get objects that are out-of-reach
look around and notice more things
bring items to mouth
pass things from one hand to the other
You can help your baby learn by:
Reading books to your child every day. Praise them when they babble and “read” too.
When your baby looks at something, pointing to it and talking about it.
When baby drops a toy on the floor, picking it up and giving it back. This game helps them learn cause and effect.
Pointing out items around your home to your baby and name them.
Safety Tips
If you have older children, make sure that toys, toy parts and other items that baby can reach are large enough that baby can’t choke on it. If there are older children in the home, be sure to keep their toys with small parts safely away from baby. See Prevent Choking for more information on how to keep your baby safe.
Avoid letting your baby watch the television, smart phone or computer screen. Screen time is not recommended for children under two years of age.
Model healthy screen use by turning off screens when not in use and avoid having the TV playing in the background.
Movement, skills and strength develop so quickly. Playing with your baby as they grow and develop helps them develop new abilities. Anticipating what your baby will be able to do next will help you plan and keep your baby safer.
By six months, your baby is becoming a bit independent and may:
roll both ways – from front to back and from back to their front.
sit without support
support weight on legs and may bounce when standing
pick up small toys with one hand and transfer them from one hand to the others.
rock back and forth, or crawl backward before moving forward.
You can help your baby learn by:
Playing on the floor with your baby every day.
Encouraging rolling by placing a toy within sight and a little bit out of reach so they can roll to get the toy.
Holding your baby up while they sit or support them with pillows. Provide only as much support as baby needs. Let your baby look around and give them toys to look at while they balance.
Many babies will enjoy playing with “shakers” that make noise. To make a shaker for your baby, fill a small plastic bottle (e.g. a medicine bottle with a child proof cap) with beans or rice. Let your baby shake it to make noise. You can then create another shaker with something different inside. See if your baby prefers one sounds over the other.
Safety Tips
Babies roll. Always keep one hand on your baby when they are on high surfaces like change tables to prevent a fall.
Use harness straps on car seats, change tables and other baby equipment.
Small items are a choking hazard for babies. Keep small things safely away from baby.
Babies need to sleep in a safe sleep environment – placed on their back in a crib, cradle or bassinet with a firm mattress, with no pillows, blankets, toys.
Once babies learn how to roll, they soon figure out how to get from one place to another. Remove items which could be within baby’s reach and that could be dangerous. Use baby gates, close doors and supervise your baby’s play to keep them safe.
Baby walkers with wheels are no longer sold in Canada as they are very unsafe and they do not help babies learn to walk. Stationary exersaucers are safer options.
Act early if you have concerns about the way your child plays, learns, speaks, acts, moves, or if your child:
is missing milestones
doesn’t try to get things that are in reach
shows no affection for caregivers
doesn’t respond to sounds around them
has difficulty getting things to mouth
doesn’t make vowel sounds (“ah,” “eh”, “oh”)
doesn’t roll over in either direction
doesn’t laugh or make squealing sounds
seems very stiff, with tight muscles
seems very floppy, like a rag doll
Tell your child’s doctor or nurse if you notice any of these signs of possible developmental delay and ask for a developmental screening. Don’t wait. Acting early can make a real difference!
Milestones matter! How your child plays, learns, speaks, acts and moves offers important clues about their development.
This is a general guide to infants from six to nine months of age. Remember, each child is unique and will grow and develop at their own pace. It is normal for a child to be behind in some areas and ahead in others. For babies born prematurely, milestones are based on their corrected age (your baby’s actual age minus the number of weeks or months they were born early).
Babies can’t be spoiled so feel free to play, cuddle and respond to all your baby’s cues and cries. You can help your baby learn and grow.
Your baby knows who are their family and friends and who are strangers. Your bond with your baby makes them feel safe and secure and helps them develop confidence and self-esteem.
By six months, your baby is becoming more aware of other people. They may:
be afraid of strangers
be clingy towards you and other familiar people, especially in unfamiliar environments.
have favourite toys
You can help your baby learn by:
recognizing that these are normal parts of development and are signs that they have a strong relationship with you
paying attention to the way your baby reacts to new situations and people; try to continue to do things that make your baby happy and comfortable.
staying close as your baby moves around more, so they know that you are near.
using words to describe your baby’s feelings. For example, “You are upset that I took away the car keys. You can play with this toy instead.”
getting to know your baby’s favourite toys
offering choices of foods
Safety Tip
Never shake your baby.
If you are feeling tired and frustrated, ask someone else to watch your baby while you take time to calm down, or gently place your baby in the crib, cradle or bassinet and leave the room to get your feelings under control. Shaking a baby can cause permanent brain damage and even death.
encouraging your baby by copying the sounds they make
making new sounds to encourage your baby to copy you
teaching your baby wave to other people
as you read to your baby, point at the pictures in the book, and let baby do the same
describing what your baby is looking at; for example, “red, round ball”
talking about what your baby wants when they point at something.
Parent Tip
Instead of telling baby what not to do, try asking for behaviour that you want. For example, it is easier for a baby to understand “sit down” than “stop standing.”
You may notice that your baby is getting more playful – with you and with their toys.
By nine months, your baby’s brain is developing quickly and they may:
continue to be curious and enjoy playing with a variety of toys
enjoy banging objects together to make noise.
start to understand that something or someone still exists, even if it is out of sight. This is called object permanence.
look for a toy that they see you hide. Before learning object permanence, your baby will act as if the toy disappeared. Once they gain this skill, they will lift up a blanket to uncover the toy.
You can help your baby learn by:
playing games such as peek-a-boo and hide-and-seek
play games with “my turn, your turn”
showing your baby how to bang objects together
while your baby is watching, covering a toy that they are playing with and let them find it
continuing routines
rolling balls back and forth, pushing toy cars and trucks, and putting blocks in and out of a container
Parent Tips
Babies put everything in their mouths. Never give your baby a toy with small parts that they could choke on. As a general rule, if it is small enough to fit through a toilet paper roll, it is too small to give to your baby. For more information on choking click here.
Avoid letting your baby watch the television, smart phone or computer screen. Screen time is not recommended for children under two years of age.
Model healthy screen use by turning off screens when not in use and avoiding having the TV playing in the background.
Your baby will be increasingly mobile and playful. Parents can give their babies opportunities to play and develop. Anticipating your child’s next physical milestone can help you keep them safer.
Between six and nine months of age, your baby will become a lot more mobile and may:
scoot around on their tummy
start crawling
be able to get into a sitting position and sit without support
pull to stand by holding onto furniture or a person
pick up small items up between their thumb and first finger
learn to let go of objects. Babies enjoy throwing toys onto the floor and having you “go and fetch” them.
You can help your baby learn by:
giving them opportunities to use their fingers by giving small foods such as Cheerios and cooked peas
playing “come and get me.” Chase after your baby as they move and hug your baby when you catch them
placing some of your baby’s toys on the couch or a table so your baby can practice standing while playing with their toys
providing room for your baby to move and explore in a safe area
putting your baby close to things that they can pull up on safely
Safety Tips
As babies get increasingly able to move around the home, the environment can put them at risk of injury. To keep your active baby safe, see our Home Safety Checklist for tips on baby-proofing your home
Make sure that TVs, dressers and other furniture are sturdy and secured to the wall, so they can’t tip over if your baby pulls on them
Small items are a choking hazard for babies. Keep small things safely away from baby. If there are older siblings in the home, make sure that their toys that have small parts are kept out of baby’s reach
When starting solid foods, some foods should be avoided and others need to be chopped or mashed so that they don’t pose a choking hazard. Find out more here.
Now that baby can move around poisons, cleaners and medications should be out of sight and locked up tight. See Poisoning Prevention for more information. Manitoba Poison Control Centre phone number is 1-855-776-4766.
Act early if you have concerns about the way your child plays, learns, speaks, acts or moves, or if your child doesn’t:
bear weight on legs with support
sit with help
babble
play games involving back-and-forth play
respond to their own name
recognize familiar people
look to where you point
transfer toys from one hand to another
Tell your child’s doctor or nurse if you notice any of these signs of possible developmental delay and ask for a developmental screening. Don’t wait. Acting early can make a real difference!
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