The Best Gifts for a Six-Month-Old

Celebrating baby takes many forms. There are baby showers to give the mom-to-be what she needs, and there are often gifts given upon the birth of a newborn. However, babies keep growing. So what a newborn has a 6-month-old may no longer need. Many people opt to give new babies gifts throughout the first year to fill the needs of a growing family.

  1. Toys

    • Many people choose to give toys to infants. At 6 months, babies interact with their environment more than newborns. Instead of just reaching for a toy, a 6-month-old bangs the toy on the floor or against other toys. She puts virtually everything in her mouth, tasting and feeling it with her tongue. Choose gifts for her that are sturdy and colorful. Make sure that the toys comply with safety standards and have no sharp edges or fragile parts. Look for stuffed animals, balls, teething toys or toys that play music to engage a 6-month-old.

    Clothing

    • Clothing makes a thoughtful gift for a 6-month-old. Infants grow at an unparalleled rate. The average baby nearly doubles his weight in the first 6 months of life. Clothes purchased for a newborn won't most 6-month-olds (or even 3-month-olds). Talk to the parents to determine the correct size. When choosing clothing for the baby, consider purchasing larger sizes for the child to grow into. Also consider the seasons and the climate when purchasing clothing. Choose clothing that has easy access for diaper changes. Make sure that the outfits are free of decorations or embellishments that could present a choking hazard.

    Books

    • Books can provide a lifetime of enjoyment and learning. At 6 months, few babies can sit and listen to a story. Choose board books or little books with cloth or plastic pages; these books double as toys. Consider giving a baby photo album filled with pictures of the baby's family and friends. You can't go wrong with classic children's books. As the baby grows, the bookshelf remains full of books ready to entertain and teach.

    Savings

    • Babies are expensive. Along with all the clothes and nursery paraphernalia, there are additional medical costs, grocery bills, child care -- even household water usage goes up. If cash seems inappropriate, try giving gift cards to local merchants for toys, clothes and even food. Working with your local bank, open a college savings account. Place a cash gift in the account every year instead of purchasing toys. Check with local government or online to see if your state offers a college savings bond.

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