Physical Development

Your baby's mobility continues to increase by leaps and bounds--or twists and turns--as he approaches the six-month point. He'll test out new perspectives, arching his back to look at the world upside down and flopping over to see things sideways. He'll also hate to be immobilized, taking it as a personal affront when you prevent him from reaching exciting new toys (such as electrical cords or the telephone), or restrain him when he tries to dive-bomb the cat.

All this activity can make diaper-changing a special challenge. You'll now appreciate the fact that most changing tables come equipped with restraints, although parents of especially active babies may want to use the floor anyway. To minimize the struggle, have all materials--diaper, wipes, new clothes if needed--close at hand, and be prepared to distract your little squirmer with a series of toys, songs, and funny noises.

Social Development

Baby's mobility far outstrips his judgment at this point, which makes it necessary for you to modify his behavior. For the first six months, the best way to curtail dangerous or otherwise undesirable activities is by distracting him with something else--a toy, a song, or a trip to the window to look at the trees. After about 7 months of age, when he starts to understand the word "no", you can start teaching him limits by making sure he understands what he has done wrong (e.g., remove his hands from the dog's tail and calmly say, "no pulling"). Consistency and calm are the linchpins of successful discipline, so make sure all caregivers are on the same page. Raise your voice only when your child is in real danger.

Intellectual Development

Chances are, your baby will become increasingly assertive around now. Although most of his personality traits appear to be inborn, he's learning new ways of making his presence felt with each passing day. He's able to reach out and touch objects that interest him, call for help by yelling, squealing, coughing, or dropping something, and telegraph emotions ranging from joy to frustration and boredom.

Your child's new interactivity will delight you, but there may also be days when you feel nostalgic for the serene, immobile infant of months gone by. This ambivalence is understandable. A person is developing, as complex and difficult as any adult. It will take time for you and your family to adjust.

Note: The information above offers general guidelines, but all babies develop differently, and few hit their milestones precisely when the conventional wisdom says they should. If your child was born prematurely, you may want to use your due date as a baseline for following baby's development.