Your baby has passed the half-year mark!
Increasingly alert and interested in the world around him, he might also have found the motivation to try out “talking” (making vowel sounds like “ah”), rolling over and sitting without support.
Although your infant may seem more and more like a little person, that doesn’t mean they’re ready for more grown-up pastimes like watching TV. There are many reasons for this, but it boils down the fact that watching a screen isn’t the same as watching something in real life. Your baby’s brain can’t make sense of it! Screen time can affect language, reading skills, and short-term memory.
For babies and kids under the age of two, the best amount of time spent watching any kind of screen (TV, computer, tablet, phone etc.) is none at all.
Your checklist for seven to nine months
✓ If you plan to return to work, start looking at childcare options. Finding good-quality care is important and there may be waiting lists in some places. Here are some good questions to ask a childcare provider.
✓ Check fee subsidies for child care in Wellington County and Dufferin County. Subsidies can help may for child care. You may be eligible based on family income.
✓ Stay one step ahead of your baby by creating a home environment where it’s safe to crawl.
✓ By now you may be filling out Nipissing developmental assessments regularly. If you have any questions or concerns after completing a screen, call the Client and Community Support Team at 1-800-265-7293 ext. 7006. Call Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Local activities
Libraries are great places to go not only for books, music and movies, but also for programs and story time.
- Guelph Public Library
- Wellington County Library
- Orangeville Public Library
- Shelburne Public Library
- Grand Valley Public Library
Ontario Early Years Centre programs can help your child learn to talk, play, and read. Check out your local program calendar:
If you live in Guelph, you probably have a Neighbourhood group. Find supports and services specific to your neighbourhood by searching the map.
Your local and Public Health supports
- Get answers to your healthy eating question by visiting UnlockFood.ca. If you prefer to talk directly to a registered dietitian call Health811 toll-free at 1-866-797-0000.
Looking forward? Read ahead to 10-12 months >