6 months milestones
at 6 months, many babies can sit with support, are starting solids, and are babbling away. this is also when stranger anxiety may start to appear.
physical milestones
•rolls over in both directions (front to back, back to front)
•begins to sit without support
•rocks back and forth on hands and knees
•supports weight on legs and may bounce when held standing
•transfers objects from one hand to the other
cognitive milestones
•explores objects by putting them in mouth
•reaches for objects that are out of reach
•shows curiosity and tries to get things
•begins to understand cause and effect (shaking a rattle makes noise)
social & emotional milestones
•knows familiar faces — begins to know if someone is a stranger
•enjoys playing with others, especially parents
•responds to other people's emotions
•likes to look at self in mirror
language & communication
•responds to own name
•babbles chains of consonants (ba-ba-ba, da-da-da)
•responds to sounds by making sounds
•uses voice to express joy and displeasure
red flags to watch for
talk to your GP or child health nurse if your child:
- •doesn't try to reach for things
- •doesn't respond to sounds around them
- •doesn't make vowel sounds (ah, eh, oh)
- •doesn't roll over in either direction
- •seems very stiff or very floppy
- •doesn't show affection for caregivers
tips for this age
- •introduce solid foods around 6 months (alongside breastmilk or formula)
- •offer safe objects to explore and mouth
- •play peekaboo — it teaches object permanence
- •create a safe floor space for rolling and scooting
view all age milestones
from 3 months to 5 years
this information is based on general developmental guidelines from the CDC and Raising Children Network. every child develops differently — these are guides, not checklists. if you have concerns, consult your GP or child health professional.