6 Month Development
What to expect at 6 months old
Physical Development
- •Rolls both ways (front to back, back to front)
- •Sits with support, may sit briefly unsupported
- •Rocks back and forth on hands and knees
- •Passes toys from one hand to the other
- •Rakes at objects with fingers (raking grasp)
- •Brings objects to mouth to explore
- •Bounces when supported in standing position
- •Supports full weight on legs when held
Cognitive Development
- •Looks for dropped objects (beginning object permanence)
- •Explores objects with hands and mouth
- •Shows curiosity and tries to get objects out of reach
- •Responds to own name
- •Recognizes familiar faces and begins to know if someone is a stranger
- •Likes to play during feeding
- •Interested in mirror images
Social-Emotional
- •Knows familiar faces and begins to know if someone is a stranger
- •Likes to play with others, especially parents
- •Responds to other people's emotions
- •Often seems happy and content
- •Likes to look at self in mirror
- •May show anxiety around strangers (beginning stranger anxiety)
Communication
- •Babbles consonant sounds (ba-ba, ma-ma, da-da)
- •Responds to own name
- •Makes sounds to show joy or displeasure
- •Begins to say consonant sounds (jabbering with "m," "b")
- •Responds to sounds by making sounds
- •Takes turns "talking" with you
- •Blows "raspberries" (sticks tongue out and blows)
"Is This Normal?" - Common Questions
My baby suddenly won't sleep through the night anymore. What happened?
Welcome to the 6-month sleep regression! It's tied to huge developmental leaps (rolling, sitting, babbling). Baby's brain is so stimulated that sleep gets disrupted. It's temporary (usually 2-6 weeks). Stick to your routine and wait it out.
Baby seems scared of my friend who used to make them smile. Why?
Stranger anxiety is emerging! Around 6 months, babies start to understand that you are special and different from others. They may cry or cling when unfamiliar people approach. This is actually a sign of healthy attachment. It will ease up eventually.
Should I start solids if baby isn't interested?
Signs of readiness matter more than exact age: sitting with support, good head control, showing interest in food, loss of tongue-thrust reflex. If baby isn't ready yet, wait a week or two and try again. There's no rush before 6 months.
My baby sits but keeps falling over. Is this okay?
Yes! Sitting is a process. Babies sit with support first, then independently but wobbly (they look like little tripods), then steadily. Falls and bonks are part of learning. Just pad the area and supervise. Full sitting stability usually comes by 7-9 months.
When to Talk to Your Pediatrician
Contact your doctor if by 6-7 months your baby:
- ⚠️Doesn't try to get objects that are in reach
- ⚠️Shows no affection for caregivers
- ⚠️Doesn't respond to sounds
- ⚠️Has difficulty getting things to mouth
- ⚠️Doesn't make vowel sounds ('ah,' 'eh,' 'oh')
- ⚠️Doesn't roll in either direction
- ⚠️Doesn't laugh or make squealing sounds
- ⚠️Seems very stiff or very floppy
- ⚠️One or both eyes consistently turn in or out
These are general guidelines. Trust your instincts—if something feels wrong, call your doctor.
Age-Appropriate Activities & Play Ideas
Object Exploration
Encouraging curiosity and fine motor skills.
- →Provide safe objects of different textures and sizes
- →Let baby explore household items (wooden spoons, plastic containers)
- →Crinkly paper, fabric books, silicone toys
- →Demonstrate: shake rattle, bang blocks, squeeze toys
Sitting Practice
Building core strength and balance.
- →Prop baby in sitting position with pillows (supervised)
- →Sit baby between your legs for support
- →Place interesting toys in front to encourage reaching
- →Let baby practice but don't force - stop if frustrated
Language Development
Fostering communication skills through interaction.
- →Have "conversations" - respond to baby's babbles
- →Read books, point to pictures, name objects
- →Sing songs with hand motions (Pat-a-cake, Itsy Bitsy Spider)
- →Narrate your day: "Now we're changing your diaper"
Cause and Effect
Teaching baby that actions have consequences.
- →Toys that light up or make sounds when pressed
- →Drop toys in containers - listen to sounds
- →Play peek-a-boo (covers face, uncovers)
- →Show how to bang two blocks together
Sleep Patterns & Expectations
- Total Sleep: 12-16 hours per day
- Night Sleep: 10-12 hours with 0-2 wakings (many babies can sleep through the night now)
- Naps: 2-3 naps per day (transition happening for some babies)
- Common Issues: 6-month sleep regression, separation anxiety affecting sleep
- What Helps: Consistent schedule, bedtime routine, sleep training can begin if desired
- Remember: The 6-month regression is real! It's linked to major developmental leaps and is temporary.
Feeding Guidelines
🍼 Formula/Breast Milk
- • 24-32 oz formula per day, OR
- • 4-6 nursing sessions per day
- • 6-8 oz per bottle feeding
- • Milk remains primary nutrition source
- • Starting to space out feedings more
🥄 Starting Solids
- • Introduction to solids typically begins now
- • Single-ingredient purees to start
- • 1-2 tablespoons once or twice a day
- • Watch for allergic reactions
- • No honey until 1 year
- • Offer water in sippy cup
Age-Specific Safety Concerns
- Rolling & Movement: Baby rolls off surfaces easily. Never leave unattended on beds, couches, changing tables.
- Choking Hazards: Starting solids means choking risk. No small, hard foods. Cut foods appropriately.
- Crawling Prep: Baby may start crawling soon. Time to baby-proof: outlets, cords, stairs, cabinet locks.
- Sitting Up: Pad areas where baby practices sitting - they topple over!
- Mouthing Everything: Keep small objects, coins, buttons away. Check floors constantly.
- Car Seat: Still rear-facing. Check weight/height limits as baby grows.
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