6-Month-Old Baby Milestones

Developmental milestones are things most children (75% or more) can do by a certain age. By 6 months, most babies know familiar people, take turns making sounds with you, roll from tummy to back, and push up with straight arms during tummy time. This checklist is based on the CDC "Learn the Signs. Act Early." milestone checklists (February 2022 revision). See the official CDC resources.

Important: These checklists are educational and for self-reflection only. They are not a substitute for standardized, validated developmental screening tools and are not a diagnostic instrument. If your child is not meeting milestones, has lost skills, or you have other concerns, talk with your child's doctor and ask about developmental screening.

What Most Babies Do by 6 Months

Social/Emotional Milestones

  • Knows familiar people
  • Likes to look at self in a mirror
  • Laughs

Language/Communication Milestones

  • Takes turns making sounds with you
  • Blows "raspberries" (sticks tongue out and blows)
  • Makes squealing noises

Cognitive Milestones (learning, thinking, problem-solving)

  • Puts things in her mouth to explore them
  • Reaches to grab a toy she wants
  • Closes lips to show she doesn't want more food

Movement/Physical Development Milestones

  • Rolls from tummy to back
  • Pushes up with straight arms when on tummy
  • Leans on hands to support herself when sitting

Tips and Activities — What You Can Do for Your 6-Month-Old

As your baby's first teacher, you can help his or her learning and brain development. Try these simple tips and activities in a safe way. Talk with your baby's doctor and teachers if you have questions or for more ideas on how to help your baby's development.

  • Use "back and forth" play with your baby. When your baby smiles, you smile; when he makes sounds, you copy them. This helps him learn to be social.
  • "Read" to your baby every day by looking at colorful pictures in magazines or books and talk about them. Respond to her when she babbles and "reads" too. For example, if she makes sounds, say "Yes, that's the doggy!"
  • Point out new things to your baby and name them. For example, when on a walk, point out cars, trees, and animals.

More Parenting Tips and Activities

  • Sing to your baby and play music. This will help his brain develop.
  • Limit screen time (TV, tablets, phones, etc.) to video calling with loved ones. Screen time is not recommended for children younger than 2 years of age. Babies learn by talking, playing, and interacting with others.
  • When your baby looks at something, point to it and talk about it.
  • Put your baby on her tummy or back and put toys just out of reach. Encourage her to roll over to reach the toys.
  • Learn to read your baby's moods. If he's happy, keep doing what you are doing. If he's upset, take a break and comfort your baby.
  • Talk with your baby's doctor about when to start solid foods and what foods are choking risks. Breast milk or formula is still the most important source of "food" for your baby.
  • Learn when your baby is hungry or full. Pointing to foods, opening his mouth to a spoon, or getting excited when seeing food are signs that he is hungry. Others, like pushing food away, closing his mouth, or turning his head away from food tells you that he's had enough.
  • Help your baby learn she can calm down. Talk softly, hold, rock, or sing to her, or let her suck on her fingers or a pacifier. You may offer a favorite toy or stuffed animal while you hold or rock her.
  • Hold your baby up while she sits. Let her look around and give her toys to look at while she learns to balance herself.
  • Hold your baby with both of your hands securely under her arms and let her stand. Look around with your baby and name what you can see while she is standing.
  • Introduce your baby to different sounds and voices. For example, whisper, clap, or make funny noises. See if your baby looks or is curious and see which sounds she prefers.
  • Playing on the floor or play mat with your baby every day helps him to move, learn, and explore.
  • When he drops a toy on the floor, pick it up and give it back. This game helps him learn cause and effect.

When to Share Concerns

You know your child best — don't wait. If your child is not meeting one or more milestones, has lost skills he or she once had, or you have other concerns:

  • Talk with your child's doctor, share your concerns, and ask about developmental screening.
  • If you or the doctor are still concerned, ask for a referral to a specialist, and contact your state or territory's early intervention program (U.S.) or a local child development professional.

Related Reading

References

Last updated: 2026-10-20

Menu
Loading