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Your Child's Development: 6 Months

Doctors use milestones to tell if a baby is developing as expected. There's a wide range of what's considered normal, so some children may gain skills earlier or later than others. Babies who were born prematurely may reach milestones later. Always talk with your doctor about your baby's progress.

Here are things babies usually do by this age:

Communication and Language Skills

take turns making sounds with you
blow raspberries
make squealing noises

Movement and Physical Development

roll from tummy to back
push up with straight arms when on their tummy
lean on their hand to sit with support

Social and Emotional Development

know familiar people
enjoy looking in a mirror
laugh

Cognitive Skills (Thinking and Learning)

put things in their mouth to explore
reach to grab a toy
close their lips to show they don’t want more food

When Should I Call the Doctor?

You know your baby best. Share your concerns — even little ones — with your baby's doctor.

If your baby is not meeting one or more milestones or you notice that your baby had skills but has lost them, tell the doctor.

To learn more about early signs of developmental problems, go to the CDC’s Learn the Signs. Act Early program.

Medically reviewed by: Mary L. Gavin, MD

Date reviewed: April 2022