6 months milestones
at 6 months, most babies can sit with support, are rolling both ways, and are ready to start solid foods. they are becoming much more social and interactive.
milestones at 6 months
physical
3 milestones- •rolls in both directions (front to back and back to front)
- •begins to sit without support
- •rocks back and forth on hands and knees
cognitive
3 milestones- •looks at things nearby and brings things to mouth
- •shows curiosity and tries to get things that are out of reach
- •passes objects from one hand to the other
social & emotional
3 milestones- •knows familiar faces and begins to recognise strangers
- •enjoys playing with others, especially parents
- •responds to other people's emotions
language
3 milestones- •responds to own name
- •strings vowels together when babbling (ah, eh, oh)
- •makes sounds to show joy or displeasure
when to talk to your GP
every child develops at their own pace, but speak to your GP or child health nurse if your child at 6 months:
- •doesn't try to get things that are in reach
- •shows no affection for carers
- •doesn't respond to sounds around them
- •has difficulty getting things to mouth
- •doesn't make vowel sounds
what parents can do
- •introduce solid foods — start with iron-rich purees like iron-fortified cereal or pureed meat
- •create a safe floor space for rolling and exploring
- •name objects and describe what you see together
- •play simple games like peekaboo and pat-a-cake
- •read together every day — point at pictures and name them
next health check
in Australia, child health checks are free and available through your GP or child health nurse. these are a great opportunity to discuss any developmental concerns.
view all baby milestones
the complete month-by-month guide from birth to 5
this guide is for general developmental information only and is not medical advice. milestones are based on guidelines from the Raising Children Network, Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, and PEDS. every child develops differently — if you have any concerns about your child's development, please see your GP or child health nurse. mini mode is not affiliated with any government department or health service.