Milestones by 6 Months

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What to know

  • Learn about the developmental milestones that most babies do by six months of age.
  • See important information to share with your doctor.
  • Find tips and activities you can do for your six month old.
baby grabbing for a toy

Important Milestones: Your Baby By Six Months

How your child plays, learns, speaks, acts, and moves offers important clues about your child's development. Developmental milestones are things most children (75% or more) can do by a certain age.

Check the milestones your child has reached by 6 months by completing a checklist with CDC's free Milestone Tracker mobile app, for iOS and Android devices, using the Digital Online Checklist, or by printing the checklist below.

Download CDC's FREE Milestone Tracker App

Help your child grow and thrive. Download CDC's Milestone Tracker app. Learn more at cdc.gov/MilestoneTracker
Check the milestones your baby has reached by 6 months using CDC's Milestone Tracker app.

"Learn the Signs. Act Early." materials are not a substitute for standardized, validated developmental screening tools.

What most babies do by this age:

Click the links below to view a photo or video of each milestone.

Social/Emotional Milestones

Language/Communication Milestones

Cognitive Milestones (learning, thinking, problem-solving)

Movement/Physical Development Milestones

See Also More about physical development

Other important things to share with the doctor:

  • What are some things you and your baby do together?
  • What are some things your baby likes to do?
  • Is there anything your baby does or does not do that concerns you?
  • Has your baby lost any skills he/she once had?
  • Does your baby have any special healthcare needs or was he/she born prematurely?

Concerned about your child's development? Act Early.

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, act early. 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 who can evaluate your child more; and
  • Call your state or territory's early intervention program to find out if your child can get services to help. Learn more and find the number at cdc.gov/FindEI.
For more on how to help your child, visit cdc.gov/Concerned.

Tips and Activities

What You Can Do for Your 6 month old

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dad reading a book to his daughter in his lap
As your baby’s first teacher, you can help his or her development.

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.

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Content Source:
National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities (NCBDDD)
  • Special acknowledgments to the subject matter experts and others who contributed to the review of data and selection of developmental milestones, especially Paul H. Lipkin, MD, Michelle M. Macias, MD, Julie F. Pajek, PhD, Judith S. Shaw, EdD, MPH, RN, Karnesha Slaughter, MPH, Jane K. Squires, PhD, Toni M. Whitaker, MD, Lisa D. Wiggins, PhD, and Jennifer M. Zubler, MD
  • Sincere gratitude to Natalia Benza, MD and José O. Rodríguez, MD, MBA for their thoughtful review of the Spanish-language translation of these milestones.