Developmental milestones at 6 months
Here's what most children are doing at 6 months, across key areas of development. Every child grows at their own pace — think of these as a guide, not a checklist. Want to see how your own child is doing?
Take the free 2-minute check →Social/Emotional
- Knows familiar people — Recognizing familiar people shows memory and social bonds are developing.
- Likes the mirror — Interest in the mirror reflects growing curiosity about faces and self.
- Laughs — Laughing shows your child enjoys social interaction and can express joy.
Language/Communication
- Takes turns with sounds — Turn-taking with sounds is early practice for real conversation.
- Blows raspberries — Blowing raspberries exercises the mouth muscles used later for speech.
- Squeals — Squealing shows your child is experimenting with voice pitch and volume.
Cognitive
- Explores with mouth — Mouthing objects is a normal way babies explore texture and shape.
- Reaches for toys — Reaching for a wanted toy shows purposeful, goal-directed action.
- Shows food refusal — Closing lips to refuse food shows your child can communicate simple choices.
Movement/Physical
- Rolls tummy to back — Rolling shows growing core strength and body coordination.
- Pushes up with straight arms — Straight-arm push-ups build the strength needed for sitting and crawling.
- Leans on hands to sit — Propping on hands is a step toward sitting without support.
What if my child isn't there yet?
Milestones are ranges, not deadlines — children reach them at different times and that's normal. If your child is missing several milestones for their age, or something feels off, it's worth a quick check and a conversation with your paediatrician. The free ProParents check gives you a clear, private snapshot in two minutes — and a simple activity to try.
Check your child's development →Frequently asked questions
What are the key milestones at 6 months?
At 6 months, milestones span movement, language, thinking, and social-emotional development. Every child is different — this page lists what most children are doing, based on CDC guidance.
My child isn't doing all of these — should I worry?
Children grow at their own pace and milestones are ranges, not deadlines. If your child is missing several, or you have concerns, a quick check and a chat with your paediatrician is a good next step.
How can I support my 6 months old's development?
Small, consistent daily interactions matter most. Take the free 2-minute ProParents check to see where your child is and get a simple activity to try today.