Normal Development: 6 Months Old

Each child is unique. While some behavior and growth milestones tend to happen at certain ages, a wide range for each age is normal. It is okay if your child reaches some milestones earlier and others later than the average. If you have any concerns about your child's development, check with your healthcare provider. Here's what you might see your baby doing between 6 and 9 months of age.

Emotional

• May show sharp mood changes.
• Displays especially strong attachment to mother.
• Develops deeper attachment to father, siblings, and other familiar people.
• Continues to like seeing himself in a mirror.

Social

• Babbles and squeals using single syllables.
• Loves to jabber.
• Smiles at other children.
• May show fear of strangers.

Mental

• May recognize own name.
• Loves playing with rattles and squeaky toys.
• Likes to play with food.
• Loves games like peek-a-boo and pat-a-cake.
• Distinguishes children from adults.

Physical

• Sleeps through the night.
• Usually starts teething.
• May prefer some foods to others.
• Rests on elbows.
• Begins to sit alone.
• Sits in high chair.
• Moves from sitting to up-on-all-fours.
• Bounces when held in standing position.
• Reaches with one hand.
• Bats and grasps dangling objects.
• Holds objects between thumb and forefinger.
• Passes objects from one hand to another.