Week-by-week library · 6 months old
Month 6
Quick answer
What is my baby up to at 6 months old?
This month, sitting with a little help and a whole lot of babbling take center stage.
What's developing
Motor
Many six-month-olds sit with some support and can roll both ways; independent sitting is typically not far off for most babies from here.
Communication
Babbling grows richer, with strings of repeated syllables like "bababa" or "mamama" common, even without meaning attached yet.
Social
Recognizing familiar faces and reacting differently to strangers can start to emerge around now for some babies.
Try this together this week
- Sit together on the floor for supported sitting practice, surrounded by soft cushions.
- Turn babbling into a game: repeat the sounds back and wait for a reply.
- Offer a variety of safe finger foods or purees per your pediatrician's feeding guidance, since this is a common window for introducing solids.
- Peekaboo, now that object permanence understanding is starting to build.
What parents often notice
The six-month checkup is a natural moment when parents get reassurance across feeding, sleep, and growth all at once from their pediatrician.
Sourced to
- American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org
- Zero to Three, Early Development guides
Last reviewed by the This Week Baby editorial team.